WEL3110

Research methods for human services

Doug Truter

8 points - 3 hours per week - First semester - Caulfield - Prerequisite: WEL1310 - Prohibition: SCY2261, SCY3261, SCY3262

Objectives On completion of this subject, students can expect to be knowledgeable about strategies and techniques that are available at different stages of research; be aware of choices and constraints in relation to different types of research designs; view research as a creative problem-solving activity; be aware of theoretical, practical and ethical considerations in research; have acquired knowledge and skills that will enable them to carry out and evaluate research; have gained some experience in research methods through class exercises and an opportunity to design a study.

Synopsis The subject involves the study of the following topics: the nature of research; an overview of the research process; the objectives of research in human services; the selection and formulation of research questions; searching the literature; quantitative and qualitative research; planning and designing research; sampling; data collection techniques; processing, analysing and presenting data; writing research reports.

Assessment One written research proposal (2000 words) or one class test (2 hrs): 35% - One written workshop paper (2000 words) and presentation: 35% - Two written reviews of research reports (1000 words each): 30%

Recommended texts

Neuman W L Social research methods 3rd edn, Allyn and Bacon, 1997
McNeill P Research methods 2nd edn, Routledge, 1990
Wadsworth Y Do it yourself social research 2nd edn, Allen and Unwin, 1997

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