Syllabus

Master of Social Work

SSWO 503 – Social Work Research (Spring 2023)

Credits - 3

Description

Social Work I Research provides an orientation to the history of science and the range of methods for informing evidence-guided social work practice. Knowledge generation and its application to social work research will be examined critically from a paradigmatic level. Students will explore the continuous relationship between research, theory development, and practice principles and will develop an understanding of the context of research, ethics and values, use of research resources, problem formulation, measurement, sampling, and research design.

Materials

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

School of Social Work Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the UNE SSWO will demonstrate knowledge, skills, and leadership in the following:

1. Practice social inclusion to enable people, populations, and communities to fully participate in society, enhance human bonds in the context of cultural diversity and ensure improved quality of life and equitable resource distribution. EPAS Competencies 2 & 3
2. Engage in culturally-informed relationship building, being respectful of the complexity and diversity of contexts and circumstances. EPAS Competencies 3 & 6
3. Utilize theories of human behavior, social systems and social inclusion when offering interventions with people and their environments. EPAS Competency 8
4. Promote ethical reflection, critical consciousness and shared decision-making based in social work values and with consideration of the broader contexts of the world in which we live. EPAS Competency 1
5. Balance the roles of helpers, activists, and advocates through collaboration with communities to build healthy and sustainable resources. EPAS Competencies 2, 5, & 6
6. Engage as critical consumers and producers of research as it relates to assessment, intervention and evaluation of clinical and community practices. EPAS Competencies 4, 7, 8 & 9
7. Practice person-centered and collaborative community partnerships across diverse settings. EPAS Competency 6

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will:

• Competency 1 – Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
  • 1a: Make ethical decisions by applying appropriate codes of ethics, relevant laws and regulations, models for ethical decision-making and, ethical conduct of  research.
• Competency 4 – Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research.
  • 4a: Use practice experience and theory to inform scientific inquiry and research.
  • 4b: Apply critical thinking to engage in analysis of quantitative and qualitative. 
    research methods and research findings.
  • 4c: Use and translate research evidence to inform and improve practice, policy, and service delivery.
• Competency 9 – Evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and 
  communities.
  • 9a: Select and use appropriate methods for evaluation of outcomes.
  • 9b: Critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate intervention and program processes and outcomes.
  • 9c: Apply evaluation findings to improve practice effectiveness at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.

Assignments

Assignments

Research Article Critique (Due Week 4) (EPAS 4)

You will prepare a 3-page overview describing the provided research article: Rodriguez, M., Aalbers, G. & McNally, R.J. (2022). Idiographic network models of social media use and depression symptoms. Cogn Ther Res 46, 124–132.

In your paper, you will analyze and critique the 4 aspects of the article: Participants, Questions and Hypotheses, Methods, and Results. You will close with a personal reflection. 

Research Proposal (Due Week 7) (EPAS 9)

Problem formulation is the first step in the process of social work research. This assignment will help guide you through a basic approach to formulating an action research topic and developing a methodology to conduct your research. This assignment should not exceed 10 pages (1″ margin, 12 point typeface), excluding references. This is not meant to be a lengthy paper, nor should it be. Please edit your paper carefully so that it covers all salient points in a flowing, interesting manner. Use headings to make for a well-organized and concise paper. Papers must be double-spaced according to APA. Ideally, you will build upon the paper and implement the described project as part of your second-semester assignment. Keep in mind this is an action research project which must be focused on social work, social workers and/or the social work profession.

Your proposal will follow the structure as outlined below:

1. INTRODUCTION, BACKGROUND, and SIGNIFICANCE (3-4 pages)
2. HYPOTHESIS/RESEARCH QUESTION(S) (1 page)
3. RESEARCH DESIGN (4-5 pages)
   1. CLIENT/STUDY POPULATION
   2. PROCEDURES
   3. MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENTS
4. ANALYSIS OF DATA
5. REFERENCES

Exams

This course features 2 untimed exams.

• Week 3’s multiple-choice exam will cover material from Chapters 1–6 of the DeCarlo textbook.
• Week 6’s multiple-choice exam will cover material from Chapters 7–12 of the DeCarlo textbook. 

Discussions (EPAS 1, 4, & 9)

This course is designed to have discussion forums as a place to exchange ideas, critically examine concepts in research, and engage with peers. Your timely and thoughtful responses facilitate deeper learning.

Grading Policy

The School of Social Work uses the following grading system for all courses with the exception of field education courses. Students are expected to maintain a “B” (3.0) average over the course of their study. Students with less than a GPA of 3.0 will be placed on academic probation. Students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 in order to receive their Master’s Degree.

Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:

Grade Breakdown

Assignment	Points	% of Grade
Acknowledgement of Academic Engagement	1 point	1%
Discussion Forums	22 points (2 pts x 11 discussions)	22%
2 Exams	24 (12 points each)	24%
Research Article Critique	21 points	21%
Research Proposal	32 points	32%
Total:	100 points	100%