Learning Partnerships, Unit Catalogue 2009/10 |
AS20322: Research methods and design |
 Credits: |
12 |
| Level: |
Intermediate |
| Period: | This unit is available in... |
| Semester 1 at Action on Addiction |
| Assessment: |
CW100 |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Supplementary assessment information not currently available (this will be added shortly) |
| Requisites: |
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| Description: | Aims: This unit aims to introduce students to the basic concepts, theories and models of research, to evaluate the uses and limitations of a range of research designs, to assist students to design a first small-scale study appropriate to their work placement setting and level of experience, and to review a range of relevant research in their area of interest. Learning Outcomes: On completion of this unit the learner will demonstrate the ability to: * Identify a range of research methods and techniques appropriate to Addictions Counselling/Treatment settings and practice. * Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the range of research approaches. * Evaluate existing research in terms of its contribution to principles of good practice in the addictions treatment field. * Demonstrate an understanding of the research process and the ethical issues related to the conduct of a research project. * Design a small-scale practitioner based enquiry. * Undertake a literature review to identify existing research, which would inform the practitioner-based enquiry. Skills: Demonstrating appropriate critical thinking skills, including the ability to: * Identifying and summarising the main points in an argument * Presenting and developing an argument, drawing upon appropriate evidence, literature and theory. * Analysing and synthesising research, theories and ideas from multiple sources. * Examining issues from a range of professional and theoretical perspectives. * Producing critical and evaluative responses to the content of the learning outcomes. Content: This unit concentrates on: The identification of a range of research methods and techniques appropriate to addictions treatment settings and practice to include: * Introduction to action research and its application * Exploration of ethnography and its application * Case study approaches to research * Experimental approaches to research * Using surveys in research in early years settings Exploration of tools appropriate for research in addictions treatment settings and practice including: * Questionnaires * Interviews * Observation * Review of documents The use of literature reviews to establish the existing state of knowledge in the area of research. Evaluation of existing research with reference to: * Use of qualitative and quantitative methods * Consideration of appropriateness of small scale and large scale studies in relation to the research topic. Awareness of ethical issues related to research methodology including: * Confidentiality * Informed consent * Protection from harm. |