Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

In all fields of contemporary social work, practitioners need the skills to effectively consume, produce and apply research knowledge, to ensure that actions are based on appropriate and critiqued evidence. Research is a powerful intervention tool through which change can be achieved with individuals, groups and communities.

This unit is offered as part of the core requirements of the professional association, the AASW. Social work research is seen to be informed by a clear value base and driven to deliver socially constructive outcomes. The unit will explore research processes, presenting a structured approach to the implementation of a research proposal.

There will be particular emphasis on research in practice: program evaluation, needs analyses and program development; as well as the ethical underpinnings of all research. The overall aim of this unit is to encourage students to become critically reflective, research minded practitioners, who contribute in an ongoing way to the knowledge base of the profession.

Objectives

1. Discuss the contributions of research to the wider social work skill and knowledge base and to socially constructive outcomes
2. Articulate the most common research methods evident in social work research and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the different research methods that can be applied to social work
3. Critically analyse key approaches to social work practice research
4. Demonstrate the knowledge required to evaluate and choose relevant research methods for a range of social work research projects
5. Critically evaluate existing research literature, especially in terms of research design
6. Design a social work practice research project that meets rigorous and evidence-based design principles
7. Identify the ethical issues that need to be considered with respect to the conduct of human research projects

Assessment

1. A systematic review of the available research in a specific field of social work practice (2000 words). This task is formative and meets objectives 1, 3 and 5. (40%)
2. A research proposal in the chosen field, including research significance, aims, methodology, sampling procedures, data collection and analysis and ethical issues (2500 words). This task is formative and summative and meets all objectives. (60%)
Students must pass both assessment tasks to successfully pass the unit.

Chief examiner(s)

Associate Professor Fiona McDermott

Contact hours

The unit runs for 13 weeks. On-campus students are expected to undertake 156 hours per semester study. Students are expected to use their study time to attend on-campus lectures and workshops, undertake the weekly unit tasks as set out in the Unit Outline, including readings and to complete two assignment tasks.

Off-campus attendance requirements

Off-campus students are expected to undertake 156 hours per semester study. Students are expected to complete weekly reading and other online tasks such contribution to an online discussion group; and to complete two assignment tasks.

Prerequisites

All Year 1 MSW (Q) units: SWM5100, 5101, 5102, 5103, 5104

Co-requisites

SWM5106 Critical Social Work 3
SWM5107 Social Work Specialist Field Elective

Prohibitions

None

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.med.monash.edu.au/socialwork/