Unit rationale, description and aim

Social workers are often required to critique and apply research results and use research and evaluation skills within their work. Social workers undertake literature reviews, collect and analyze data, and present research findings for a wide range of purposes such as grant applications, planning for the improvement in quality and/or delivery of services, needs assessment, cost-benefit analysis, policy analysis and advocacy. It is important for students to learn about the significance and practical application of research skills to everyday professional lives of social workers.

This unit will provide students with theoretical and practical understanding of the research process and an understanding of research as a core component of social work practice. Students will be introduced to research concepts and skills necessary for undertaking research, including critiquing and reviewing literature, designing and planning research, and considering ethical issues. Through experiential classroom learning, students will develop skills in step-by-step approach to undertaking ethical research utilising both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. This unit aims to develop basic skills in students to evaluate, design and conduct social work research which are essential components of social work practice.

2025 10

Campus offering

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  • Term Mode
  • Semester 1Campus Attendance
  • Term Mode
  • Semester 1Campus Attendance

Prerequisites

Nil

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

Articulate the role of research as a core componen...

Learning Outcome 01

Articulate the role of research as a core component of social work practice
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC9

Differentiate research methodologies and approache...

Learning Outcome 02

Differentiate research methodologies and approaches used in social work research
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC2, GC6

Identify and respond appropriately to ethical issu...

Learning Outcome 03

Identify and respond appropriately to ethical issues in social work research
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC3, GC7, GC8, GC10

Critique current literature and write a literature...

Learning Outcome 04

Critique current literature and write a literature review
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC7, GC11

Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate approa...

Learning Outcome 05

Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate approaches and ethical considerations in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC5

Construct a research or evaluation proposal

Learning Outcome 06

Construct a research or evaluation proposal
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC3, GC4, GC6, GC7, GC8

Content

Topics will include:

Role of research in social work 

  • Evidence based practice
  • AASW Professional Attributes


Research approaches 

  • Research paradigms
  • Theoretical approaches 
  • Evaluation research
  • Quantitative and Qualitative research


The research process

  • identifying research problems 
  • conducting literature reviews
  • data analysis
  • principles of research design
  • research methods (data collection, analysis and interpretation)
  • dissemination
  • Writing a proposal


Ethical considerations in the research process 

  • codes of ethics and research
  • research with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people

Assessment strategy and rationale

The assessment strategy is to align assessments very closely to the learning outcomes. quizzes are designed to test knowledge of key research concepts through the semester (LO1, LO2, LO3). 

The next two assessments directly assess the research skills of writing a literature review and a research proposal (LO4 and LO6).They are authentic research tasks and outcomes that increase in complexity and difficulty. These assessments give students an opportunity to articulate the role of research as a core component of social work practice (LO1) (when discussing the significance of the research topic), to differentiate research methodologies and approaches used in social work research (LO2) (when critiquing literature and when providing a rationale for the choice of methodology proposed and to identify and respond appropriately to ethical issues in social work research (LO3) (when discussing the ethical issues in the proposal and literature review). These tasks also assess students’ understanding of appropriate approaches and ethical considerations in research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (LO5) and is related to embedding of Indigenous knowings in the curricula.

Overview of assessments

Quizzes: Enable students to demonstrate an unders...

Quizzes: Enable students to demonstrate an understanding of primary concepts in social work research and the role of research in social work.

Weighting

20%
Learning Outcomes LO2, LO3

Literature Review: Enables students to critique c...

Literature Review: Enables students to critique current literature and write a literature review and to demonstrate skills in understanding, reviewing and synthesising research reports into an argument for conducting proposed research.

Weighting

40%
Learning Outcomes LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

Research Proposal: Enables students to construct ...

Research Proposal: Enables students to construct a research or evaluation proposal and to demonstrate skills in designing an appropriate research project.

Weighting

40%
Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

Teaching and learning strategies for this unit will include online lectures, computer lab sessions, and small group discussions and Canvas online activities. This combination of activities supports practice of research skills within collaborative peer structures and using technology in designing and conducting research. Students will be expected to take responsibility for their learning and to participate actively in class discussions, demonstrating respect for the individual as an independent learner. Teacher-centred lecture content will be provided as online presentations using audio/visual elements with rich engaging media allowing students flexible access to asynchronous activities and self-marking quizzes. This will free up face-to-face time for interactive learning in the form of group discussions, simulations, group activities and the use of computer data analysis software.

