SOWK 580 Social Work Research Methods

The course will provide an overview of qualitative, quantitative, mixed method research, and research design. It will provide basic foundational knowledge for social work research and how to evaluate and critique literature. Students will better understand the overall approaches of research, use of literature reviews, development of research proposals, and anticipation of ethical issues while developing writing strategies

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

The social worker engages in practice-informed research and research-informed practice. This course introduces the student to basic research and statistics knowledge, aiding him or her in skill development.

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After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will engage in course discussion based on research findings. For the Discussion, the student will post 1 digital page for the infographic (properly cited in APA) and a 5-10 minute presentation of the content from the infographic. The student must then post 2 replies of at least 150 words each. Each reply must incorporate at least 1 peer-reviewed reference in current APA format and 1 scripture, cited and referenced, in current APA format. (Competencies 1, 4; Dimensions: Knowledge, Values, Skills, and Cognitive and Affective Processes)

Topic Selection Assignment

In preparation for the Annotated Bibliography Assignment, the student will identify a research topic that is relevant to social work. It may relate to a specific population, social issue, policy area, intervention, or practice setting. The topic must be presented in between 1-3 sentences. The use of sources is not required, but if used, sources must be properly cited and referenced in the current APA format.

Identification of Research Problem Assignment

To build on the identified topic, the student will identify a well-defined research problem that directly relates to the topic selected, and reflect a gap, a need, or an area of concern within social work practice or policy. The problem must be stated in 2-4 sentences. The use of sources is not required, but if used, sources must be properly cited and referenced in the current APA format.

PICO(T) and FINERMAPS Worksheet Assignment

To continue building on the identified topic and research problem, the student will use two structured tools, PICO(T) and FINERMAPS, to help move from a broad topic to a well-developed and researchable question. The student must complete the entire worksheet. The student is expected to use one scholarly source and properly cite and reference it in the current APA format.

Qualitative Research Article Evaluation Worksheet Assignment

The student will apply skills learned to analyze a qualitative research article. The ability to analyze qualitative research will help the student identify quality sources to include in the Annotated Bibliography Assignment in a future Module. The student must respond to each question on the worksheet. The submission does not require an APA-formatted title page or headings, but it does require a reference page. The student must, at a minimum, cite the selected article. Any additional sources used must also be cited and referenced in the current APA format.

Quantitative Research Article Evaluation Worksheet Assignment

The student will apply skills learned to analyze a quantitative research article. The ability to analyze qualitative research will help the student identify quality sources to include in the Annotated Bibliography Assignment in a future Module. The student must respond to each question on the worksheet. The submission does not require an APA-formatted title page or headings, but it does require a reference page. The student must, at a minimum, cite the selected article. Any additional sources used must also be cited and referenced in the current APA format.

The student will build upon his/her previously completed work, including topic selection, identified problem, and developed research question. The student will locate relevant evidence-based research and compile an annotated bibliography comprising 5 entries: 1 mixed-methods study, 2 qualitative research articles, and 2 quantitative research articles. Each annotated entry should not only summarize the findings of the respective article but also articulate how these findings shape the foundation for his/her proposed research. The annotated bibliography should include at least 5 peer-reviewed sources that are no older than 5 years. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are not permitted for this assignment. The annotated bibliography should be formatted according to current APA guidelines.

CITI Training Assignment

The student has explored ethical principles in research, and to reinforce and apply what he/she has learned, the student will complete the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) Social & Behavioral Researchers training. The student must complete the training and upload the certificate. This assignment does not require the use of sources or APA formatting.

Quizzes (5)

There will be 5 quizzes that cover the assigned content in the course. Each quiz will cover the reading for the assigned Module: Week. These quizzes contain 10 to 50 multiple-choice, true/false, short-answer, and/or fill-in-the-blank questions, are open-book/open-notes, allow 1 attempt, and have a time limit of 45 minutes to 2 hours.