On completion of this module, you will be able to define and discuss a range of research methods which are used by social work researchers.

PCF 5.1, 5.11;
Professional standards 2.7, 3.1, 3.2, 4.2, 4.4, 4.7, 5.1, 5.2

Knowledge and Understanding

2. On completion of this module, you will be able to define and discuss the impact of globalisation and eurocentrism on the research base for social work practice.

PCF 2.5.6
Professional standards: 1.5, 1.6, 3.5, 3.7, 3.14, 4.1, 4.3, 4.4,

Communication

Analysis

3. On completion of this module, you will be able to articulate the relationship between research and social work practice.

PCF 5, 6
Professional standards 1.2, 1.5, 1.6, 3.2, 3.3, 3.6, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7

Application

4. On completion of this module, you will be able to analyse the impact of research on social work practice and service users.

PCF 5, 6
Professional standards: 1.5. 1.6

Analysis

Formative assessment:

Group work and discussion to explore the methodological and philosophical foundations of research and to consider the application of new knowledge created through research to practice.

Summative assessment:

To evidence all learning outcomes, uou will be asked complete a 2500-word assignment analysing a piece of contemporary social work research and its application in practice.

The assessment element must be passed at a grade of 40 or above to successfully complete the module.

Under no circumstances are students to conduct or undertake empirical research, informal or otherwise.

It is important that social workers practiced in an evidenced-informed manner. This means they need to understand contemporary research, be able to evaluate quality research and incorporate findings into their own practice. This module is aimed towards providing students with the basics of social work research. This entails exploring the following:

- Research Philosophy: Ontology and Epistemology - how we know something, understanding bias, understanding the nature of ideas and things in the world.
- Research Methods: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods - Understanding the difference between the three and how a research question informs which methods are used.
- Research Ethics: Understanding what compromises an ethical research study.
- Evaluating contemporary research: Exposure to different models which help us identify quality research.
- Research Design: Understanding how research questions inform the research design and the pros and cons of different ones.

The focus will be on understanding the limitations of research that is heavily influenced by Eurocentric values and views and to inform practice in a global context. This module is taught by staff who have designed and carried out research and is designed to expose students to the basic concepts they will need to successfully complete the Research in Practice module at level 6.

This is an exciting and applicable module which will provide you with the tools you need to understand research basics. Research competency is a fundamental skill in social work and something that you will use throughout your time at university but also as a practicing social worker. You will learn about research philosophy, the differing research methods used in social work and critical writing skills.

Scheduled teaching and learning activities:
39 hours To consist of:
- 39 hours of whole group sessions, which will include participatory lectures and presentations by the module tutors, and where appropriate people with lived experience of social work.

Directed Independent Study: 161 hours To consist of:
- Accessing online resources
- Use of the VLE
- Independent reading to consolidate the knowledge introduced in the scheduled teaching and learning session
- Formative and summative assessment preparation

Bell, L (2017) Research Methods for Social Work. Palgrave MacMillan. London
Aveyard, H. (2018) Doing a literature review in health and social care: a practical guide. Open University Press.
Bryman, A. (2015) Social Research Methods (5th edition). Oxford: Oxford University Press
Hek G and Moule P (2015) Making Sense of Research: An Introduction for Health and Social Care Practitioners (5th edition) London, Sage
Webber, M (2014) Applying Research Evidence in Social Work Practice.

You will have access to a range of materials on Blackboard VLE including articles, lecture slides, and interactive activities. You will also be able to access a variety of digital material through our Library and specialist databases.