Research To Inform Practice
Word count 5227 excluding reference list
MA in Education – Research Methods (EDC010-6)
Engaging with Research to Inform Practice: The experience of final year social work students
Jacqueline White
University of Bedfordshire
1. Introduction
This proposed study seeks to build upon current knowledge of the student experience of using research in practice by engaging participants who are final year social work students (MSc and BSc) in a HEI in the UK. The hypothesis is that there are factors that help or hinder the process of understanding and using research. Therefore the aim of the study is to explore the student experience of engaging with research to inform their decision making and judgements during …show more content…
Literature Review
The aim of this brief literature review is to establish viability of the topic of this proposal through interpretation of published works (Merriam 1988). It is presented as brief synopses due to the limitations of the word count of this assignment. The purpose of the proposed study is to establish the factors that help or hinder the student experience of engaging in research learning and application within their practice learning placement.
At this juncture, only a select few articles that resonate with the research proposal have been included pending ethics approval to pursue this study. This is primarily because to date literature accessed has tended to focus on students engagement with research within HEI’s and little has been found with regards to application in practice. Much of the data within the literature has been acquired from a mainly quantitative approach. In addition, literature reviewed to date suggests that there is a need to research the phenomena from an international perspective and build on existing knowledge.
Maschi, T., Probst, B., and Bradley, C. (2009). Mapping Social Work Students’ Perceptions of the Research Process: A Qualitative Follow- Up Study. The Journal of Baccalaureate Social Work. Vol. 14, No 2, …show more content…
On the other hand, Cohen et al (2011) present reminders of some of the possible pitfalls of focus groups that have assisted the researcher in developing this proposal. The researcher recognizes the need to be aware of issues around group dynamics, dominance by individuals, lack of participation or non-attendance, and the fact that data may be difficult to analyze. This has resulted in the researcher considering matters such as deciding upon the size of the group and ensuring that the sampling exercise identifies the right participants.
For this research project a focus group consisting of six to eight participants will be developed and there will be a minimum of two group sessions. Preparation will involve agreeing the most suitable method of collection of data (in this case recording and transcription), and securing an appropriate venue that affords a comfortable environment away from the participants practice learning placement, where privacy can be
MA in Education – Research Methods (EDC010-6)
Engaging with Research to Inform Practice: The experience of final year social work students
Jacqueline White
University of Bedfordshire
1. Introduction
This proposed study seeks to build upon current knowledge of the student experience of using research in practice by engaging participants who are final year social work students (MSc and BSc) in a HEI in the UK. The hypothesis is that there are factors that help or hinder the process of understanding and using research. Therefore the aim of the study is to explore the student experience of engaging with research to inform their decision making and judgements during …show more content…
Literature Review
The aim of this brief literature review is to establish viability of the topic of this proposal through interpretation of published works (Merriam 1988). It is presented as brief synopses due to the limitations of the word count of this assignment. The purpose of the proposed study is to establish the factors that help or hinder the student experience of engaging in research learning and application within their practice learning placement.
At this juncture, only a select few articles that resonate with the research proposal have been included pending ethics approval to pursue this study. This is primarily because to date literature accessed has tended to focus on students engagement with research within HEI’s and little has been found with regards to application in practice. Much of the data within the literature has been acquired from a mainly quantitative approach. In addition, literature reviewed to date suggests that there is a need to research the phenomena from an international perspective and build on existing knowledge.
Maschi, T., Probst, B., and Bradley, C. (2009). Mapping Social Work Students’ Perceptions of the Research Process: A Qualitative Follow- Up Study. The Journal of Baccalaureate Social Work. Vol. 14, No 2, …show more content…
On the other hand, Cohen et al (2011) present reminders of some of the possible pitfalls of focus groups that have assisted the researcher in developing this proposal. The researcher recognizes the need to be aware of issues around group dynamics, dominance by individuals, lack of participation or non-attendance, and the fact that data may be difficult to analyze. This has resulted in the researcher considering matters such as deciding upon the size of the group and ensuring that the sampling exercise identifies the right participants.
For this research project a focus group consisting of six to eight participants will be developed and there will be a minimum of two group sessions. Preparation will involve agreeing the most suitable method of collection of data (in this case recording and transcription), and securing an appropriate venue that affords a comfortable environment away from the participants practice learning placement, where privacy can be