In this course, you will be introduced to the theory that underlies research design and practice. You will explore a range of ethical, research-related issues including the concept of informed consent and your own ethical obligations as researchers and/or professionals making use of research. You will also examine questions around how research can have a real-world impact, including in the policy arena. You will study the concept of evidence based policy and you will consider what types of research are most likely to have an impact on people’s lives; the community; the environment, and beyond. Finally, you will be introduced to evaluation and will be involved in assessing the quality of both research and program design.