Applied Social Research

This unit introduces students to social research and its application to a range of professional contexts and roles. Students explore theoretical approaches to research and common research methodologies including quantitative and qualitative methods. The theory and practice of social research contributes to critically reflection on macro societal structures and specific social problems. Students develop the ability to view and to use research as a tool for social change and as part of their professional roles as advocates for social justice. Students examine evidence-based research for the legitimacy and consolidation of a range of professions and effective social practices. The unit provides a repertoire of essential skills such as the ability to read and understand different types of research reports and to develop research-writing skills.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of the three primary approaches to social science research (positivism, interpretivism and critical social science)
• Demonstrate an understanding of the various steps involved in designing and implanting a social science research or evaluation study
• Be familiar with a range of qualitative and quantitative social research methods and understand when each should be used in social research
• Have developed some useful research skills, namely developing research questions, critically reviewing other research, conducting literature reviews and developing a research proposal
• Have had first hand experience in using a number of common research methods, in particular, observation, questionnaire development, in-depth interview, focus groups, contents analysis and textual analysis
• Have an understanding of the different ways in which data can be analysed for quantitative and qualitative approaches and of the use of technology in the analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data
• Understand the ethical issues involved in research and be able to apply ethical guidelines for social science research

Content Areas

• The Nature of Social Research
• Research Paradigms
• Research Ethics
• Research Methodologies – Quantitative Methods
• Quantitative Research – Data Collection
• Qualitative Research – Observation/ Content Analysis; Data Analysis
• Qualitative Research Methodologies
• Qualitative Research - Data collection: the in-depth unstructured interview and focus groups
• Qualitative Research Methods - ethnographic research, textual and discourse analysis, data analysis, and mixed methods
• Outcomes-Based Research in the Helping Professions
• Participatory Action Research/Critical Research
• Issues for Research in the Social Sciences – The Politics of Research

Unit Duration and Workload:

This unit involves a total of 36 hours of face to face delivery of self directed study including educator contact in flexible delivery modes, generating a further 54 hours of self-study per unit including research and related study activities, including assessment. This translates to 7.5 hours per week for the unit.