SOWK 4560, Section 50
Social Work Research Methods
Dr. Kenneth Heinlein
Division of Social Work
College of Health Sciences
University of Wyoming
www.uwyo.edu/socialwork
___________________________________________________________________________
SOWK 4560, Section 50
Social Work Research Methods
Credits: 3 hours
Instructor: Kenneth Heinlein
Vicki Murdock, MSW, PhD
Fall Session, 2011
Bldg. & Time: OR Bldg
Meeting Times:
Telephone:
Office:
Office Hours: TH 4-6:50
Email:
Address:
Prerequisites: completion of STAT 2050 or 2070 and SOWK 3530 and 3630 with a grade of C
or better; Admitted Major status.
I. COURSE DESCRIPTION
The course introduces students to social work research and its methods. The course stresses
critical thinking and prepares students to use research in practice.
II. INTRODUCTION
In SOWK 4560 students are introduced to the fundamental elements of scientific inquiry and
research methods. The course emphasizes the identification and formulation of researchable
problems in social work, the utility of the scientific method, and methodologies necessary to
evaluate practice and to conduct program evaluations.
SOWK 4560 demonstrates the relationship between research and theories that are presented in
other classes, such as “human behavior in the social environment.” It provides the student with
tools to conduct policy analyses and evaluations of practice taught in Social Welfare Policy and
in social work practice courses. Students deepen their abilities to think critically about research
that guides practice and to enhance their own professional capacities as generalist social
workers.
Course Syllabi are property of the Division and approved by the Division Council and changes must be reviewed by the
DOSW Curriculum Committee.
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SOWK 4560, Section 50
Social Work Research Methods
Dr. Kenneth Heinlein
III. COURSE COMPETENCIES
Educational Policy 2.1.2—Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional
practice.
Social workers have an obligation to conduct themselves ethically and to engage in ethical
decision-making. Social workers are knowledgeable about the value base of the profession, its
ethical standards, and relevant law.
Social workers
pb7. Recognize and manage personal values in a way that allows professional values to guide
practice;
pb8. Make ethical decisions by applying standards of the National Association of Social Workers
Code of Ethics and, as applicable, of the International Federation of Social
Workers/International Association of Schools of Social Work Ethics in Social Work,
Statement of Principles;
pb9. Tolerate ambiguity in resolving ethical conflicts; and
pb10. Apply strategies of ethical reasoning to arrive at principled decisions.
Educational Policy 2.1.3—Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional
judgments.
Social workers are knowledgeable about the principles of logic, scientific inquiry, and reasoned
discernment. They use critical thinking augmented by creativity and curiosity. Critical thinking
also requires the synthesis and communication of relevant information.
Social workers
pb11. Distinguish, appraise, and integrate multiple sources of knowledge, including researchbased knowledge, and practice wisdom;
pb12. Analyze models of assessment, prevention, intervention, and evaluation; and
pb13. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication in working with individuals,
families, groups, organizations, communities, and colleagues.
Educational Policy 2.1.5—Advance human rights and social and economic justice.
Each person, regardless of position in society, has basic human rights, such as freedom, safety,
privacy, an adequate standard of living, health care, and education. Social workers recognize
the global interconnections of oppression and are knowledgeable about theories of justice and
strategies to promote human and civil rights. Social work incorporates social justice practices in
organizations, institutions, and society to ensure that these basic human rights are distributed
equitably and without prejudice.
Social workers
pb20. Can identify & articulate forms & mechanisms of oppression & discrimination.
pb21. Advocate for human rights and social and economic justice; and
pb22. Engage in practices that advance social and economic justice.
Educational Policy 2.1.6—Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed
research. Social workers use practice experience to inform research, employ evidence-based
interventions, evaluate their own practice, and use research findings to improve practice, policy,
and social service delivery. Social workers comprehend quantitative and qualitative research
and understand scientific and ethical approaches to building knowledge.
