THL530 Social Research Methods for Pastoral Studies (8)

This subject examines social research and data collection methods appropriate for research in the fields of pastoral counselling and ageing and pastoral studies. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the research strategies and data collection methods appropriate for pastoral studies, and addresses the principles and procedures that define and regulate research investigations. The primary focus of the subject is on the nature of the research process, and on the qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods traditions that underlie social research inquiry.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
Online
Canberra Campus
Session 2 (60)
Online
Canberra Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: THL530. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Theology

Enrolment Restrictions

Master of Pastoral Counselling
Master of Pastoral Counselling (Clinical)
Master of Ageing and Pastoral Studies

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to define social research methods within the context of pastoral counselling and ageing and pastoral studies;
  • be able to demonstrate in-depth understanding of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research models, and appropriate application of each methodology;
  • be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the professional contexts within which pastoral studies research is undertaken;
  • be able to reflect critically on professional and ethical issues relevant for research in the fields of pastoral counselling or ageing and pastoral studies;
  • be able to demonstrate the ability to discuss in a supervisory context the stages of planned research projects;
  • be able to demonstrate an understanding of the ethics review process relevant for research in the fields of pastoral counselling or ageing and pastoral studies;
  • be able to apply appropriate research methods to a range of research questions; and
  • be able to demonstrate research, writing, and communication skills.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • social research in the context of pastoral studies
  • models of enquiry and research designs relevant for pastoral counselling and ageing and pastoral studies investigations
  • definitions and descriptions of research methodologies appropriate for subdisciplines within pastoral studies: qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods
  • analysis and interpretation of research data
  • literature reviews and research writing
  • professional issues associated with research, including ethics and supervision
  • the ethics review process

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of THL530 in Session 2 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Reflection: research paradigms
10
2
Ethics
25
3
Literature review exercise
25
4
Research project plan
40

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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