7522 (v.8) Research Methods 602

Area:

Department of Social Work and Social Policy

Credits:

25.0

Contact Hours:

2.0

Seminar:

1 x 2 Hours Weekly

Syllabus:

Seminar based unit, exploring theoretical and practical aspects of social inquiry. Identification of research methodologies in developing a social research project. Critical assessment of quantitative and qualitative methods. Mapping of inquiry topic, research design and literature review. Student preparation and presentation of appropriate research proposal.

Unit Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit, students will have- The ability to critically assess social enquiry approaches and methods relevant to the human services. The ability to identify contemporary issues relating to social inquiry. Demonstrated familiarity with the use of information systems and databases relevant to a particular area of social inquiry. Developed and presented a research proposal addressing key areas of inquiry, including inquiry process, ethical considerations, information gathering, information sorting and analysis, representation of information gathering during inquiry.

Text and references listed above are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information.

Unit References:

Denzin, N. (1997), Interpretive Ethnography: Ethnographic practices for the 21st Century. Thousand Oaks, Sage. Denzin, N. and Lincoln, Yvonna. (2000), The Handbook of Qualitative Inquiry. Thousand Oaks, Sage. The Landscape of Qualitative Research: Theories and Issues, Strategies of Qualitative Research and Collecting and Interpreting Qualitative Materials. (http://www.sagepub.com/sagepage). Ely, M. and Vinz, R. et al. (1997), Writing Qualitative Research: Living by words. London, Falmer Press. Gergen, Kenneth. (1999), An Invitation to Social Construction. Thousand Oaks, Sage. Kvale, Steinar. (1996), Interviews: An introduction to qualitative research interviewing. Thousand Oaks, Sage. Padgett, D. (1998), Qualitative Methods in Social Work Research. Thousand Oaks, Sage. Punch, K. (1998), Introduction to Qualitative Research: Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches. Thousand Oaks, Sage. Reissman, C. (1994), Qualitative Studies in Social Research. Thousand Oaks, Sage. Stanley, Liz. and Wise, Sue. (1993), Breaking Out Again: Feminist ontology and epistemology. London, Routledge. Stringer, E. (1996), Action Research: A handbook for practitioners. Thousand Oaks, Sage.

Unit Texts:

Alston, M. and Bowles, W. (1998), Research for Social Workers: An Introduction to methods. Sydney, Allen and Unwin. Kumar, R. (1996), Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners. Longman. Bell, Judith. (1993), Doing Your Research Project: A guide for first time researchers in education and social sciencea. Buckingham, Open University Press. Ely, M. et al. (1991), Doing Qualitative Research: Circles within circles. London, Falmer Press. Fook, J. (ed.) (1996), The Reflective Researcher. Sydney, Allen and Unwin.

Unit Assessment Breakdown:

Paper 1 40%, Paper 2 60%. This is by grade/mark assessment.

Year	Location	Period	Internal	Area External	Central External
2004	Bentley Campus	Semester 2	Y