Social workers
pb23. Use practice experience to inform scientific inquiry and
Course Syllabi are property of the Division and approved by the Division Council and changes must be reviewed by the
DOSW Curriculum Committee.
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SOWK 4560, Section 50
Social Work Research Methods
Dr. Kenneth Heinlein
pb24. Use research evidence to inform practice.
Educational Policy 2.1.7—Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social
environment. Social workers are knowledgeable about human behavior across the life course;
the range of social systems in which people live; and the ways social systems promote or deter
people in maintaining or achieving health and well-being. Social workers apply theories and
knowledge from the liberal arts to understand biological, social, cultural, psychological, and
spiritual development.
Social workers
pb25. Utilize conceptual frameworks to guide the processes of assessment, intervention, and
evaluation; and
pb26. Critique and apply knowledge to understand person and environment.
Educational Policy 2.1.10(a)–(d)—Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with
individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Professional practice
involves the dynamic and interactive processes of engagement, assessment, intervention, and
evaluation at multiple levels. Social workers have the knowledge and skills to practice with
individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Practice knowledge includes
identifying, analyzing, and implementing evidence-based interventions designed to achieve
client goals; using research and technological advances; evaluating program outcomes and
practice effectiveness; developing, analyzing, advocating, and providing leadership for policies
and services; and promoting social and economic justice.
Educational Policy 2.1.10(a)—Engagement
Social workers
pb32. Prepare for action with individuals, families, groups,
organizations, and communities;
pb33. Build professional relationships using empathy & other interpersonal skills.
pb34. Develop a mutually agreed-on focus of work and desired outcomes.
Educational Policy 2.1.10(b)—Assessment
Social workers
pb35. Collect, organize, and interpret client data;
pb36. Assess client strengths and limitations;
pb37. Develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objectives; and
pb38. Select appropriate intervention strategies.
Educational Policy 2.1.10(c)—Intervention
Social workers
pb39. Initiate actions to achieve organizational goals;
pb40. Implement prevention interventions that enhance client capacities;
pb41. Help clients resolve problems;
pb42. Negotiate, mediate, and advocate for clients; and
pb43. Facilitate transitions and endings.
Educational Policy 2.1.10(d)—Evaluation
Social workers
pb44. Critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate interventions.
pb45. Understand how to build monitoring and assessment instruments in practice.
Course Syllabi are property of the Division and approved by the Division Council and changes must be reviewed by the
DOSW Curriculum Committee.
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SOWK 4560, Section 50
Social Work Research Methods
Dr. Kenneth Heinlein
IV.
COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Course learning objectives are as follows. Students will:
1) Development of a Knowledge Base of research design including reviewing research,
developing hypotheses, designing a study, and learning the beginning steps to
evaluating data.
2) Application of Theories used in designing research including developing literature
reviews and models of research for research design.
3) Enhancement of Critical Thinking Skills, including those necessary for understanding
social justice perspectives, analyzing behavioral interactions related to diversity,
oppression, and other areas pertinent to social work practice. In addition these skills will
be applied in analyzing ethical dilemmas, and for evaluating research on programs and
individuals in social work practice.
4) Development of social work generalist practice including: observational skills, oral and
written communication skills, computer skills, and research skills.
5) Integration of Social Work Values and Ethics, including: working to promote the values
of the profession in all areas of the research process by applying ethical standards to
analysis of human subjects and other research areas relevant to social work practice.
6) Understanding of unique circumstances of special populations, especially those relevant
to this region. Students will learn to consider important risk factors and their influence on
the research process, and the impact of social and economic injustice on conducting
ethical research.
7) Development of personal characteristics necessary for professionalism with social work,
including self-awareness, understanding of own belief systems, and willingness to
engage in growth opportunities.
V. ACADEMIC HONESTY
University Regulation 802, Revision 3 (2006), prohibits any form of academic dishonesty. An
act is academically dishonest when it is an act attempted or performed which misrepresents
one's involvement in an academic task in any way, or permits another student to misrepresent
the latter's involvement in an academic task by assisting in the misrepresentation.
