Course: SWRK 535. Social Work Research Methods I (3)
Prerequisites: Graduate standing; Acceptance to the MSW program. This foundation course introduces students to research methods useful for social work practice, enabling students to become critical consumers of science-based information. Students are exposed to social work research through the lens of intersectionality, power, and privilege to promote the well-being of individuals, families, and communities in urban settings.
Students participate in a range of social work research activities including: (a) the importance of research in practice decisions; (b) quantitative and qualitative research questions and appropriate designs; (c) review of literature with emphasis on published outcome studies and professional reports; (d) conceptualization and operationalization of variables; (e) measurement including use of standardized tools; (f) data collection strategies; (g) analysis of quantitative and qualitative data; and (h) establishing cause and effect. The students gain an understanding of how research can facilitate and inform practice decisions and on-going evaluation of one’s practice.