RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT III

ASSIGNMENT III: RESEARCH

Instructions: Prepare a typed, written response to the questions. Information

from previous social work and social research

1. Social Research Methods

A. Identify three social research methods that are in use at your agency.

(Talk to people in your agency about how data is collected, how programs

are evaluated, what kinds of surveys are used to determine needs of client

systems, how annual reports are designed, etc.). Explain how these

methodologies are used and why they are useful.

B. Locate two empirical research studies from social work sources

addressing the types of services delivered by your agency. (i.e. mental

health, health care, protective services, etc.) Give bibliographic references

for these studies. Briefly summarize the findings of these studies.

Explain the relevancy of these studies for social work practice in your agency.

C. What are the major instruments or systems used to collect data on

client systems? On workers? On program activities? What kinds of

data are collected?

D. How are research and data analysis methods integrated into ongoing

social work practice within your agency?

2. Analysis of Data

A. Use the studies from 1B above. Identify the statistical procedures

used to analyze the data in these studies. Explain why these procedures

were or were not appropriate.

B. What kinds of reports does the agency generate from the data collected

in 1C? What statistical procedures are used for analyzing data in these reports?

3. Computer Usage

A. Briefly describe the ways in which computers are used to help social

workers perform tasks in your agency. What are limitations of your agency's computer system(s)?

B. What kinds of problems do computers create for social workers and

clients? In what ways could computers be used to enhance services?

4. Practical Applications of Research

A. Define the scientific method.

B. Identify a major issue/question that is raised in your agency about clients,

services, resources or effectiveness.** Is data available to provide at least

partial answers to this question? ***Develop a research question related to the

issue.

C. Design a research study to answer the question identified in B. It should

answer the following questions.

1. Given your research question, what research design would you

use for this study and why?

2. How would you implement your study at your agency?

3. How would you address issues of diversity and at-risk populations

in your study?

4. What form of statistical analysis would you use to evaluate the data of this

study?

5. How might this study impact your client systems and your agency

if implemented?

5. Generalist Application of Research

A. **Discuss the purpose of research within Generalist Social Work practice.

**Give two examples. !!!!

** Explain the significance of practice-informed research

and researched informed practice.!!!!!!

6. Research Ethics

A.**Review the NASW position on research as stated in the NASW Code of Ethics.***In what way is your agency's collection/use of collected

information either consistent or inconsistent with this code. (Section 5.02

in the Code).

B. Review the NASW Code of Ethics, Sections 4 and 5 related to Ethical

Responsibilities as Professionals and Ethical Responsibilities to the

Profession.!!!!

How is research knowledge critical to the social worker in

complying with these sections of the Code?