Summary of content

The module seeks to present a critical perspective on research and evidence in social work.
An initial exploration explores the role of evidence in social work practice and adopts a critical perspective on what counts as evidence in social work. The module then goes on to explore the foundations of research in social work and seeks to initially explore contextual issues around theoretical and ethical underpinnings of social work research. Research methods will also be explored in detail, with an overview of the differing approaches in the social work research field. There will be coverage of the steps and stages of the research process, with emphasis on devising a research question, designing and implementing research design, and on selection of methods. Students will cover data analysis both for quantitative and qualitative approaches, with examples and exercises used to develop practical understanding. The module will include some practical sessions related to undertaking research. Students will gain experience in critiquing research as well as in developing a research proposal which either will be (i) proposing and planning empirical research or (ii) proposing and planning a critical review, both of which should be relevant to social work.

Module structure

Assessment methods