Course overview
The aim of this course is to develop students' knowledge of research methods related to practice in the human services through analyses of the concepts, processes and methods of applied social research. The students will develop ability to conceptualise meanings of knowledge, overview of the research process; research as practice with examples from social research as activism, social policy development, community development, submissions for funding for organisations and programs and evidence based daily practice; formulating the research question and aims; the use and engagement of literature in research; research design including theoretical orientations; sampling methods; ethics, equity and diversity; introduction to examples of qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis; and writing research proposals.
Course learning outcomes
- Analyse how research is relevant to evidence based practice in the human services
- Critically assess research reports and academic literature
- Conduct and write a literature review
- Compare introductory qualitative and quantitative research methods and their applicators
- Understand and implement research design