IV. NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
A campus environment characterized by diversity, free inquiry, free expression, and balanced
by interpersonal civility has always been, and continues to be, a top priority of the University of
Wyoming. Civil discourse is an essential aspect of the search for and transmission of
knowledge. Words and actions that promote and encourage self-worth, respect, and dignity are
consistent with the University's mission. Conversely, words or actions that reflect prejudice,
Course Syllabi are property of the Division and approved by the Division Council and changes must be reviewed by the
DOSW Curriculum Committee.
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SOWK 4560, Section 50
Social Work Research Methods
Dr. Kenneth Heinlein
stereotypes, and discrimination are antithetical to the mission of the University and cannot be
countenanced. Specifically, racist and other discriminatory or harassing conduct based on
gender, color, disability, sexual orientation, religious preference, national origin, ancestry, or age
impair and disrupt legitimate University functions. Every effort, within the context and protection
of First Amendment rights, will be expended to eliminate such conduct from the campus
community. Teaching our students to live productively in a multicultural/multiethnic society is a
process that must take place within a constructive and harmonious multicultural/multiethnic
environment here at the University of Wyoming. It is the obligation of the faculty, staff, students,
and the administration of the University of Wyoming to provide this environment.
VII. COURSE REQUIREMENTS
A. Instructional methods and expectations for students
Methods of course instruction may include case discussions, peer consultation, small group
work, readings, lectures, class exercises, guest speakers, viewing videos, attending community
activities, computer work, research, on-line work, and interviews. Students must practice
working within the value system of the social work profession. This includes being sensitive to
oppression, diversity, and risk factors. Students will be encouraged to share their own
perspectives, but will also be encouraged to mature in their professional roles, by engaging in
self examination and by responding to the feedback provided by others. Likewise, the instructor
must also engage in self examination and reflective listening.
Students are expected to examine themselves (being self-reflective) as they do the reading and
assignments throughout the semester. Students must come prepared for each class, having
read the materials assigned for that class period, plus doing all written work assigned.
Paramount as a process in this class, students will be expected to provide positive regard and
respect for the ideas of everyone in the class. When guests are presenting, the student
audience will be respectful in their questions and responses.
Class Attendance Policy -Each student is expected to attend all classes. Students should
come to class having read the materials assigned for the day and be prepared to participate and
contribute to the learning environment. Each student should be able to ask questions about the
material and generate class discussion throughout the semester.
Attendance will be taken. Only university excused absences (University Regulation 713) will be
accepted for the opportunity to make-up work. University excused absences allow the student
the opportunity to make up the time and material that was missed during their absence. It is the
student’s responsibility to provide the appropriate documentation regarding university excused
absences by coordinating with the Dean of Students Office at dos@uwyo.edu or 307-766-3296.
Students are responsible for the material covered in class in the event that a class is missed.
Please note that instructors may or may not provide notes or PowerPoint presentations (at times
uploaded to e-companion) to students and it is advised that you arrange with another student to
get notes/content covered in class in the event you miss class.
Communication Policy - Students are required to use and check their University of Wyoming
email regularly. Any communication from the instructor will be delivered using UW email
Course Syllabi are property of the Division and approved by the Division Council and changes must be reviewed by the
DOSW Curriculum Committee.
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SOWK 4560, Section 50
Social Work Research Methods
Dr. Kenneth Heinlein
account addresses only. Instructor can be reached by office phone, UW email and/or in the
office during office hours. Please do not call the instructor’s home/cell phone.
Computer needs for your program - Computers are a necessity of college life. Students need
to have access to computers that interface with the University. The Division requires students
to provide assignments using Microsoft Office software, e.g. Word, etc. In addition, UW’s Coe
Library is an excellent resource for students and is accessible via internet. Students access the
library via their computers from their homes, at work, or any other location one may be at. All
faculty now use WyoWeb’s e-Companion as a support component to classes. You must be
able to access e-Companion throughout the semester. We communicate regularly via email
with students, updating them on events, scheduling information, and the activities of student
organizations. The university does have computer labs available for students; one computer lab
is located in the Health Sciences building and accessible to students. The Division has a
number of station computers that are available in the Social Work Library. The Library can be
accessed with a door code that can be provided by Division support staff.
