What You Need to Know
Research Methods and Designs
The following resources will familiarize you with the characteristics of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research.
In Research Methods for Social Workers, read:
Chapter 5, Quantitative Research, pages 100125.
Chapter 6, Qualitative Research, pages 126?145.
The Research Continuum: This interactive media displays types of data across the spectrum of qualitative and quantitative methods.
The Value and Application of Mixed-Methods Research: This video clarifies when and how mixed-methods approaches can be used.
The following reading is an in-depth exploration of group experimental and single-subject designs, both common study designs in social work.
In The Practice of Research in Social Work, read:
Chapter 7, Group Experimental Design, pages 156?186.
Chapter 8, Single-Subject Design, pages 187218.
Interactive Learning Module: Qualitative and Quantitative Research Approaches
Complete the Qualitative and Quantitative Research Approaches activity to check your understanding of the differences between these two methods of research.
LAUNCH INTERACTIVE MODULE
Prepare: Webinar 2
Webinar 2: Focusing a Research Study
Check the courseroom Announcements for the time and connection details for Webinar 2: Focusing a Research Study. The purpose of this weeks webinar is to help you find a productive focus for your research study. We will walk through the basic framework common to all studies and look at relevant examples. Come with questions!
You may review the Webinar 2: Focusing a Research Study [PPT] file for an overview of what will be discussed.
WRITE YOUR DISCUSSION POST
Applying Qualitative Methods to Program Evaluation
For this discussion, critique this article, which uses a qualitative program evaluation model:
Webber, K. C. (2018). A qualitative study of school social workers roles and challenges in dropout prevention. Children & Schools, 40(2), 8290.
What are the strengths of the design?
What are weaknesses or limitations to the methodology, analysis, and conclusions drawn from the data?
How would you recommend strengthening the design?
Apply concepts of qualitative research to the program evaluation design that you started in the previous discussion posts based on a previous or current work, internship, or volunteer experience.
How would you collect qualitative data and analyze it?
Note that your post should be substantive and be 500750 words. It should be well-organized and proofread.
Response Guidelines
Respond to one other learner with feedback on their ideas and additional questions to explore when appropriate.
Make your post by Thursday of this week. Respond to at least one other learner by Sunday.
Resources
Discussion Participation Scoring Guide.
