Assignment Instructions
SWK 490 - Practicum Seminar
BSW Field Semester Research Project Instructions
Preparation for Your Study
Refresh your understanding of what constitutes acceptable research.
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Barker's Social Work Dictionary (1999) defines research as "systematic procedures used in seeking facts or principles" (p.410).
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Review the steps in the research process (Covered in SOC 344-Methods of Social Research)
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Decide if you will conduct a research study or do a research report
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Review and use research terminology in your paper.
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Review and summarize one or two journal articles.
Examples of Acceptable Research Activities for Students
Learning Objective: Use placement experience to evaluate a program activity
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Conduct a workshop, job fair, parenting class, etc.
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Administer a satisfaction survey
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Analyze the data
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Prepare a written report of the findings and attach a reference page.
Learning Objective: Use placement experience to formulate a scientific inquiry_ (research study)
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Topic: Effects of bullying on high school students
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Problem statement: There have been weekly complaints of bullying in gym classes at the high schools served by my practicum agency.
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Research question: "What are the psychological effects of bullying on high school students?"
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Describe your research design and attach a reference page.
Learning Objective: Use current research to inform practice (research report)
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Topic: Bullying of high school students
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Problem statement: There have been weekly complaints of bullying in gym classes at the high schools served by my practicum agency.
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Research question: "In studies of bullying prevention and intervention in high schools with similar demographics, if one group of high schools had no specific policy on bullying, while a second group had established very strict disciplinary policies and a third group had instituted disciplinary policies and educational programs, do the findings show group differences in the incidence of bullying following application of the intervention?"
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Prepare a written report of the findings and attach a reference page. or this assignment.