Electronic Devices Policy - Cell phones, including texting, Blackberries, pagers, I-Pods, MP3
players or any other electronic distracting device should not be used during class time. If you
need to remain connected to a phone for on-call purposes, please move to a vibration mode.
Students who choose to use these devices in class will be asked to leave class and may not
receive participation credit for that class session.
General Policies on Assignments – Instructors are committed to providing solid learning
opportunities and creating assignments that will not only demonstrate competency of learning
objects, but are also give students a clear, challenging, and focused learning experience for
student success. You are encouraged and expected to work with the instructor on any
assignment. If you are unsure about an assignment, please ask for assistance, support, or
further clarification. The time to meet with the instructor about an assignment is early in the
semester and not after a poor grade is received. In an attempt to help students be successful,
instructors strive to have clear polices and assignment instructions. These are as follows:
1. All work completed by students, whether in class assignments or formal assignments,
must be the student’s own work. Faculty will check papers from electronic sites to
assure that student’s have not taken work off the internet or directly from text books. As
indicated above, students must adhere to academic policies of dishonesty and
misconduct.
2. Unless otherwise specified, all assignments are to be submitted to the correct eCompanion dropbox no later than Noon on the due date. Instructors have access to the
time/date “stamp” in e-Companion as the official receipt of student’s assignments.
3. It is the student’s responsibility to exercise attention to detail and submit the correct,
finalized assignment to the correct e-Companion dropbox by the due date and time to
receive full credit. The instructor will grade what is submitted and s/he does not allow for
re-writes or “do-over’s.”
4. Emailed assignments will not be accepted unless otherwise indicated by the instructor.
5. Students will receive a penalty if assignments are submitted after the due dates. A 5%
penalty if the assignment is turned in after Noon on the due date; 10% penalty per day
after that. Assignments received more than five days after the due date will receive a “0.”
Course Syllabi are property of the Division and approved by the Division Council and changes must be reviewed by the
DOSW Curriculum Committee.
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SOWK 4560, Section 50
Social Work Research Methods
Dr. Kenneth Heinlein
6. Students may request extensions due to urgent personal circumstances only.
Extensions may be granted, at the instructor’s discretion, and a firm due date will then
be established only when the student has:
a) Contacted the instructor with the request prior to the assignment due date.
b) Provided an indication of urgent need and possible documentation.
c) Received confirmation of approval back from the instructor.
(In other words, just asking via email or notifying the instructor you want an extension is
not a guarantee that you will be granted the extension.)
7. Students who determine they need additional time in order to complete assignments due
to a disability must work with the Student Educational Opportunities Office. Extensions
based on disabilities will be given in conjunction with this office.
8. All written work must be professional, well written and conform to American
Psychological Association Publication Manual (APA), 6th edition format. Papers must be
typed using 12-point font and double spaced and must have a cover page and a
reference page. Papers will be graded on compliance with APA format as well as for
content, clarity, grammar, syntax and spelling. Students are encouraged to consult
apa.org if they need help or use the University’s writing center at the Ellbogen Teaching
and Learning Center. APA addresses manuscript preparation, references and other
issues related to grammar and writing style.
B. Texts and Readings
Required: (Course instructor selects textbook(s) from the required list below; other possible
course texts must be reviewed by faculty prior to use)
Drake, B. & Jonson-Reid, M. (2008). Social work research methods: From
conceptualization to dissemination. Boston: Pearson/Allyn & Bacon. ISBN-10:
0205460976/ISBN-13: 978-0205460977
Neuman, W. L. (2003). Basics of social research: Qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon. ISBN 0-205-35578-1
Thyer, B. A. & Myers, L. L. (2007). A social worker’s guide to evaluating practice outcomes.
