This module will further enhance the students’ knowledge of the main research methodologies commonly utilised within the community development and youth work environment. It aims to develop learners’ ability to adopt and defend a particular research stance and to carry out a specific piece of research and complete a research dissertation. The teaching and supervision of the student will place particular emphasis on encouraging students to become independent and reflective researchers. Students will have the opportunity to critically analyse ethical issues pertaining to social research. In addition the student will be given an opportunity to engage in research relevant to shaping intervention for positive social change through community development and youth work.
Comprehensive literature review
Build on draft literature review; Searching and identifying relevant literature to the chosen research topic or problem; Identifying reports, policy and research papers relevant to the chosen research topic; Critical analysis of the literature; Bringing together a body of literature in a coherent format; identifying research gaps.
Making suitable methodological Choices
Quantitative: Surveys using statistical techniques, Qualitative: Case study, Interviews, Focus groups, Participant Observation, Documentary review, Comparative/evaluation research, action research.Engagement with the research participants through the site in the community development and youth work setting.
Evaluation of research methodology and interpretation of research findings
Validity of data generation method; Validity of interpretation; demonstration of how interpretation was reached including self reflexivity; data analysis using statistical analysis (SPSS) in case of quantitative data and using thematic coding (nVivo Software) in case of qualitative data.Evaluation of research values, ethics.
Writing up the research dissertation
Structure of dissertation; Integration of chapters, Formulation of arguments, Writing style (Report Writing, Summarising, Discussion, Critical analysis), Citation and referencing.
Community engagement in the research process
Engagement of the community development and youth work projects as research partners; Action Research; emancipatory research, community involvement, consultation with research partners; Dissemination of research findings within a community relevant setting; Presentation of research findings.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |