HS290-5-PS-CO:
Introduction to Research Methodologies
2023/24
Health and Social Care (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring & Summer
Undergraduate: Level 5
Current
Monday 15 January 2024
Friday 28 June 2024
15
24 July 2023
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
BA L500 Social Work,
BA L500CO Social Work,
BA L550 Social Care,
BA L550CO Social Care
This module explores the research processes used in the collection of an evidence base for social work practice and supports the student to interrogate material and develop their understanding of existing research.
This module aims to encourage students to engage critically and reflectively with the key techniques and procedures used in social work research. By the end of this module the aim is for students to have:
1. An understanding of research literature and how it is used to identify and address knowledge gaps
2. An understanding of key methods and techniques used in social work research
3. A capacity to critically assess the reliability and validity of research
4. A capacity to evaluate the scope and limitations of research evidence in terms of its capacity to support conclusions.
This module explores the methods and processes used in social work research. Students will develop an understanding of key terminology and methods used in research and critically reflect on the importance of research for shaping an evidence base for effective social work practice.
On successful completion of this module, the [learner] will be able to:
1. Review research literature in order to inform the development of research objectives.
2. Explore research procedures using a variety of data collection techniques.
3. Analyse research literature for sources of bias and /or unreliability.
4. Evaluate the scope and limitations of research evidence in terms of its capacity to support conclusions
In contemporary social work the ability to understand, produce and apply research knowledge is critical to effective practice. Understanding how research is produced enables social workers to critically assess the validity of certain research methods and processes, enabling a deeper understanding of current social issues and effective intervention methods. This module introduces students to this important social work skill and provides the foundation for subsequent research focused modules.
The module will include:
1. An exploration of the role of existing research literature for identifying research gaps, formulating research aims, objectives and hypotheses
2. Methodological considerations of reliability and validity in formulating objectives, selecting methods and designing procedures
3. Asset Based Community Development as a social work research paradigm
4. An overview of the ethical issues related to research including working with individuals and groups to carry out research activities
5. An exploration of current research data that informs social work practice locally, nationally and internationally
These ideas are illustrated by an examination of how they apply in research topics of specific contemporary interest, e.g. assessing, managing and enabling risk; the lived experience of uncertainty, and asset based community development. The module also explores the relationships between professionalism, expertise and authority and the use and potential misuse of research evidence.
In contemporary social work the ability to understand, produce and apply research knowledge is critical to effective practice. Understanding how research is produced enables social workers to critically assess the validity of certain research methods and processes, enabling a deeper understanding of current social issues and effective intervention methods. This module introduces students to this important social work skill and provides the foundation for subsequent research focused modules.
The module will include:
1. An exploration of the role of existing research literature for identifying research gaps, formulating research aims, objectives and hypotheses
2. Methodological considerations of reliability and validity in formulating objectives, selecting methods and designing procedures
3. Asset Based Community Development as a social work research paradigm
4. An overview of the ethical issues related to research including working with individuals and groups to carry out research activities
5. An exploration of current research data that informs social work practice locally, nationally and internationally
These ideas are illustrated by an examination of how they apply in research topics of specific contemporary interest, e.g. assessing, managing and enabling risk; the lived experience of uncertainty, and asset based community development. The module also explores the relationships between professionalism, expertise and authority and the use and potential misuse of research evidence.
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Catherine Flynn and McDermott, F. (2016a)
Doing Research in Social Work and Social Care: The Journey from Student to Practitioner Researcher. SAGE Publications Ltd; 1 edition. Available at:
https://sk-sagepub-com.uniessexlib.idm.oclc.org/books/doing-research-in-social-work-and-social-care.
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Ruane, J.M. (2016a)
Introducing social research methods: essentials for getting the edge. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons Inc. Available at:
https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=1107215.
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McLaughlin, Hugh, (2012a)
Understanding social work research. 2nd ed. Los Angeles, [Calif.]?; London: Angeles. Available at:
https://methods.sagepub.com/book/understanding-social-work-research-2e.
