HS290-5-PS-SO:
Introduction to Research Methodologies

The details
2023/24
Health and Social Care (School of)
Southend Campus
Spring & Summer
Undergraduate: Level 5
Current
Monday 15 January 2024
Friday 28 June 2024
15
19 August 2022

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

BA L500 Social Work,
BA L500CO Social Work,
BA L550 Social Care,
BA L550CO Social Care

Module description

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.

Module aims

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.

Module learning outcomes

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

Module information

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:
* An exploration of the role of existing research literature for identifying research gaps, formulating research aims, objectives and hypotheses
* Methodological considerations of reliability and validity in formulating objectives, selecting methods and designing procedures
* Asset Based Community Development as a social work research paradigm
* An overview of the ethical issues related to research including working with individuals and groups to carry out research activities
* 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.

Learning and teaching methods

The module will combine a number of different teaching approaches, incorporating lectures, group work, computer skill based sessions and student led session to introduce key concepts in social work practice while relating it to everyday practice. Lectures: Lectures by module lead, Experts by Experience and colleagues. Independent: Small/ PBL group work and independent work on searching the literature and any research related activities. Practice and presentations to be discussed on sphere of practice. Online: Online resources will be made available on Moodle. Tutorials: It is the student's responsibility to seek tutorial support as needed. Skills: As part of their independent learning the student will be expected to engage in a range of research related activities: searching the literature, visiting the library, attending seminars and participating in conferences (where appropriate).

Bibliography

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

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Aaron Wyllie, email: a.wyllie@essex.ac.uk.
Aaron Wyllie
Sarah Wiblin T: 01702328229 E: ugsocialworkqueries@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
No
No
No

External examiner

Dr Panagiotis Pentaris
Goldsmiths, University of London
Programme Leader
Mr Richard Ashiagbor
London South Bank University
MA Course Lead
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 30 hours, 30 (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.

 

Further information
Health and Social Care (School of)

Disclaimer: The University makes every effort to ensure that this information on its Module Directory is accurate and up-to-date. Exceptionally it can be necessary to make changes, for example to programmes, modules, facilities or fees. Examples of such reasons might include a change of law or regulatory requirements, industrial action, lack of demand, departure of key personnel, change in government policy, or withdrawal/reduction of funding. Changes to modules may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery or assessment of modules and other services, to discontinue modules and other services and to merge or combine modules. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will also keep students informed appropriately by updating our programme specifications and module directory.

The full Procedures, Rules and Regulations of the University governing how it operates are set out in the Charter, Statutes and Ordinances and in the University Regulations, Policy and Procedures.