Basic principles of social science research based on the scientific method. Analytical and evaluative methods of knowledge building and application in social work and social welfare settings. Empirically based practice and the evaluation of the individual social worker's own practice interventions.
Athena Title
Social Work Research
Non-Traditional Format
Learning teams, which promote critical thinking, research, writing, and discussion skills, and which require extensive work out of class, will be used.
Prerequisite
(SOWK 2154 or SOWK 2154S) and SOWK 2155 and (SOWK 2156 or SOWK 2156E) and permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
demonstrate the nature of the scientific method and its relevance to professional practice in social work.
Students will be able to demonstrate basic knowledge about research methodology (e.g., different stages of research; quantitative vs. qualitative) and its importance to social work practice.
Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to analyze critically a social work research study regarding its methodological soundness and contribution to social work knowledge building.
Students will be able to demonstrate skills that are necessary to design an evaluation of one’s own practice.
Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of program evaluation and the ethical use of scientific inquiry.
Students will be able to demonstrate an ability to interpret the relevance to social work research of such client characteristics as age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, disabilities, and other factors.
Topical Outline
Basic principles of social science research based on the
scientific method. Analytical and evaluative methods of
knowledge building and application in social work and social
welfare settings. Empirically-based practice and the evaluation
of the individual social worker's own practice interventions.
Institutional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
The ability to reason, interpret, analyze, and solve problems from a wide array of authentic contexts.
