HCS204
Assessment item 2
Research proposal
Value: 60%
Length: 2000
Task
Writing a research proposal
Imagine that you are a worker in a Human Services organization or a student in Social Work /Human Services. You want to conduct a piece of research in an area of need/interest related to Social Work/Human Services. In order to conduct the research you need to put up a proposal which clearly outlines the research problem, literature review, the aims of your research, the methodology and proposed plan.
For the purposes of this assessment you are expected to draw upon the steps in the research process in chapter 4 and chapter 19 in your prescribed text. You may however refer to recommended texts or your own library research as well.
Pay particular attention to defining your research question: also give a brief outline of your budget for the study. Remember this is a proposal only, you are not required to conduct the research.
Rationale
This assessment task will assess the following learning outcome/s:
• be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of various research methods
• be able to critically evaluate research reports
• be able to prepare a research proposal concerning social issues
The students will show that they have developed the skills to needed to develop a research proposal concerning social issues (Learning outcomes 2 & 3).
Prescribed text
The textbooks required – Alston, M., & Bowles, W. (2018). Research for social workers (4th ed.). Crow’s Nest: Allen & Unwin.
Subject content:
The subject consists of twelve topics as follows:
Unit 1: Introduction to social research
Unit 2: Choosing your topic and defining the problem
Unit 3: The research process
Unit 4: Research ethics
Unit 5: Sampling
Unit 6: Surveys and interviews
Unit 7: Evaluation in the field
Unit 8: Action research and other methods
Unit 9: Qualitative data analysis
Unit 10: Quantitative data analysis
Unit 11: Statistics
Unit 12: The report
Presentation
This Essay should be organised clearly and logically, and neatly presented. This includes correct spelling punctuation. Sub-headings or dot-points should not be used. Assignments must be well researched and referenced in APA. Give a clear introduction and conclusion. Do not use long quotes.
Formatting
The following are expected:
• Assessment topic clearly stated
• 12 point font
• 1.5 or 2 line spacing
• page numbers
• Referenced in APA