SW 3870 - Research Methods in Social Work

Provides undergraduate social work students with an understanding of research methods that social workers use to study effectiveness of their practice as well as build and expand knowledge for development and improvement of social work practice at all levels. Examines measurement instruments, sampling procedures, research designs, data collection methods, program evaluation, evaluation of practice with clients and groups, quantitative and qualitative research, ethical issues, and the writing of research reports.

Requisites: PSY 2110 and SW major and (Jr or Sr)
Credit Hours: 3
Repeat/Retake Information: May be retaken two times excluding withdrawals, but only last course taken counts.
Lecture/Lab Hours: 3.0 lecture
Grades: Eligible Grades: A-F,WP,WF,WN,FN,AU,I
Learning Outcomes:

Critically analyze published research articles.
Identify and describe the basic research terms and concepts.
Recognize the ethical responsibilities and dilemmas faced by social work researchers.
Understand how research designs may be developed to control for or minimize threats to internal and external validity.
Understand the basic research process from developing a statement of the problem through the writing of the final report.
Understand the differences between quantitative and qualitative approaches to research and understand the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Understand the necessity for a scientific, analytic approach to social work practice and research.
Understand the selective use of different research designs to answer varied research questions.

Ohio University

Ohio University

SW 3870 - Research Methods in Social Work