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Details for SSC400 Foundations in Social Research, Writing, and Methods

Understanding research methodologies is fundamental for any social science or counselling professional. This unit will equip you with the skills to critically analyse and synthesise academic literature, construct evidence-based arguments, and master academic writing and research conventions. By exploring a range of research methods and ethical considerations, you will be prepared to design and conduct studies that make meaningful contributions to your field.

Quick Stats

  • Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
  • Course code: SSC400
  • Credit points: 10

Subject Coordinator

Sharon Garro

Prerequisite

Nil

Unit Content

Outcomes

  1. Analyse, synthesise, and critically engage with academic literature relevant to social science or counselling contexts, interpreting strengths and weaknesses;
  2. Critically engage with existing research to construct an evidence-based argument within a defined social science or counselling context;
  3. Formulate arguments using appropriate academic writing and research conventions;
  4. Evaluate the relative strengths, limitations, and contributions of different methods suitable for achieving particular social science research objectives;
  5. Reflect on the purposes and processes of ethical research design and presentation.

Subject Content

  1. Introduction, Study Skills, and Critical and Creative Thinking
  2. Academic Integrity and Ethics
  3. Scholarly Writing Skills in Social Science and Counselling
  4. Social Science Research Methods, including research design and analysis
  5. Quantitative Research Methods
  6. Statistical Design, including data collection
  7. Qualitative Research Methods
  8. Mixed Methods Research Design

This course may be offered in the following formats

  • Onsite (face-to-face)
  • Online (e-Learning)
  • Intensives

This subject typically has both online pre-recorded lectures AND mandatory online-live components

Please check the timetable to see when this subject will next be offered at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

  • Annotated Bibliography (30%)
  • Presentation and Critical Reflection (30%)
  • Major Essay (40%)

Prescribed Text

  • Mewburn, I., Firth, K., and Lehmann, S. How to Fix Your Academic Writing Trouble: A Practical Guide. London: Open University Press, 2019.
  • McLeod, J. Doing Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy. Sage, 2014.

Please consult your instructor prior to purchasing any texts.