York University
Faculty of Liberal & Professional Studies
School of Social Work
Foundations of Social Work Research
AP/SOWK 3070 3.00 A
Cat # X12K01
Fall 2013
Thur 2.30-5.30 p.m.
Instructor: Marina Morgenshtern
Telephone: (289) 234 0471
Email: marmorg@rogers.com
Office Hours: by appointment
Calendar Description
This course introduces students to the basics of social work research. The course examines various research
approaches, research designs relevant to social work. Translation of social work issues into researchable
questions and designs will be discussed. Prerequisite or co-requisite for post-degree BSW Honours majors:
AK/SOWK 2030 6.00. Prerequisites for direct entry BSW Honours majors: 30 credits in non-social work
courses; AK/SOWK 1010 6.00, AK/SOWK 2030 6.00 and AK/SOWK 2050 6.00. Corequisites for direct entry
BSW Honours majors: AK/SOWK 3041 3.00, AK/SOWK 3060 6.00 and AK/SOWK 3110 3.00. Course credit
exclusion: None.
Course Description
Research plays a critical role in social work and social welfare in that we draw on empirical knowledge and
employ research methods to inform our interventions at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. We also utilize
various research methods to evaluate interventions at each of these levels. As professional social workers, it is
essential we understand existing studies, possess competencies in applied research, and be critical consumers of
research. This course builds on your existing knowledge of various types and forms of research.
In this course, we will
1. Consider the value and role of research in social work and social welfare, with particular reference to antioppressive practice and diversity as frames of reference.
2. Consider the methods and techniques used in various research approaches and the criteria for ensuring
research quality.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, you will

Understand what is research in social work;

Understand the research process, including concrete tasks (e.g., sampling, data collection) and relational
considerations (e.g., ethics, power, collaboration);

Become familiar with quantitative and qualitative research and will learn to appreciate the strengths and
limitations of these research methods.
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Required Texts
 Rubin, A., and Babbie, E. (2013). Essential research methods for social work. 3rd edition. Brooks/Cole,
Cengage
Additional readings may be assigned or recommended during the course.
Course Evaluation
Practice Quizzes – 8% each (total of 40%)
The purpose of this assignment is for students to apply their learning and practice their understanding of the
course material. The quizzes are helpful in preparation to the final exam.
Students will answer questions posted on the course blackboard and submit each quiz before or on the due
date before the beginning of the class.
The students will submit their quizzes on the course website using the corresponding Assignments tab function
and sent as attachment. This will ensure that the formatting remains intact. If you have a problem submitting
your quiz on the course website, email it to me. In this case, please clearly identify your name, course number
and quiz number.
Quiz 1
Quiz 2
Quiz 3
Quiz 4
Quiz 5
Due Date
October 3
October 17
November 7
November 21
November 28
Group Presentation of a Research Concept – 15%
Working in small groups, choose one research concept introduced during the course. Create a piece of poetry,
song, artwork/collage, performance, video, cartoon or other form of creative expression to present this concept
to the class. Examples of such work by other students will be reviewed during the class. At the end of the
course, please e-mail it to the instructor (one submission per group). Do not forget identify names of all
members of the group in the file name. You will present your work on the last class. This assignment is due
November 28, 2013.
Final Exam - 45%
Further details on the exam – TBA (check course website).
It is student’s responsibility to make necessary arrangements to attend the class on this date. However, students
who have experienced a misfortune or who are too ill to attend an examination in an Atkinson course should not
attempt to do so; they must pursue deferred standing.
The exam is a multiple choice and True/False questions exam and will assess the skills and knowledge of the
course material. This exam format fully resembles the format of quizzes.
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TENTATIVE CLASS SCHEDULE & READINGS
Date
Topic
Course overview
September 12
What is Social Work Research?
Chapters 1 & 2
September 19
How do we know what we know?
Evidence-Based Practice
September 26
Ethical and Relational Issues in Social
Work Research
Chapters 16 & 17
Guest Speaker – Janet Balfour
October 3
Factors Influencing the Research
Process & Different Research Methods
Chapter 3 & 4
Quiz 1 is due (Chapters 1, 2, 16, 17)
Research Design: Literature Review
and Research Conceptualization
Chapter 5 & 6
October 10
Research Design: Measurement and
Data Collection
Chapter 7 & 8
October 17
Quiz 2 is due (Chapters 3-6)
October 24
Research Design: Sampling Strategies
Co-Curricular Day – No Class
October 31
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Chapter 10
November 7
Quantitative Research Design: Survey
Chapter 9
Find an example of a Social Work research study
that uses a survey design, review it and be ready to
present it in class (short summary)
Quiz 3 is due (Chapters 7, 8, 10)
November 14
Chapter 11
Quantitative Research Designs:
Experiments
Find an example of a Social Work research study
that uses one of the experimental/quasiexperimental designs, review it and be ready to
present it in class (short summary)
November 21
Chapter 14
Qualitative Research Designs
Find an example of a Social Work qualitative
research study, review it and be ready to present it
in class (short summary)
Quiz 4 is due (Chapters 9 & 11)
November 28
Example of a Qualitative Study
Quiz 5 is due (Chapter 14)
Guest Speaker - TBA
December 5
Student Presentations and Course
Wrap-Up
List of Relevant Journals
Social Work Research
Research on Social Work Practice
Journal of Social Work Research and Evaluation
Journal of Social Service Research
Qualitative Inquiry
International Journal of Qualitative Methods
The Qualitative Report (available electronically at
http://www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/)
Qualitative Research
Academic Policies
Late Assignments
Assignments must be in on the due date. A 2% point reduction will be applied each day after the due date.
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Assignments should be submitted electronically on the course website. Students requesting an extension of an
assignment deadline must either discuss any issues with the Instructor and/or fill in the Assignment Deferred
Standing Agreement prior to the due date.
Academic Integrity - Plagiarism
One of the most important aspects of academic integrity in the completion of class assignments is to avoid
plagiarism. Plagiarism is representing someone else’s ideas or words as your own.
This includes:

