Research Methods I: Introduction to Social Research

Catalog description

This course places significant emphasis on adherence to social work values and ethical standards in research and practice evaluation. It requires the students to ask themselves why be ethical in an effort to help the student realize that a personal moral code is the best defense against unacceptable and unethical conduct. The student is encouraged to ponder the question of ethics with guidance from social work values and guiding principles, as well as the NASW Code of Ethics. Students are presented with practical examples of ethical dilemmas and are required to address the situation using critical thinking skills, technical training, and social work values. This course aims to improve students' understanding of the place research plays and has played in social work practice. Using the Code of Ethics as a foundation for all research ventures, students will be taught the basic concepts of research question formation, psychometrics, and use of measurement instruments. The course will introduce key components of research, including research design, data collection, appropriate communication of research findings, and its relevance to the evaluation of practice, programs, and policies. The student must be active in the graduate Social Work plan in order to register for this course.