This module will provide students with the necessary knowledge, skills and techniques relating to the more advanced aspects of research. It will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of theoretical perspectives, research designs, methods, data analysis and resources relevant to Social Care. The module will critically examine the main qualitative and quantitative research methodologies used in social care and equip the learner with the skills to complete an academic research project. The module will also enable the student to engage in independent research and reflective practice. As research is an ongoing and dynamic subject, the syllabus content will be expanded or modified, as the case may be, to reflect developments within social care research. In order to progress, all components of module assessment must be passed by students – failure to successfully to complete any component will require repeat assessment/exam.
Philosophy of Research
A review of research theory, process and terminology, evidence based research, the purpose and value of research within social care and approaches to research design. Critical review of topics within social care, identification of types of research and sources, identification and critical appraisal of evidence from published literature. Epistemology and Ontology.
Ethics of Research
Ethical issues and clearance surrounding your research (confidentiality, informed consent, harm to participants, deception, privacy, sensitive issues, power issues), vulnerable or at risk groups, ethics and Internet research, Institutional guidelines for ethics, data storage, interviews and security.
Structuring a Research Project
Choosing a topic, identifying and evaluating peer reviewed literature relevant to your research topic, project plan and research methodologies, sampling, data collection, data analysis and interpretation, structuring a research paper, writing style, citations and referencing, communicating and presenting the findings.
Producing a Literature Review
Create an objective, critical and analytical overview of the significant literature published on your topic and producing a structured literature review chapter.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |