The assumptions, underlying logic, and methods of social work
research. The course emphasizes examination of a range of
methods of data collection, criteria that determine selection
of specific methods, understanding of the strengths and
limitations of various methods, and translational relevance of
research methods.
Athena Title
Research Methods in SW
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will develop appropriate application of terminology, technical language, and skills associated with nomothetic research.
Students will develop knowledge of the relationships among theory, research, and practice.
Students will develop knowledge of the various research strategies used in group research, ranging from descriptive to well-controlled experimental laboratory research, and their use in studies of significance to social work practice.
Students will develop mastery of elements of the nomothetic research process, including problem formulation and conceptualization, sampling, measurement, data collection, data analysis, drawing conclusions, and the induction/deduction of implications for social work practice and policy.
Students will develop knowledge of and ability to assess ethical aspects of research on human subjects.
Students will develop knowledge of and sensitivity to diversity and cultural competence in social science research.
Students will develop the ability to critically analyze published and proposed group research studies.
Students will develop the ability to produce a research proposal that addresses a topic of interest and significance.
Topical Outline
Introduction to course discussion of research/practice
Experience and areas of interest
Introduction to reference management systems
Introduction to journal citation reports and impact factors
Scientific inquiry and logic of research
Philosophical perspectives in research
Connections between theory, practice, and research
Problem formulation: Sources and development of researchable questions
Shaping and refining research questions
Hypothesis
Theories and conceptual frameworks
Specific Aims and Significance Sections
Student Presentations
Population and Sampling
External validity
Sampling terminology
Probability sampling
Non-probability sampling
Research Design I
Internal validity
Types of design
Experimental design
Research design II
Quasi-experimental design relationship among pre-post design
Survey Research
Measurement I: Conceptualization and operationalization
Levels of measurement
Unobstructive measurement
Construct validity
Measurement II: Constructing measurement instruments
Scaling and Indexes
Research Design
Ethics in social work research
Protection of human participants
Review of University’s IRB process
Data Analyses I: Preparing data for analysis
Descriptive statistics
Data Communication and dissemination of research findings
Presentations using PowerPoint or other software
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