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Catherine Flynn and McDermott, F. (2016b)
Doing Research in Social Work and Social Care: The Journey from Student to Practitioner Researcher. SAGE Publications Ltd; 1 edition. Available at:
https://sk-sagepub-com.uniessexlib.idm.oclc.org/books/doing-research-in-social-work-and-social-care.
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McLaughlin, Hugh, (2012b)
Understanding social work research. 2nd ed. Los Angeles, [Calif.]?; London: Angeles. Available at:
https://methods.sagepub.com/book/understanding-social-work-research-2e/n3.xml.
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Catherine Flynn and McDermott, F. (2016c)
Doing Research in Social Work and Social Care: The Journey from Student to Practitioner Researcher. SAGE Publications Ltd; 1 edition. Available at:
https://sk-sagepub-com.uniessexlib.idm.oclc.org/books/doing-research-in-social-work-and-social-care.
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Catherine Flynn and McDermott, F. (2016d)
Doing Research in Social Work and Social Care: The Journey from Student to Practitioner Researcher. SAGE Publications Ltd; 1 edition. Available at:
https://sk-sagepub-com.uniessexlib.idm.oclc.org/books/doing-research-in-social-work-and-social-care.
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Sulimani-Aidan, Y. (2019b) ‘Qualitative exploration of supporting figures in the lives of emerging adults who left care compared with their noncare-leaving peers’,
Child & Family Social Work, 24(2), pp. 247–255. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.12609.
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Catherine Flynn and McDermott, F. (2016f)
Doing Research in Social Work and Social Care: The Journey from Student to Practitioner Researcher. SAGE Publications Ltd; 1 edition. Available at:
https://sk-sagepub-com.uniessexlib.idm.oclc.org/books/doing-research-in-social-work-and-social-care.
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Mays, N. (2000) ‘Qualitative research in health care: Assessing quality in qualitative research’,
BMJ, 320(7226), pp. 50–52. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.320.7226.50.
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Catherine Flynn and McDermott, F. (2016h)
Doing Research in Social Work and Social Care: The Journey from Student to Practitioner Researcher. SAGE Publications Ltd; 1 edition. Available at:
https://sk-sagepub-com.uniessexlib.idm.oclc.org/books/doing-research-in-social-work-and-social-care.
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McLaughlin, Hugh, (2012c)
Understanding social work research. 2nd ed. Los Angeles, [Calif.]?; London: Angeles. Available at:
https://methods.sagepub.com/book/understanding-social-work-research-2e.
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Shaw, I., Holland, S. and SRMO (2014)
Doing qualitative research in social work. Los Angeles: SAGE. Available at:
https://methods.sagepub.com/book/doing-qualitative-research-in-social-work/.
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McLaughlin, Hugh, (2012d)
Understanding social work research. 2nd ed. Los Angeles, [Calif.]?; London: Angeles. Available at:
https://methods.sagepub.com/book/understanding-social-work-research-2e/n7.xml.
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Desyllas, M.C. (2014) ‘Using photovoice with sex workers: The power of art, agency and resistance’,
Qualitative Social Work: Research and Practice, 13(4), pp. 477–501. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1177/1473325013496596.
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Gant, V.
et al. (2019) ‘Social work through collaborative autoethnography’,
Social Work Education, 38(6), pp. 707–720. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2019.1570109.
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Forrester, D.
et al. (2019) ‘What Is the Relationship between Worker Skills and Outcomes for Families in Child and Family Social Work?’,
The British Journal of Social Work, 49(8), pp. 2148–2167. Available at:
https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcy126.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
Coursework |
Annotated Bibliography |
|
60% |
Coursework |
Presentation |
|
40% |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Kathryn Chard, email: kathryn.chard@essex.ac.uk.
Student Programme Administrator
E: ugsocialworkqueries@essex.ac.uk
No
No
No
Mr Richard Ashiagbor
London South Bank University
MA Course Lead
Available via Moodle
Of 33 hours, 33 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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