Alexandria, VA: Council on Social Work Education, Inc. ISBN-10: 0872931269/ISBN-13:
978-0872931268
Students will study and review the following link on documenting sources in APA (American
Psychological Association) format: http://www.dianahacker.com/resdoc/p04_c09_o.html
This source includes information on how to cite sources in-text, using a reference list,
and the format used for submitting a professional research paper. It includes a sample
paper for your review.
C. Assignments/Methods of Evaluation
Multiple methods of evaluating your progress in this course will be used.
Assignment #1 Tests: There will be three tests administered throughout the semester (30 pts
for each test). The material covered on the tests will be mainly from the readings, handouts,
lectures, on-line material, and class assignments. Tests 2 and 3 are not comprehensive; they
will cover material from the last test. The tests are mostly recognition questions to assess your
Course Syllabi are property of the Division and approved by the Division Council and changes must be reviewed by the
DOSW Curriculum Committee.
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SOWK 4560, Section 50
Social Work Research Methods
Dr. Kenneth Heinlein
basic knowledge of research thinking and design. Students are responsible for obtaining and
studying all the materials in assigned readings and material covered in class. Tests will address
your knowledge in the core competencies.
Assignment #2 **On-Line Assignments: There will be 5 separate reflective assignments (10
pts for each assignment) posted in e-companion throughout the semester. You are expected to
submit your reflections electronically within a particular time period noted in the directions of
each assignment. Late reflections will not be given credit, nor will careless responses that lack
critical thought. On-Line Assignments will be reflective and/or application oriented addressing
your skills and ability to practice core research concepts.
Assignment #3 Proposal and Presentation: This project integrates the material learned in
class by applying it to a research project. The assignment will take time to complete throughout
the semester. It is not a project a person can do in one sitting. The project will be completed in
a group of two or three students (your own choosing). If you choose to work in a group, it is
your responsibility to partition the work among your members equitably. The final assignment,
a proposal, will be submitted together for one grade. If you work in a group, you will also
evaluate your group members and 25% of the grade will include the group member’s
evaluation of your input. Details on this assignment are forthcoming. This assignment will be
graded based on the quality of the integration of material covered in class, the quality of writing
style, and a short presentation covering the topic and your reflections (10 minutes). Your
proposal will demonstrate your competencies in this course by designing a research project. It
is highly advised that students submit a draft proposal paper for review prior to
submission of the final draft. This draft submission will be accepted no later than
October 30, 2009.
Assignment # 4 Data Collection Assignment (UW Alcohol Environmental Scan): This
project will be a data collection assignment that will be used by the University of Wyoming
Counseling Center staff and the Wyoming Survey and Analysis Center as a method of
understanding students’ perceptions of alcohol cues in the environment that may affect the
community’s overall alcohol consumption. Ms. Lena Edmunds and Dr. Rodney Wambeam are
investigators in the project and will come to class to present the project and teach you how to
collect data. You are required to submit your work to both Ms. Edmunds and me to receive
credit for the assignment. Additionally, you will provide a short critical reflection paper on what
you have learned about collecting data and conducting research.
D. Grading System and Due Dates
Total Points
50
Assignment
Date
5 On-Line Assignments
Due throughout the semester. Ecompanion will have these assignments
posted and an email sent to your UW
email account prior to the due date. It is
your responsibility to check ecompanion weekly to be aware of these
assignments and due dates
Course Syllabi are property of the Division and approved by the Division Council and changes must be reviewed by the
DOSW Curriculum Committee.
