SWK4001 - Honours research methods - 2018

6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Faculty

Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Organisational Unit

Department of Social Work

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Catherine Flynn

Coordinator(s)

Dr Catherine Flynn

Unit guides

Offered

Caulfield

Prerequisites

3rd year Social Work units (SWK3180, SWK3220, SWK3230, SWK3400, SWK3410, SWK3440).

Co-requisites

Must be enrolled in BSW(Hons), BA/BSW(Hons) or BHSc/BSW(Hons).

Synopsis

The honours research methods unit introduces students to the theoretical methodological and ethical issues that underpin social work research. It provides direction and guidance to honours students in identifying a meaningful research question and develops the skills and knowledge students need to develop a research proposal. It re-introduces students to quantitative and qualitative research frameworks and data analysis techniques they need to both undertake their study and write a research report.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. Identify a research topic that addresses a significant social work issue.
  2. Utilise acquired knowledge of the research process to develop an honours project proposal.
  3. Critically review literature in their research area.
  4. Formulate a researchable question.
  5. Review research frameworks to inform methodological choices.
  6. Present an informed discussion of the ethical issues involved in their research project, including the completion of an ethics application as appropriate.

Assessment

Completion of the research proposal - literature review and methodology (4,500 words) and submission of relevant ethics application (100%)

Off-campus attendance requirements

OCDL students are required to attend at least one on campus workshop.

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

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