Module Descriptors
RESEARCH MINDEDNESS
SOWK60099
Key Facts
School of Health, Science and Wellbeing
Level 6
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Robert Banks
Email: R.T.banks@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 24
Independent Study Hours: 126
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
- ASSIGNMENT weighted at 100%
Module Details
Module Learning Strategies
Delivered in
4 days x 4 hours (whole group sessions) = 16 hours
4 days x 2 hours (small group sessions) = 8 hours
Whole group sessions will be used to disseminate key knowledge on research process skills, ethics and methods, and use of literature, data sources and research findings in evaluating and developing practice
Small group sessions will be used in workshops and seminars in which students will have the opportunity to practice research skills, skills of accessing data, literature and computer packages for research, and develop learning on using research in the wider social work context
Some materials will be accessed through Blackboard / VLE
Directed Study and independent learning will consist of directed reading, independent study to prepare assignments, and searching and accessing literature, research and data sources. (126 hours)
Total 150hrs
4 days x 4 hours (whole group sessions) = 16 hours
4 days x 2 hours (small group sessions) = 8 hours
Whole group sessions will be used to disseminate key knowledge on research process skills, ethics and methods, and use of literature, data sources and research findings in evaluating and developing practice
Small group sessions will be used in workshops and seminars in which students will have the opportunity to practice research skills, skills of accessing data, literature and computer packages for research, and develop learning on using research in the wider social work context
Some materials will be accessed through Blackboard / VLE
Directed Study and independent learning will consist of directed reading, independent study to prepare assignments, and searching and accessing literature, research and data sources. (126 hours)
Total 150hrs
Module Resources
Computing facilities will be needed to access materials on the web and specialist online databases.
Access to appropriate texts and journals.
Access to appropriate texts and journals.
Module Special Admissions Requirements
This module is open only to students enrolled on the BA (Hons) Social Work
Module Texts
You will need access to one of the following texts:
Bryman, A. (2004) Social Research Methods, 2nd edition, Oxford, Oxford University Press,
Corby, B. (2006) Applying Research in Social Work Practice, Buckingham, Open University Press
Hek, G. & Moule, P. (2006) Making Sense of Research: An Introduction for Health and Social Care Practitioners, 3rd edition, London, Sage,
Research mindedness on-line tutorial
www.resmind.swap.ac.uk/index.htm
Bryman, A. (2004) Social Research Methods, 2nd edition, Oxford, Oxford University Press,
Corby, B. (2006) Applying Research in Social Work Practice, Buckingham, Open University Press
Hek, G. & Moule, P. (2006) Making Sense of Research: An Introduction for Health and Social Care Practitioners, 3rd edition, London, Sage,
Research mindedness on-line tutorial
www.resmind.swap.ac.uk/index.htm
Module Additional Assessment Details
1. Assignment length 3,000 words weighted at 100% to meet all learning outcomes
- the identification, appraisal and application of research relevant to a specific issue in social work practice.
Formative Assessment:
Students will receive tutor feedback on their assignment plan.
- the identification, appraisal and application of research relevant to a specific issue in social work practice.
Formative Assessment:
Students will receive tutor feedback on their assignment plan.
Module Indicative Content
This module provides an introduction to research in the social work context, enabling students to develop awareness of research skills and methods, and the ability to understand, analyse, interpret and make practice-linked applications of research findings, as a means of developing evidence-based and critical practice.
- role of research in the social work context
- research and social work values
- research ethics
- research design - understanding quantitative and qualitative methods and their uses in the social work context: e.g. needs and evaluation research, emancipatory research
- reviewing the literature on topics and practice related issues
- identifying and understanding the different types of data, research evidence and literature sources
- conducting a critical analysis and weighing up competing perspectives and research evidence on an issue
- developing skills of using research and theory in critical and evidence based practice
- role of research in the social work context
- research and social work values
- research ethics
- research design - understanding quantitative and qualitative methods and their uses in the social work context: e.g. needs and evaluation research, emancipatory research
- reviewing the literature on topics and practice related issues
- identifying and understanding the different types of data, research evidence and literature sources
- conducting a critical analysis and weighing up competing perspectives and research evidence on an issue
- developing skills of using research and theory in critical and evidence based practice