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.
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