AASW Practice Standards

This Unit has been mapped to the ACU Graduate Attributes and the ASWEAS Profession-Specific Graduate Attributes. The following table sets out the broad relationship between the Learning Outcomes, Graduate Attributes and the ASWEAS Profession-Specific Graduate Attributes provided in the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards: https://www.aasw.asn.au/document/item/13565  

Standards/Attributes/Criteria

1.Values and ethics

2.Professionalism

3.Culturally responsive and inclusive practice

4.Knowledge for practice

5.Applying knowledge to practice

6.Communication and Interpersonal skills

7.Information recording and sharing

ASWEAS Profession-Specific Graduate Attributes

This Unit has been mapped to the ACU Graduate Attributes and the ASWEAS Profession-Specific Graduate Attributes. The following table sets out the broad relationship between the Learning Outcomes, Graduate Attributes and the ASWEAS Profession-Specific Graduate Attributes provided in the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards: https://www.aasw.asn.au/document/item/13565  

Standard/Attributes/Criteria

Standard/Attributes/CriteriaLearning Outcomes

2.1 Represent the social work profession with integrity and professionalism 

4.1 Understand higher level systemic influences on people with respect to area of practice

4.2 Understand and articulate social work and other relevant theories and concepts

4.3 Understand the role of research and evaluation in obtaining and generating new knowledge for practice

1

4.2 Understand and articulate social work and other relevant theories and concepts

4.3 Understand the role of research and evaluation in obtaining and generating new knowledge for practice

4.4 Understand and articulate how and when theories, knowledge bases and knowledge sources inform practice

2

1.1 Practice in accordance with the AASW Code of Ethics

1.2 Manage ethical dilemmas and issues arising in practice

3

4.3 Understand the role of research and evaluation in obtaining and generating new knowledge for practice

5.1 Assess and analyse needs to inform practice

5.4 Apply critical and reflective thinking to practice

6.1 Communicate with a diverse range of people

7.1 Record and manage information appropriately

4

1.1 Practice in accordance with the AASW Code of Ethics

1.2 Manage ethical dilemmas and issues arising in practice

3.1 Work inclusively and respectfully with cultural difference and diversity 

3.2 Respect and strive to understand and promote the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their cultures

4.1 Understand higher level systemic influences on people with respect to area of practice

4.3 Understand the role of research and evaluation in obtaining and generating new knowledge for practice

5

2.1 Represent the social work profession with integrity and professionalism 

2.2 Behave in a professional manner and be accountable for all actions and decisions

5.1 Assess and analyse needs to inform practice

5.3 Use a range of social work methods and techniques appropriate to the area of practice

5.4 Apply critical and reflective thinking to practice

6.1 Communicate with a diverse range of people

7.1 Record and manage information appropriately

7.2 Keep and maintain information in accordance with ethical principles and relevant legislation

6

Representative texts and references

Representative texts and references

Alston, M., & Bowles, W. (2018). Research for social workers: an introduction to methods (4th ed.).  Crows Nest, Australia: Allen and Unwin.

D’Cruz, H., & Jones, M. (2013). Social work research in practice: Ethical and political contexts (2nd ed.). London: Sage.

Gray, D. (2014) Doing research in the real world (2nd ed.). London: Sage.

Healy, K., Mulholland, J. (2012). Writing skills for social workers. London: Sage.

Laycock, A., Walker, D., Harrison, N., Brands, J. (2011). Researching Indigenous Health: A Practical guide for Researchers. Melbourne: The Lowitja Institute.

O’Leary, Z. (2017). The essential guide to doing your own research project. London: Sage. 

Rubin, A., & Babbie, E. (2017). Essential research methods for social work (9th ed.). Belmont, CA; Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning.

Sarantakos, S. (2013).  Social Research (4th ed.). Hampshire: Palgrave MacMillan.

Walter, M. (Ed.) (2013). Social research methods (3rd ed.). South Melbourne: Oxford University Press.

Whittaker, A. (2009) Research skills for social work. Exeter: Learning Matters. 

Yegidis, B., & Weinbach. R. (2012). Research methods for social workers (5th ed.). Boston: Pearson Education. 

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