This module aims to substantially develop students’ skills of independent research enquiry and study demonstrated through the development of a research project proposal and review of relevant literature. It aims to ensure students gain a detailed knowledge of their chosen topic integrating theoretical concepts across all youth work and community development modules.The module will enable learners to gain an understanding of the importance of research skills and an evidence based approach to inform their future practice in community development and youth work.
Main research traditions and methodologies in social research
Positivist, post-positivist, interpretivist and emancipatory traditions; Ontology and epistemology; Principles of qualitative and quantitative methodologies; Approaches to research on poverty, equality and social justice; Value of and rationale for research in community development and youth work.
Different research methods
Quantitative: Surveys; Question styles; Qualitative: In-Depth interviewing; Structured and Semi-structured interviewing; The use of focus groups; Research by and from within the community; Action research on relevant issues in community development and youth work.
Research design issues, Selection and identification of research problem(s).
Layout of proposal; Aims and objectives of study and clarification of the research topic and strategy; Hypothesis, scope of literature, design and methodology; Data collection and analysis; Ethical considerations; Findings reliability, validity; Dissemination of research findings, journals, articles, conferences.
Ethics in social research.
The community development and youth work practitioner and the research approach; Confidentiality, mutual interests; Research translated into practice; Participant consent; Power issues (ownership of research); Advocacy.
Draft literature review
Sourcing literature; Library and database searches; Identification of types of literature; Structuring a literature review; Writing a literature review.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |