Overview
In this unit, you will develop skills to analyse and justify social research design in contemporary contexts. You will examine how theoretical perspectives and research questions shape methodological choices in qualitative and quantitative research. Through guided tasks using existing literature, you will analyse and synthesise research to refine a focused research question and inform key aspects of research design. You will analyse ethical issues in social research and justify the selection and design of appropriate research methods, including literature review, surveys and interviews. This includes preparing research instruments, such as survey and interview questions, with consideration of practical constraints. The unit emphasises the relationship between theory, research design and evidence production, enabling you to understand how methodological decisions influence research findings.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Successful completion of 48 credit points.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
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.
- Explain how theoretical perspectives and research questions shape methodological choices in qualitative and quantitative research
- Analyse and synthesise existing literature to refine a research question and inform key aspects of research design
- Analyse the ethical issues related to social research
- Explain and justify the proposed selection and design of appropriate research methods, including the development of research instruments such as literature review strategies, survey questionnaires and interview guides
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 60% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Communication | ||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | ||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | ||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | ||||
| 5 - Team Work | ||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | ||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | ||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | ||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | ||||
| 10 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||
| 11 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
Social Research Methods
- Edition: 4th (2019)
- Authors: Walter, M.
- Oxford University Press
- Melbourne Melbourne , Victoria , Australia
- ISBN: 9780190310103
You can view an Ebook online at the CQU library website, and this allows three concurrent users (via ProQuest Ebook Central). Physical copies of the book can be purchased at the CQUni Bookshop - http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au (search on the Unit code)
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Academic Learning Centre services
- CQUniversity library literature search tools
- Microsoft Word
- Zoom account (Free)
- Zoom app on your smart phone or access to Zoom on your laptop
- Online access Australian Standards (through CQU Library)
- CQUniveristy Library Resources
- Zoom (both microphone and webcam capability)
- EndNote (bibliographical software). EndNote bibliographic software to format your references is NOT mandatory. However, it will be a great tool to manage your research references and cite them in texts. Consult ITD for instructions on how to download this software. It is easy to use and very helpful. See https://my.cqu.edu.au/group/it-services/endonte to access the software
- CQUniversity Library search engines for research articles
- CQUniversity Library Social Work Resources
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
s.rockloff@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 13 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Research and the research process
Chapter
Review the unit Moodle site and click on all the links.
Textbook: Walter (2019) Ch.1 & 3
Please locate the eReadings list for this week's readings.
Completing each week's reading is required to successfully complete the assessments and the unit.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Recorded presentation: Welcome and Unit Introduction.
Weekly Activity: Access the General Discussion page and introduce yourself to your peers by providing your name and what you want to learn (knowledge, skill) from studying this unit.
Watch the Week 1 lecture recording. Read the Week 1 lecture notes. Complete the Required Readings.
Live Zoom Tutorial: Overview of the assessments
Wednesday, 15 July 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm (AEST)
Assessments: Review the assessment tasks and make a study plan.
Foundations of Academic Integrity Program: Complete your annual program.
Announcements and Discussion Forums: Check for posts and updates during the week.
Student email: Check your student email at least twice per week for important communications.
Week 2
Begin Date: 20 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Literature Reviews and Using Research Literature
Chapter
Textbook: Walter (2019) Ch.2
Please locate the eReadings list for this week's readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Pre-recorded lecture
Live Zoom Student Consultation Time:
Wednesday, 22 July, 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm (AEST)
Week 3
Begin Date: 27 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Theoretical Perspectives, Research Questions and Design
Chapter
Textbook: Walter (2019) Ch.2
Please locate the eReadings list for this week's readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Pre-recorded lecture
Live Zoom Tutorial: Assessment 1
Wednesday, 29 July, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm (AEST)
Census Date is next week. If you are struggling, please contact your Unit Coordinator for help.
