Units
Research Methods for Professional Practice
Unit code: SWB401
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit provides an introduction to research methods relevant to the practice of social workers and human service professionals. A basic grounding in social research is provided followed by specific research methods in participatory action research and evaluation. The unit provides knowledge and skills in research methods at a very practical level, whilst also demonstrating the relevance and challenges of research within a social work and human services context.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
Social service organisations are increasingly interested in methods for evaluating and authenticating program outcomes. Furthermore, professionals in these organisations need processes and procedures to analyse and address practice problems and contribute to the evaluation and development of models for service delivery. This unit equips students with knowledge and skills to investigate models of service and practice questions and to develop recommendations for change. A range of particular methods for developing, evaluating and improving models of social service and social care delivery will be examined including reflective practice, participatory action research, service evaluation and quality assurance processes, and the use of empirical research to inform practice. Students will be able to apply methods learnt to a range of service delivery and practice contexts.
Aims
This unit aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills to engage in purposeful research oriented to the improvement of human service and social work practice.
Objectives
On completion of this unit students will be able to:
- understand key features of selected research methodologies relevant to social work, social care and human service practice - reflective practice, participatory action research, service evaluations and quality assurance processes, and empirical research (GVS3 -3.1, 3.5; GVS4 - 4.1);
- critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of various strategies for practice oriented research (GVS1 - 1.8; GVS2 - 2.6; GVS3 - 3.1);
- know how to apply these methodologies to specific professional practice and service development issues (GVS1 - 1.4, 1.6; GVS3 - 3.1; GVS4 - 4.5, 4.6); and
- communicate information and construct an argument in keeping with academic and ethical requirements (GVS2 - 2.3, 2.5, 2.7; GVS4 - 4.3).
- Introduction and overview of unit;
- Developing an assessment plan;
- Module 1: Reflective practice- the foundation of practice oriented research
- Module 2: Empirical research
- Module 3: Participatory action research
- Module 4: Service evaluation and other organisational inquiry processes
Learning outcomes link to:
AASW Education and Accreditation Standards: 3.5, 4.1.1, 4.1.3
AASW Practice Standards for Social Workers: 5
AIWCW Core Competencies: 1.2, 1.6, 3.1, 3.2, 7.1, 7.2
Content
The role of research and inquiry processes in practice and service development;
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
The unit is presented as a series of four modules, each consisting of three sessions where students will learn about, discuss and apply the approaches. There is also an introductory session that will help students develop a framework for their learning in this unit, including the development of student's assessment plan. Scenarios and examples will be drawn from a range of practice and service contexts. Approaches include videos, scenario analysis, on-line and group work exercises including various Blackboard functionalities. A high level of independent study as well as student participation will be facilitated.
Assessment
Throughout the semester students will be required to document their learning through the use of a portfolio. This portfolio should contain a record of students' engagement in the learning activities of the unit. Each week a specific research task will be undertaken within class. Students will have the opportunity to make a start on the task within the workshop each week with support from their peers and guidance from the lecturer. There will then be opportunity for students to finalise these tasks and incorporate them within a portfolio. Detailed instructions and assessment criteria are provided separately.Feedback will be both summative and formative. Exercises for the portfolio tasks are commenced in the face to face sessions each week. Students have the opportunity to develop their responses and seek feedback. Formative feedback on the first portfolio will assist students with the second.
Assessment name:
Portfolio 1
Description:
Modules 1 and 2 involving four short tutorial exercise scenarios or tasks
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3 & 4
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
mid semester
Assessment name:
Portfolio
Description:
Modules 3 and 4 involving four short tutorial exercise scenarios or tasks
Relates to objectives:
1, 2, 3 & 4
Weight:
50%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
end semester
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
D'Cruz, H & Jones, M. (2004) Social Work Research: Ethical and Political Contexts. London:Sage.
Risk assessment statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 17-Oct-2012
