SW 440 - Introduction to Social Work Research

(3 units) CO9

Examines concepts, principles and methods of scientific inquiry, emphasizing qualitative and quantitative designs, assessment of practice and program effectiveness, and critical use of existing research.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the professional sequence.

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 3
Offered: Every Fall

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. identify and distinguish between major research designs and their applications.
2. compare the purposes, methodologies and strengths/limitations of qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method approaches.
3. articulate the key ethical issues encountered in research.
4. articulate how to adapt research strategies for different study populations.
5. identify the role of theory in shaping research questions and designs.
6. articulate how privilege and power influence the conceptualization, funding, “doing,” and use of research.
7. use scientific and other types of literature to analyze how social, political, legal, economic and technological factors contribute to societal problems and their solutions.
8. conduct reviews of scientific and other forms of evidence that inform social work practice, policies and programs.
9. use empirically based data to identify evidence-informed approaches to practice.

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