Seminar of Social Work Research

Recommended Prerequisites

knowledge about Scientific Research Methodologies.

Teaching Methods

The course covers different methods of teaching and learning, including: analysis of surveys and research papers and seminar - space for presentation and discussion on the experiences and research results, in collaboration with external researchers. The research project must be presented and debated.

Learning Outcomes

The curricular unit Research Seminar in Social Work (SISS) is intended to promote discussion of the state of the art Research in Social Work and creates conditions for defining objects and understanding the methodological choices appropriate to the construction of knowledge within the master. Facilitates the consolidation of knowledge and the acquisition and development of analytical and reflective skills required to develop operational research on objects multifaceted and multidisciplinary. This unit emerges confronts the requirements, limitations and potential of options and settings in the development of social and opens horizons for the development of the research project.

Thus, the course aims:

- A framework for research in SW at the level of epistemology, methodology and practice of social science research;

- Exploration of the practical procedures of a research project.;

- Development of critical thinking, reflective and inherent operating research.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Module I - Research in Social Work

1.  Paradigms
2. Ethical and procedural requirements of scientific research: the specificities of Social Work
3.  Objects, Typologies and Functions of Research in Social Work


Module II - Logic and Heuristic Research Methodology

1.  Project design: Constituent Elements
2.  The relevance of methodological options in collection/processing of data and writing the report
3.  Production of information and criteria for validity and reliability of scientific knowledge
3.1   Relationship between designs, procedures, sources and data types
3.2   Issues regarding internal and external validity of a research process
3.3   Strategies for methodological triangulation

Module III - Preparation and analysis of research projects: Questions operative


NOTE: Contents accompanied by some practical examples and exercises in the context of the classroom

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria Helena Gomes dos Reis Amaro da Luz

Assessment Methods

Final Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Continuous Assessment
Research work: 40.0%
Project: 60.0%

Bibliography

Becker, Saul e Bryman, Alan (Ed.)(2004). Understanding research for social Policy and Practice. Themes, methods and approaches. Bristol: Policy Press and the Social Policy Association.

Coutinho, Clara P. (2011). Metodologia de Investigação em Ciências Sociais e Humanas. Coimbra: Edições Almedina, S.A.

Duchamp, Michel; Bouquet, Brigitte & Drouard, Hervé (1989) - La recherche en travail social, Col. Travail social, Paris: Ed. Centurions.

May, Tim (2004), Social Research. Issues, methods and process. 2ª ed., Buckingham: Open University Press.

Quivy, Raymond e Campenhoutdt, Luc Van (1998). Manual de Investigação em Ciências Sociais. Col. Trajectos 2ª ed., Lisboa: Gradiva-Publicações, Lda.

Rubin, A. and Babbie, E. (2005). Research Methods for Social Work. USA: Thompson Learning, Inc.

Humphries, Beth (2008). Social Work Research for Social Justice. Reshaping Social Work. Series Editors, R. Adams, L. Dominelli and M. Payne. NY: Palgrave Macmillan.