SW 509 Social Work Research Methods I

This course introduces students to quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method research methodology and practice in order to be able to discern the quality and relevance of research they are consuming and producing. First semester is foundational regarding vocabulary, concepts, and methods. This course helps students understand how client population data is created in a way that allows objective analysis, which is then used to inform further research, and micro, mezzo, macro clinical and policy decisions. Students learn about sampling methods, data collection strategies, and how to understand the significance of that data to make valid and reliable predictions. This course also builds on concepts and theories covered earlier in the curriculum, such as through an examination of the history of social welfare and mental health policies and their impact on diverse client populations.