SOAD9206 Social Work Research in Practice Settings

This topic introduces students to social work research in the context of practice settings. It provides students with the skills to understand and apply research concepts to social research. Students will be able to define a research question and understand the role of epistemology in shaping empirical design which aims to answer research questions. Social work and research ethics are featured as well as literature reviewing; data collection; data analysis and dissemination .

This topic aims to:

• Introduce students to social work research in the context of social issues
• Help students to differentiate between research approaches, methodologies and methods
• Develop students' ability to critique and apply research literature from a variety of theoretical, methodological and ideological perspectives, including those relating to anti-oppressive practice and evidence-based practice
• Develop students' skills in literature reviewing
• Provide students with the ability to undertake future research design in diverse social work contexts; and
• Assist students to critically reflect on their knowledge, values, ethics, skills and use of self in social work research

2. Analyse contemporary social research in a defined practice related area
4. Evaluate and critique empirical work around social issues
6. Explain the meaning and possible application of anti-oppressive practice research and evidence-based practice
8. Investigate and apply different research methodologies to researching social issues