Presenting someone else’s ideas or conclusions as your own without acknowledging their work
by referencing the source.

Presenting someone else’s words (writing) as if it were your own by not placing quotes around
the borrowed wording and/or by not referencing the source.

Presenting all or part of someone else’s published work as if it were your own.
In order to avoid plagiarism you must acknowledge the original source whenever you use:

someone else’s idea, theory or opinion

reproduction of tables, graphs or any other graphic element produced by someone else
facts and figures that are not generally known

an unusual or distinctive phrase, a specialized term, quantitative data

a paraphrase or quote of someone else’s spoken or written words, in which case you must put
quotes around the material, since citing the source is not sufficient acknowledgment
Note: the warning against using the words of an author without quotation marks does not mean that your
paper can be a series of quotes. You must be familiar enough with the material that you can put forward
your argument in your own words. For that reason you will be limited to three quotes in one paper from
any one author.
For information on academic honesty regarding plagiarism and other forms of cheating you can access
Senate policies at
www.yorku.ca/secretariat/legislation/senate/acadhone.htm
There is also a helpful Academic Integrity Tutorial available for students at
www.yorku.ca/tutorial/academic_integrity/
Students are expected to familiarize themselves with the following information, available on the Senate
Committee on Curriculum & Academic Standards webpage (see Reports, Initiatives, Documents) –
http://www.yorku.ca/secretariat/senate_cte_main_pages/ccas.htm




York’s Academic Honesty & Procedures/Academic Integrity Website
Course requirement accommodation for students with disabilities, including physical, medical,
systemic, learning and psychiatric disabilities
Student Conduct Standards
Religious Observance Accommodation
(If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions please do not hesitate to discuss them with me. The
course should be practical, interesting and fun.)
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Culture of Respect
Consistent with the mission, policies and services of the University, the School of Social Work promotes
a culture of respect for human diversity and collegiality among faculty, students and staff.
Class discussions are important and encouraged. These may address controversial issues for which there
may be a variety of opinions and personal positions. Students should observe their professional conduct
and respect for each other when undertaking such discussions and presenting arguments. An environment
of collegiality and respect should be maintained in all class interactions.
Accommodation Procedures
Atkinson students who have experienced a misfortune or who are too ill to attend an examination in an
Atkinson course should not attempt to do so; they must pursue deferred standing. Other students should
contact their home Faculty for information. For further information, please visit:
http://www.registrar.yorku.ca/services/ds_faq.htm
Religious Accommodation
York University is committed to respecting the religious beliefs and practices of all members of the
community, and making accommodations for observances of special significance to adherents.
For more information on religious accommodation, please visit:
https://w2prod.sis.yorku.ca/Apps/WebObjects/cdm.woa/wa/regobs
Academic Accommodation for Students with Disabilities (Senate Policy )
The nature and extent of accommodations shall be consistent with and supportive of the integrity of the
curriculum and of the academic standards of programs or courses.
Provided that students have given sufficient notice about their accommodation needs, instructors shall
take reasonable steps to accommodate these needs in a manner consistent with the guidelines established
hereunder. For more information please visit the Disabilities Services website at
http://www.yorku.ca/dshub/
Alternate Exams and Tests
York’s disabilities offices and the Registrar’s Office work in partnership to support alternate exam and
test accommodation services for students with disabilities at the Keele campus. For more information on
alternate exams and tests please visit http://www.yorku.ca/altexams/
Please alert the Course Director as soon as possible should you require special accommodations. For
questions relating to academic accommodations, please contact the Atkinson Counselling and Supervision
Centre: http://www.yorku.ca/atkcsc
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Foundations of Social Work Research
AK/SOWK 3070 3.0
Mid-Term Feedback of the Course
What aspects of the course are you finding most helpful to your individual learning project?
Is there some way(s) in which the course is NOT meeting your expectations? If so, what course
correctives would you recommend?
Are there other comments/recommendations you wish to share? I welcome them.
Thank you!
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