HSW401 - Social Work Research Methods

Unit details

Year:

2024 unit information

Enrolment modes:

Trimester 1: Online with significant campus requirements, Community Based Delivery (CBD)*

Credit point(s):1
EFTSL value:0.125
Unit Chair:Trimester 1: Dr Kim Robinson
Cohort rule:This unit is only available to students enrolled in H430
Prerequisite:

Nil

Corequisite:

HSW416

Incompatible with:

HSW415, HSW434, HSW452, HSW456, HSW457

Typical study commitment:

Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit.

This will include educator guided online learning activities within the unit site.

Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - online unit enrolment:

Online independent and collaborative learning activities will support learning across the trimester

In-person attendance requirements:

Online students only: All online students must attend a compulsory 3 day intensive in O-Week of Trimester 1 at the Geelong Waterfront campus at which core practical learning requirements will be taught. 
Click here to view intensive dates and locations.

NIKERI-CBD students only: Please contact the NIKERI Social Work Course Team for more information on 1800 063 383

Note:

*National Indigenous Knowledges, Education, Research and Innovation (NIKERI) Institute students only.

Content

This unit provides training in social work research methods and in the conduct of ethical research. Topics include the definition of research, types of methodological approaches and strategies, defining the research problem, forming researchable aims, research design, time management, data collection and analysis, critiquing and referencing existing research and presenting research findings.

ULO These are the Learning Outcomes (ULO) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes
ULO1

Clearly identify and explore a research problem and construct appropriate and relevant research aims/questions.

GLO2: Communication
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving

ULO2

Argue why a research problem is significant in the current social work context through appraisal and synthesis of extant literature.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO4: Critical thinking

ULO3

Appraise different research methodologies and argue the relevance of a identified methodology within the context of a research topic.

GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving

ULO4

Appraise different research methods and select appropriate sampling and analysis methods consistent with a research topic and methodological approach.

GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities
GLO2: Communication
GLO4: Critical thinking

ULO5 Identify potential ethical concerns and construct strategies to minimise impacts of the research.

GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO5: Problem solving
GLO8: Global citizenship

ULO6

Work independently, creatively and effectively to use text-based and audio-visual technologies to communicate, acquire and disseminate information.

GLO2: Communication
GLO3: Digital literacy
GLO4: Critical thinking
GLO6: Self-management

Assessment

Assessment description Student output Grading and weighting
(% total mark for unit)
Indicative due week
Assessment 1: Literature Search Strategy 500 words

10%
  • Week 3
Assessment 2: Annotated Bibliography. 1500 words 40%
  • Week 6
Assessment 3: BSW Honours Thesis Critical appraisal of the Literature 2000 words 50%
  • Week 11

The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.

Hurdle requirement

Online students only:
Attendance at a 3 day intensive held during trimester at Waterfront (Geelong) campus.
Click here to view intensive dates and locations.

Learning Resource

The texts and reading list for the unit can be found on the University Library via the link below: HSW401 Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.

Unit Fee Information

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.

Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.

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