Week 4
Begin Date: 03 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Ethics in research
Chapter
Textbook: Walter (2019) Ch.4
Please locate the eReadings list for this week's readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Pre-recorded lecture
Live Zoom Student Consultation Time:
Wednesday, 5 August, 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm (AEST)
Census Date: Tuesday Week 4
Week 5
Begin Date: 10 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Methodological Approaches (Qualitative and Quantitative)
Chapter
Please locate the eReadings list for this week's readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Pre-recorded lecture
Live Zoom Tutorial: Assessment 1
Wednesday, 12 August, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm (AEST)
Week 6
Begin Date: 17 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Measuring and Sampling
Chapter
Textbook: Walter (2019) Ch.5 & p. 239-240
Please locate the eReadings list for this week's readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Pre-recorded lecture
Live Zoom Student Consultation Time:
Wednesday, 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm (AEST)
Assessment 1. Literature Review as a Research Method Due: Week 6 Wednesday (19 Aug 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 24 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Please use this mid-term break as an opportunity to rest and recover. Enjoy your break!
Events and Submissions/Topic
No timetabled learning activities. Please use this week to progress your assessments.
Week 7
Begin Date: 31 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Designing Quantitative Instruments
Chapter
Textbook: Walter (2019) Ch.6
Please locate the eReadings list for this week's readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Pre-recorded lecture
Live Zoom Tutorial: Assessment 2
Wednesday, 2 September, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm (AEST)
Week 8
Begin Date: 07 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Designing Qualitative Instruments
Chapter
Textbook: Walter (2019) Ch.10
Please locate the eReadings list for this week's readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Pre-recorded lecture
Live Zoom Student Consultation Time:
Wednesday, 9 September, 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm (AEST)
Return of marked Assessment 1 assignments
Week 9
Begin Date: 14 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Integrating Research Design: Theory, Ethics and Research Questions
Chapter
Please locate the eReadings list for this week's readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Pre-recorded lecture
Live Zoom Tutorial: Assessment 2
Wednesday, 16 September, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm (AEST)
Week 10
Begin Date: 21 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Working with Data
Chapter
Textbook: Walter (2019) Ch.9, 11 & 13
Please locate the eReadings list for this week's readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Pre-recorded lecture
Live Zoom Student Consultation Time:
Wednesday, 23 September, 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm (AEST)
Don't forget - check your unit enrolments for next term.
Week 11
Begin Date: 28 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Quality in research - Rigour
Chapter
Please locate the eReadings list for this week's readings.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Pre-recorded lecture
Live Zoom Tutorial: Assessment 2
Wednesday, 30 September, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm (AEST)
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey – We encourage you to provide feedback on your unit and teaching experience. The survey opens in Week 11 and closes one week before the release of grades.
Week 12
Begin Date: 05 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Consolidation and Completion of Assessment 2
Chapter
No set readings for this week.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Pre-recorded lecture
Live Zoom Student Consultation Time:
Wednesday, 7 October, 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm (AEST)
Student Unit and Teaching Evaluation survey - Please complete the unit evaluation survey.
Congratulations on completing this unit. Don’t forget to check your unit enrolments for next term.
Assessment 2. Research Instrument Design in Social Research Due: Week 12 Wednesday (7 Oct 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Exam Week
Begin Date: 12 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 19 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
As this unit is offered online, students are asked to prepare their own individual study plan to undertake self-led and self-directed study throughout the term. A key to your success is a strategic self-directed approach to learning and regular contact with your Unit Coordinator. Please check the Announcements and Discussion forums at least twice a week – there will be regular announcements about assessments and unit resources throughout the term and reviewing this information is essential to unit knowledge and your success. CQUniversity communicates with students through CQUniversity email. We recommend that you access your CQUniversity email at least twice a week so that you do not miss vital information about your studies.
Assessment 1 is required to complete Assessment 2. To be eligible to pass the unit, you must attempt and submit both assessment items.