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SOWK 4560, Section 50
Social Work Research Methods
Dr. Kenneth Heinlein
90
3 In-Class Tests
9/24, 10/29, 12/8
120
Proposal Due
12/1 (25% of this grade is a peer
evaluation—draft due for review no later
than October 30th in e-companion)
40
20
Alcohol Scan Data
Collection Assignment
Attendance, Class
Participation, and SelfEvaluation at the End of
the Semester
11/3
Self-Evaluation: Completed on day of
the final; Instructor evaluates the quality
of attendance and class participation
Final Grade in Points
A
288-320
B
256-287
C
224-255
D
192-223
F
191 or below
IMPORTANT NOTE: ATTENDANCE WILL BE TAKEN AND IF YOU ARE MISSING FOR
MORE THAN 4 CLASS SESSIONS, YOUR FINAL GRADE WILL BE PENALIZED AT LEAST
ONE LETTER GRADE.
**Special Note: On-line Assignments Must Be Submitted in E-companion by the Due Date
Indicated for Each Assignment or no credit is given for these assignments.
Course Syllabi are property of the Division and approved by the Division Council and changes must be reviewed by the
DOSW Curriculum Committee.
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SOWK 4560, Section 50
Social Work Research Methods
Dr. Kenneth Heinlein
E. Connecting Course Competencies and Objectives to Course Materials and
Assignments
Connecting Course Competencies and Objectives to Course Materials and
Assignments
Competency
2.1.2 pb7-10
2.1.3 pb11-13
2.1.5 pb20-22
2.1.6 pb23-24
2.1.7 pb25-27
2.1.10 pb3245
Demonstration
Classroom activity, research
proposal and presentation,
On-line activity, and exam
Classroom activity, research
proposal, On-line activity,
and exam
Classroom activity, research
proposal, On-line activity,
and exam
Classroom activity, research
proposal, On-line activity,
and exam
Classroom activity, research
proposal, On-line activity,
and exam
Classroom activity, research
proposal, On-line activity,
and exam
Objectives
1, 5
Demonstration
Written Proposal, Presentation,
Exam
1. 3, 6, 7
Written Proposal, Presentation,
Exam, On-Line Assignments,
and Data Collection
Written Proposal, Presentation,
Exam, On-Line Assignments,
and Data Collection
Written Proposal, Presentation,
On-Line Learning and Data
Collection
Written Proposal Integrating
Theoretical Concepts
3, 5, 6
1, 2, 3, 6
3, 6
1, 2, 3, 4,
5, 6, 7
In Class Assignments, On-Line
Assignments, and Written
Proposal and Presentation
Course Syllabi are property of the Division and approved by the Division Council and changes must be reviewed by the
DOSW Curriculum Committee.
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SOWK 4560, Section 50
Social Work Research Methods
Dr. Kenneth Heinlein
F.
Competency Assessment Student Portfolios
The Division will be using a BSW Competency Assessment Student Portfolios (BSWCASP) as the primary student learning assessment procedure. The BSW-CASP has been
conceptualized as a tool that students use throughout their BSW educational experience, and,
thus, has the potential to organize a wide range of course work and field materials that can
serve to demonstrate a student’s ability to have “met competence” in each of the practice
behaviors that have been identified for the BSW core competency curriculum.
Beginning with SOWK 3630, the first BSW major course, BSW students are responsible
for building their own BSW Competency Assessment Student Portfolio, their own BSW-CASP
that contains materials and course work accomplished in the course that can provide evidence
of growing “practice behavior” competence in their journey to becoming a social worker.
The first assessment of the BSW-CASP will occur at the end of the junior year, using a
BSW-CASP Assessment #1 form. This assessment meeting will give the student the opportunity
to talk with their advisor about their progress as a BSW student and can aid the student to focus
on areas for greater competency development in line with their second year undergraduate
curriculum which includes their field practicum experience. This assessment meeting must be
accomplished by the last day of finals and students will be dropped from senior year fall courses
if they did not complete their first assessment.
The second BSW-CASP assessment will occur at the end of the second field practicum
semester. Three people will be asked to be a part of the BSW-CASP assessment: the student’s
field supervisor, the student’s field liaison (who often will be the student’s advisor), and one
BSW student who is selected by the student. The BSW-CASP Assessment Final Form #2 will
be used. All signed assessment forms are retained by the Division, copies are provided to the
student for their Portfolios.
