Methodology of Research in Social Work

Study:	Social Work - 3. semester
Code:	31687
ECTS:	10.0
Course coordinators:	prof. dr. sc. Ivan Rimac izv. prof. dr. sc. Jelena Ogresta
Lecturers:	dr. sc. Lea Skokandić - Lectures
Exam dates:	19. 04. 2024. 14. 06. 2024. 28. 06. 2024. 12. 07. 2024. 30. 08. 2024. 13. 09. 2024. Exam registration: Studomat

Literature:
Milas, G.; Metode istraživanja u psihologiji i drugim društvenim znanostima.; Naklada Slap (2009), str Galešić, M.; Anketna istraživanja putem Interneta: Mogući izvori pogrešaka; Društvena istraživanja, 14(1-2), (2005), str. 297-320 Ajduković, M., Kolesarić, V.; Etički kodeks istraživanja s djecom; Vijeće za djecu Vlade Republike Hrvatske, Državni zavod za zaštitu obitelji, materinstva i mladeži. (2003), str
Optional literature:
Marczyk, G., DeMatteo, D., Festinger, D.; Essentials of Research Design and Methodology.; John Wiley Sons (2005), str Petz, B., Kolesarić, V., Ivanec, D.; Petzova statistika; Naklada Slap. (2012), str Oliver, P.; The student's guide to research ethics; McGraw-Hill Education (2010), str

Description:

The aim of the course is to introduce students to basic research methods of in social sciences on the theoretical and practical levels. The lectures cover the following topics: scientific and non-scientific approach, the role of theory, definition of the empiric and the role of scientific methodology, positivistic paradigm of quantitative approach, measurement, techniques of quantitative observation and survey method; epistemological and methodological foundations of the causal proof through experiment, as well as methodology of classic, factorial and pseudo-experimental model.
Through practical work students outline and conduct empirical research project using quantitative approach.
Students propose empirical research based on knowledge acquired through lectures and relevant literature. Separate phases of research project are conducted, documented and described through individual and group assignments in practical training.
Course grade is based upon evaluation of students activities regarding individual and group assignments which include separate phases of their research project, as well as written midterm examination.

Course description
- Science and other forms of cognition. Characteristic of scientific explanation
- Scientific theory. Elements of scientific theory
- Constructing explanations as a research process. Social constructivism.
- Quantitative approach. Paradigm, measurement and operationalization
- Correlation research.
- Data collection
- Probabilistic sampling and propositions of statistical inference
- The role of statistics and models of statistical proof
- Epistemological and methodological foundations of causal proof.
- Classic experiment, independent and dependent variable, experimental control
- Quasi-experimental research
- Research ethics

Cognitive Skills:

After successfully completing the course, students will be able to:

1. Select an appropriate research approach for studying socially relevant phenomena

2. Describe techniques of data collection within qualitative and quantitative research approach

3. Classify existing strategies of the selection of participants within quantitative and qualitative research, and evaluate their contribution in term of conclusions

4. Assess prerequisites for the selection of adequate techniques of data collection, manner of selection of the analysis entity and analytical procedures

5. Formulate an outline of research design following settings of quantitative research

6. Estimate the quality of design research within quantitative research approach in the study of a phenomenon from the area of social work and social policy

7. Organise and conduct data collection

Practical and Generic Skills:

- ability to plan and manage a research project

- ability to make appropriate decisions on the basis of synthesis of empirical facts

- ability to clearly and precisely argument and express conclusions in the forms that is adequate for the audience orally and in writing

- time management ability in complex research processes

Matching Assessments to Learning Outcomes:

Forms of testing knowledge

- Individual assignment

- Group assignment

- Written examination

1.1. Individual assignments (N=3)

Individual assignments include analysis and evaluation of methodological solutions in empirical scientific papers, distinguishing relevant methodological facts and preparing own creative solutions in research that students conduct during the course implementation.

Assignments are graded by 0 to 5 points.

1.2. Group assignments (N=2)

Group assignments require decision about methodological formulation of research conducted by students. Offered solutions are additionally evaluated in practical training where possible solutions are comparatively analyzed. The first group assignment includes presentation of quantitative research design that will be used for data collection, while second includes oral presentation of research design

Both group assigments are awarded 1-5 points.

Grading criteria

Final course grade

Final grade is formed as a sum of points earned in practical training and oral examination.

It is possible to acquire 50 points in practical training, as a sum of points earned in group assignments and research report.

Additional 50 points can be acquired through oral examination, or through two midterm examinations.

Grading system

Points Grading scale

0 - 10 Insufficient (1)

11 - 20 Sufficient (2)

21 - 30 Good (3)

31 - 40 Very good (4)

41 - 50 Excellent (5)

Consultations schedule:

Lecturer in charge	Consultations	Location
prof. dr. sc. Ivan Rimac		Nazorova 51, room 14
izv. prof. dr. sc. Jelena Ogresta		Nazorova 51, room 19