1 Written Assessment
You will write a literature review demonstrating a strong understanding of this research method. You will critically engage with existing published research to show how theory and prior empirical studies shape research questions, methodological choices, and the design of qualitative and quantitative social research, while applying ethical and theoretically informed approaches.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the Unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
1. You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time.
2. The use of any generative artificial intelligence is permitted as per Level 2 (AI planning) AI Assessment scale tool indicators:
a. Gen AI content editing and proofreading.
b. Checking spelling and grammar.
c. CQUniversity’s Gen AI tools approved for use in this assessment are Microsoft Copilot (protected version), Studiosity and Grammarly.
3. Any use of Gen AI software:
a. Must be cited in the relevant sections.
b. Must be referenced as per APA 7th guidelines.
You must complete the declaration of Gen AI use on the title page of your assessment.
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
· You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
AND
· In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
This assessment is required to complete Assessment 2. To be eligible to pass the unit, you must attempt and submit both assessment items.
In accordance with policy, any marks and/or grades for assessments released to students prior to Certification of Grades are provisional and are subject to moderation and confirmation through the relevant Program and Divisional Assessment Committees.
Week 6 Wednesday (19 Aug 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit your assessment as a single file via the Assessment tile on the unit Moodle site in Microsoft Word format only.
Week 8 Wednesday (9 Sept 2026)
Students will be advised of the release of marked assignments via email notification.
Refer to the marking rubric on the Moodle site for more details on how marks will be assigned. An assessment re-attempt is not available for this Assessment task.
- Explain how theoretical perspectives and research questions shape methodological choices in qualitative and quantitative research
- Analyse and synthesise existing literature to refine a research question and inform key aspects of research design
- Analyse the ethical issues related to social research
- Explain and justify the proposed selection and design of appropriate research methods, including the development of research instruments such as literature review strategies, survey questionnaires and interview guides
2 Written Assessment
You must design research instruments for a proposed social research project, showing how surveys and interviews are guided by your research question, theory, ethics, participant group, and data needs. You will create a short questionnaire and interview guide, and demonstrate how ethical principles shape research design through a brief review of relevant literature, without collecting any data.
Instructions
Please refer to the assessment task instructions on the Unit Moodle site.
Academic Integrity
1. You must abide by the principles of academic integrity (see Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure). Completion of this assessment with another party or sharing of responses is not permitted at any time.
2. The use of any generative artificial intelligence is permitted as per Level 2 (AI planning) AI Assessment scale tool indicators:
a. Gen AI content editing and proofreading.
b. Checking spelling and grammar.
c. CQUniversity’s Gen AI tools approved for use in this assessment are Microsoft Copilot (protected version), Studiosity and Grammarly.
3. Any use of Gen AI software:
a. Must be cited in the relevant sections.
b. Must be referenced as per APA 7th guidelines.
You must complete the declaration of Gen AI use on the title page of your assessment.
Extensions
Extensions to this assessment are available as per policy. The 72-hour grace period applies to this assessment.
Minimum Pass Criteria
· You must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 49.5% across all assessments to pass this unit.
AND
· In the event you are eligible for a supplementary assessment, all assessment tasks must be reasonably attempted in this unit.
To be eligible to pass the unit, you must attempt and submit both assessment items.
In accordance with policy, any marks and/or grades for assessments released to students prior to Certification of Grades are provisional and are subject to moderation and confirmation through the relevant Program and Divisional Assessment Committees.
Week 12 Wednesday (7 Oct 2026) 4:00 pm AEST
Submit your assignment via the unit Moodle site as a single file in Microsoft Word format only.
Vacation/Exam Week Friday (23 Oct 2026)
Students will be advised of the release of marked assignments via email notification.
Assessment criteria will be available on the unit Moodle site.
- Explain how theoretical perspectives and research questions shape methodological choices in qualitative and quantitative research
- Analyse and synthesise existing literature to refine a research question and inform key aspects of research design
- Analyse the ethical issues related to social research
- Explain and justify the proposed selection and design of appropriate research methods, including the development of research instruments such as literature review strategies, survey questionnaires and interview guides
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
