You will apply the skills gained through the Research Methods module and the knowledge gained at the Certificate and Diploma levels to an independent piece of research in the field of work with Children, Young People and/or Communities, on a topic you have chosen. This will be undertaken through a literature survey and/or a work-related investigation. The independent work may draw on your work experiences. The skills and knowledge you will use include:
- application of existing research ethics to the topic chosen
- surveying existing knowledge and research evidence on a topic of interest - using relevant literature - particularly peer reviewed articles, web-based and secondary sources
- undertaking a formal literature review
- defining a research problem
- formulating a research design
- organising research activity
- depending on the research problem and the focus, conducting an extensive literature review and evaluating previous research in the light of central theoretical issues in the field of work and/or developing research instruments and applying qualitative and/or quantitative methods to already existing data sets
- analysing qualitative or quantitative data or results of literature review
- dissertation writing

Project proposal, 2,000 words, weighted at 25%. [Learning Outcomes 1, 4 and 5]

Dissertation, 5,000 words, weighted at 75%. [Learning Outcomes 1 - 5]

Key Information Data:
100% coursework

This module incorporates a number of inter-related learning strategies. There will be a 6 hours of direct tutor input at the start of the module. A range of methods will be incorporated into this teaching, including small group work, lectures and class discussion. The main focus of learning for the module will be on research. This work will be undertaken on an individual basis, but at various points you will be expected to interact and share material with other students in your learning group and your tutor. The Blackboard sessions will be used for the consideration of core issues and themes relating to contemporary youth work. The independent study will require reading around selected topics, the development of individual responses to the reading and the preparation for the assessments. There will be 4 hours of tutorial support allocated to each student and you will be expected to meet your tutor either face to face or electronically during the course of this work.

Key Information Data:
3% scheduled learning and teaching activities
97% guided independent learning

Library
Access to computer and internet
The Blackboard virtual learning environment or the Oasis College Resources Area will be available to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

Bell, J. (2010) Doing Your Research Project. A guide for first time researchers in education, health and social care. 5th Edition. Buckingham: Open University Press
Bergman, M.M. (2009) Mixed Methods Research: London: Sage
Brett Davies, M. (2007) Doing a Successful Research Project: Using Qualitative or Quantitative Methods. London: Palgrave Macmillan
Bryman, A. (2008) Social Research Methods. 3rd Edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Fraser, S. et al (Eds) (2006) Doing Research with Children and Young People. London: Sage
Pickering, M. (ed) (2009) Research Methods for Cultural Studies. Research Methods for the Arts and Humanities. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press

1. CRITICALLY EVALUATE RESEARCH RELATED TO YOUR CHOSEN AREA OF STUDY IN PEER-REVIEWED JOURNALS, MONOGRAPHS AND GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS.
Knowledge & Understanding

2. APPLY METHODS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH AND EVALUATION TO WORK WITH CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES
Enquiry

3. ANALYSE SOCIAL RESEARCH DATA OR CASE STUDY DATA RELEVANT TO COMMUNITY PRACTICE.
Application
Analysis

4. RECOGNISE AND ADDRESS ETHICAL AND ANTI-OPPRESSIVE PRACTICE IN RELATION TO YOUR RESEARCH.
Problem Solving

5. DEMONSTRATE GOOD COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Communication