This unit familiarises students with the practice of researching and the collection of data. Through the development of core skills, students are introduced to both qualitative and quantitative methods. Links between theory and social research methods are investigated in an effort to understand the production and analysis of social research data. At the end of the unit students should be able to critically assess and analyse the application and use of appropriate research methods. Within this framework students should be able to devise and undertake a social survey, understand and explain the application of both quantitative and qualitative research methods, and be able to use both quantitative and qualitative approaches to their research.

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from SUTE unit comments

Students reported the unit provided good insight into how research was conducted and the lecturers and material provided were good.

The content and delivery of the unit will be continually updated to improve the learning experience of students and their knowledge of social research and the methods available for use.

Feedback from SUTE unit comments

Students requested more real-world social work practice examples to show how research relates to social work practice.

More real-world and current social issues related to areas of social work practice will be presented and discussed in the tutorial sessions and the discussion forum. To support students from other discipline areas (e.g., Arts) studying in the unit other research examples will be presented.

Feedback from SUTE unit comments

Students wanted more detail in the marking rubrics with every section and activity of the assessment included.

An itemised checklist for each written assessment will be provided to support students' preparation of their assignments for marking.

Feedback from SUTE unit comments

The terminology used is complex and further clarification is needed to help with understanding the concepts.

In the early weeks of the unit, additional attention will be given to providing students with resources and discussion points in the tutorial sessions and online forums to clarify key terms used to aid familiarisation and understanding of the social research terminology. The quiz assessment can also be adjusted to help students learn key terms.

Feedback from SUTE evaluation result

Require more useful knowledge and skills to be added.

The required readings will be revised to include stronger social work content and a variety of instructional learning material incorporated into the weekly content.

Feedback from SUTE evaluation result

Students wanted to see more relevance of the unit to their social work degree.

Revision of the readings will focus on more updated social work texts and journal articles, along with examples of how social research methods aid social work practice and policy-making.