SW 574 Social Work Research II

This course introduces students to advanced principles of the scientific analysis of client data to produce, evaluate and apply new knowledge for the social work profession; distinguishing and explaining the difference between deductive and inductive methods and implications for the production of social work research; explaining the role of theoretical frameworks (explaining phenomena, drawing connections, making predictions) in the research process, and how this applies to their capstone project; creating a literature review on a research topic related to a social work issue and applying it to their capstone project; locating and identifying social work and social work-related empirical resources via electronic databases; understanding the role of research in developing a capstone project that advances economic and social justice and enhances the quality of life for populations at risk; understanding how race, ethnicity, gender, class, etc. influences the research process, findings and implications of their capstone project; identifying and explaining risks, benefits and any (potential) ethical dilemmas that may occur during student data collection of their capstone project and taking appropriate steps to mitigate same, with the approval of the Institutional Review Board; identifying and explaining actions to minimize risks and potential dilemmas regarding research methods of their capstone project; identifying personal values and preconceived notions (biases) as it pertains to the topic of study for the student’s capstone project; sample selection and data collection methods for the student’s capstone project; learning how to use different types of surveys, observations, interviews, and focus groups; analyzing the data obtained; becoming familiar with electronic data analysis resources available (classroom demonstration of SPSS and ethnographic analysis); learning how to create a final report. This course also builds on concepts and theories covered earlier in the curriculum, such as through an application of the student’s understanding of human development, working with marginalized communities, and advocating for sustained, second-order systems change to ensure equity, and social and economic justice.