2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
HECS2214 Research for Social Work Practice
20 creditsClass Size: 45
Module manager: Kirsteen Laidlaw
Email: K.Laidlaw@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
Pre-requisite qualifications
Successful completion of first year of the BA (Hons) Social Work Programme in accordance with programme requirements for progression to level 2 studyThis module is mutually exclusive with
| HECS2201 | Research for Healthcare and Social Work Professionals |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Objectives
The main focus of this module is the development of research skills and knowledge to underpin the use of research to inform social work practice. With reference to the concepts of evidence-based practice and ethical principles, students will discuss the relationship between research and social work practice.The module will provide an overview of the basic methods of quantitative and qualitative research. This includes data collection and analysis appropriate to the research method. The strengths and limitations of quantitative and qualitative approaches to research in social work and social care will be considered.
Students will critically appraise both qualitative and quantitative research publications and identify and discuss the facilitators and barriers to the application of research in practice.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module students will be able to:
1. Explain the main implications, strengths and limitations of quantitative and qualitative approaches to research for social work practice
2. Critically appraise research publications and demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basic methods of quantitative and qualitative research, including data collection and analysis
3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts of evidence, evidence-based practice and ethical principles
4. Understand the relationship between social work policy and social work research and their application to social work practice;
Skills outcomes
Basic statistical analysis, basic textual analysis, critical appraisal skills.
Syllabus
• Qualitative and quantitative methods of research.
• The ethics of social work research.
• Introduction to statistical concepts used in research.
• Critical analysis of evidence.
• The nature and variety of evidence related to social work including audit, evaluation, and research.
• Critical appraisal techniques for qualitative and quantitative literature using a framework for judging the quality of a range of different types of literature.
• Socio-political influences on the research policy framework
• The relationship between evidence-based working and professional accountability.
• The incorporation of evidence-based research findings into 'real world' social work practice.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 11 | 1.00 | 11.00 |
| Seminar | 11 | 1.00 | 11.00 |
| Tutorial | 2 | 0.50 | 1.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 17.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 160.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 23.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
Private study will comprise completion of directed reading (including book chapters, journal articles and research methods scenarios) for discussion in weekly seminarsOpportunities for Formative Feedback
The group seminars would support this learning, and smaller group activity as a space for students to plan and prepare their work to upload onto VLE system.Tutorial preparation and participation. Informal classroom quizzes based on understanding research language and application of statistical concepts. Academic support in preparation for the written assignment.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Essay | 2500 words | 100.00 |
| In-course Assessment | FORMATIVE: Formative quiz | 0.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 29/04/2024 16:14:53
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