SIX REFERENCES ARE INCLUDED WITHIN SENING DOCUMENT. REFINE YOUR APPROACH TO THIS DOCUMENT, AS A CAUTIONARY. PLEASE EMPHASIS FROM MY SIX SCHOLARLY ARTICLES, THEN THE FOUR ONES AND A “LIVE AGENCY” TO INQUIRY PLEASE.
SOCIAL WORK 350 Research Methods
RESEARCH PAPER Guidelines
PART I: Problem Identification, Formulation of Research Questions & Hypothesis
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:
Problem Statement: Think about issues or problems that may lend themselves to research. Try to think of topics that meet the following criteria:
1) The problem is important to a given agency that you might be interested in;
2) The problem will improve the knowledge base for social work practice in that agency;
3) The problem will contribute to making a more effective research-based practice
Research question(s): Think about an important question/s based on the identified problem. Work on wording the question in a way that simply and clearly identifies the variables you are interested in studying.
Hypothesis: An hypothesis is a statement about a relationship between two or more variables that is likely to be true based on available evidence. It should be logically derived from the research question.
Written assignment (1-2 paragraphs):
1. Introduction on the topic you are interested in researching and description of the problem (referenced from other sources). Be sure and indicate why the research is important and how empirical research can contribute to the social work profession
2. Write one or two research questions based on the problem statement.
3. Specify one or two hypothesis that follow logically from the research question.
Next step: PART 2 – Literature Review
INITIAL PROPOSAL (Part II)
Framing Your Research Proposal
Problem Statement, Research Questions, Significance, Literature Review & Hypothesis
Write the following sections, double-spaced, using APA style. According to the 6th edition (p. 69), you MAY use first person in writing your paper. However, it should be used minimally. Use the headings as outlined below. Use full sentences and paragraphs when responding to each (a paragraph is usually 3-5 sentences not longer. One sentence is NOT a paragraph).
Introduction-Description of Problem (1-2 pages). Introduce the topic and then describe the problem (as referenced from other sources). Describe the purpose of your research and conclude with a clearly stated research question.
Significance (1/2 page). This section provides the rationale and justification for the research. For example: Who cares about the question? Are opinions divided? How important is it to have an answer to this question? What are the implications for practice/policy of various possible answers?
Review of Relevant Literature (4-5 pages). This review provides background information about your topic – it summarizes what is known about the subject and critically analyzes prior research on the topic. This review clarifies your understanding of the problem and provides a context for your proposed research. Remember to write in past tense.
Use at least 10 SCHOLARLY journal articles for your literature review, no
older than 5-7 years (and referenced correctly using APA style). Be sure and
include studies that deal with major concepts/variables that you will include in
your research. If you cannot find literature that is directly related to your topic, make indirect links that are logical and related.
Hypothesis. State the hypothesis to be tested, identifying independent and dependent variables AND how they will be measured (operationalized)
References (minimum of 10) in APA style.
FINAL PROPOSAL
Using the feedback and work from your Initial Proposal, develop your Final Proposal built upon the previous stages. Be sure and incorporate suggested improvements or revisions.
Use the headings as outlined below. Use full sentences and paragraphs when responding to each.
Introduction-Description of Problem (1-2 pages). Introduce the topic and then describe the problem (as referenced from other sources). Describe the purpose of
your research and conclude with a clearly stated research question.
Significance (1/2 page). This section provides the rationale and justification for the research. For example: Who cares about the question? Are opinions divided? How important is it to have an answer to this question? What are the implications for practice/policy of various possible answers?
Review of Relevant Literature (4-5 pages). This review provides background information about your topic – it summarizes what is known about the subject and critically analyzes prior research on the topic. This review clarifies your understanding of the problem and provides a context for your proposed research. Remember to write in past tense.
Use at least 10 SCHOLARLY journal articles for your literature review, no older than 5-7 years (and referenced correctly using APA style). Be sure and
include studies that deal with major concepts/variables that you will include in
your research. If you cannot find literature that is directly related to your topic, make indirect links that are logical and related.
Hypothesis. State the hypothesis to be tested, identifying independent and dependent variables AND how they will be measured (operationalized)
Methodology (1/2 – 1 page). Describe your research design and data collection
method.
Subheading – Sample (1/2 – 1 page). Specify your sample in terms of how it will be selected, type of sampling approach you will use, the criteria for inclusion/exclusion, and the proposed size of sample. Justify each of these decisions.
Subheading – Instrument (1/2 page) – Describe what instrument you will be using to measure your variables. If there is information on its validity and reliability, include that as well. Include a copy of the actual instrument in your Appendices.
Subheading – Time frame (1 paragraph) – Describe your time frame for collecting your data. Be realistic.
Conclusion/Summary (1-2 pages) – Summarize the key points of your study – what you hope to accomplish and benefits to be gained by this research. Discuss possible limitations in your study, such as response rate, sampling bias, respondent bias, or other administrative problems.
References – (minimum of 10 scholarly articles) in APA style, with “match” between in-text citations and References at end of paper.
Appendices (label the top of each Appendix as indicated below w/ letters of the alphabet)
Appendix A – Complete IRB form required for research on human subjects. These forms are found on the Graduate School website.
Appendix B Measurement Instrument (minimum of 15 questions). Provide a copy of the instrument to be used in your study to measure your variables. It’s BEST to find an instrument that someone has already developed But, if you have to develop your own survey, you should use at least 15 questions AND consider the levels of data you will be collecting (N.O.I.R.) Give thought to the physical appearance of the survey to maximize accuracy and ease in administration. Refer to information in your text and workbook in preparing the instrument. If you use a previously developed instrument, be sure and indicate the source.
