SW 603 - Introduction to Social Welfare Research

Units: 4
The role of research in social work, the logic of research, the stages of underlying research process, various types of research designs, techniques of data collection and analysis, and strategies for evaluating service delivery in all areas of practice.

Prerequisites: M.S.W. major.
Possible Instructional Methods: Hybrid.
Grading: A-F grading only.
Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Describe and understand the basic process of scientific inquiry and research principles in relation to social work practice (PLO: Critical Thinking/Applying Theory to Practice).
Describe and understand the basic qualitative and quantitative research methodologies (PLO: Critical Thinking/Applying Theory to Practice).
Understand, critically evaluate, and utilize research to communicate and apply empirically based knowledge, including evidence-based interventions (PLO: Critical Thinking/Applying Theory to Practice).
Understand, critically evaluate, and utilize research to provide high quality services; to initiate change; to improve practice, policy, and social service delivery (PLOs: Advocacy; Critical Thinking/Applying Theory to Practice).
Describe and apply research designs used in social work research, especially to evaluate practice (PLO: Critical Thinking/Applying Theory to Practice).
Describe and apply basic qualitative and quantitative methods used in social work evaluation and research (PLO: Critical Thinking/Applying Theory to Practice).
Understand social work values and ethics in relation to conducting research (PLO: Values and Ethics).
Understand sensitive issues (accessibility, harm, etc.) related to research with diverse populations and populations-at-risk (PLO: Diversity).
Understand how research can be used to promote social and economic justice (PLO: Advocacy).
Articulate how independent decision-making skills, personal and ethical responsibilities, professional commitment and behavior, and commitment to learning are personal characteristics essential to the conduct of empirical research (PLOs: Communication, Values and Ethics, Professional Use of Self).