Course overview
This course will develop students' knowledge of research methods related to practice in the human services through analyses of the concepts, processes and methods of applied social research. Students will demonstrate the ability to conceptualise meanings of knowledge, and an understanding of the research process and research as practice. Students will engage with examples from social research as activism, social policy development, community development, submissions for funding for organisations and programs and evidence based daily practice; formulating the research question and aims; the use and engagement of literature in research; research design including theoretical orientations; sampling methods; ethics, equity and diversity; introduction to examples of qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis; and writing research proposals.
Course learning outcomes
- Critically analyse how research relates to and informs evidence-based practice in social work and human services.
- Critically assess research reports and academic literature.
- Conduct and write a literature review.
- Compare qualitative and quantitative research methods and their applications.
- Understand conceptualise and implement research design.