Information contained in the Assessment Forms #1 and #2 will be aggregated for the
Division to examine the following:
o
The percentage of students who “met competence” in the practice behaviors
o
The percentage of students who “exceeded beyond initial competence” in the
practice behavior
o
The percentage of students who “did not meet competence” in the practice
behavior.
Course Syllabi are property of the Division and approved by the Division Council and changes must be reviewed by the
DOSW Curriculum Committee.
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Dr. Kenneth Heinlein
G. WEEKLY CALENDAR: Tentative Course Outline
Dates
Topic(s)
Readings/Assignments
8/25 & 8/27
Class Introductions and Learning Chapter 1
About Scientific Inquiry and
Evidence Based Practice
9/1 & 9/3
How Theory and Research Help
Assigned Reading: Science, Social Work,
Us Understand Human Behavior
Prevention Article available through ecompanion
9/8 & 9/10
Research and Practice: The
bidirectional role in Social Work
9/15 & 9/17
9/22 &9/24
Values and Ethics
9/29 & 10/1
10/6 & 10/8
10/13 & 10/15
10/20 & 10/22
10/27 & 10/29
11/3 & 11/5
11/10 & 11/12
11/17 & 11/19
11/24
11/26
12/1 & 12/3
12/8--Tuesday
10:15am12:15pm
Test 1 (9/24)
Specification: Populations,
Samples, and Types of Variables
Design in Quantitative Research
Measurement in Quantitative
Research
Qualitative Research
Test 2 (10/29)
Multi-Subject Research/Program
Evaluation
Alcohol Scan Data Assignment
Due
Small System Research/Design
Types of Research Designs
Types of Research Designs
Thanksgiving Break
Short Proposal Due and
Presentations
Test 3 and Wrap-up
Assigned Reading:
Implementation Research Article available
through e-companion
Chapter 2
Test 1 (9/24)
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Test 2 (10/29) All material since Test 1
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Proposal Due and Presentations
All material since Test 2
Course Syllabi are property of the Division and approved by the Division Council and changes must be reviewed by the
DOSW Curriculum Committee.
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SOWK 4560, Section 50
Social Work Research Methods
Dr. Kenneth Heinlein
H. Selected Readings
Bhattacharyya, O., Reeves, S., & Zwarenstein, M. (2009). What is implementation research?
Rationale, concepts, and practices. Research on Social Work Practice, 19(5), 491-502.
Bradshaw, W. (2003). Use of single system research to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitivebehavioral treatment of schizophrenia. British Journal of Social Work, 33, 885-899.
Creswell, J. W. (2003). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods
approaches (2nd ed.). Sage: Thousand Oaks, CA.
Donaldson. S. I., Christie, C. A., Mark, M. M. (Eds.). (2009). What counts as credible evidence
in applied research and evaluation practice? Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Drake, B., & Jonson-Reid, M. (2008). Social work research methods: From conceptualization to
dissemination. Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.
Dudley, J. R. (2009). Social work evaluation: Enhancing what we do. Chicago; Lyceum Books.
Meltzoff, J. (2001). Critical thinking about research: Psychology and related fields. American
Psychological Association: Washington, DC.
Miles, M. B. & Huberman, A.M. (1994). Qualitative data analysis. Sage, London.
Neuman, W. L. (2003). Basics of social research: Qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon. ISBN is 0-205-35578-1
Royce, D., Thyer, B., & Padgett, D. K. (2010). Program evaluation: An introduction (5th ed.).
Wadsworth: Belmont, CA.
Strahan, M. (2009). APA reference style guide. Retrieved from
http://library.nmu.edu/guides/userguides/style_apa.htm#onlineref .
Thyer, B. A. & Myers, L. L. (2007). A social worker’s guide to evaluating practice outcomes.
Alexandria, VA: Council on Social Work Education, Inc.
Course Syllabi are property of the Division and approved by the Division Council and changes must be reviewed by the
DOSW Curriculum Committee.
Page 13