This module is an integral part of the Diploma in Human Services which is
intended to provide advanced training for learners who wish to work at a higher
level in the Human Service field.

The module should be delivered in a group learning context with a group of no
more than 25 learners being enrolled.

In future this module may be offered in Flexible Delivery mode.

While much of the content of this module is theory/knowledge based, a strong
focus on application of knowledge, theory and techniques to human service
settings should be maintained.

Internal Assessment 100%

Class Presentation
Class presentation on topic relevant to social research and human services.
(Learning Outcomes 1 and 3)

Prepare and present a paper on one of the following topics:
- compare research paradigms and models
- the role of critical reference group
- methodologies in social research
- techniques in social research
- designing social research projects
- abuses of research
- insider/outsider research
- the power of research in our society
- data collection methods and tools
- data analysis methods and tools
- literature reviews
- is research objective free of bias?
- the scope of social research
- using statistics.

Critical review of a piece of social research.
Critique of examples of research. (Learning Outcome 2).

Choose an example of social research from the literature, prepare and present a
critical review. (As an additional assessment or as a class presentation
option).

Research Proposal
Written research proposal and discussion of planning and research process.
(Learning Outcome 4).

Plan, design and develop a written proposal for a research project relevant to
human services.
Proposal should include:
- research question
- rationale for conducting the research/evidence of need for the
research; purpose of the research
- literature review (of relevant research)
- brief discussion of approach/model/paradigm chosen
- research design: description of methods for data collection, recording
and analysis, examples of tools to be used
- plan (time frame, tasks to be completed)
- ethical considerations
- how findings will be reported and disseminated
- discussion and evaluation of process, issues and what has been learned.

The learner will be provided with:

- Access to a suitable learning environment
- Access to relevant learning resource materials
- Access to an instructor/module facilitator with knowledge of research
methods, preferably at tertiary graduate level, and with background in social
research in a human service setting.