This course, the first of two social work research, introduces you the basic concepts and methods of scientific inquiry that you will be using in subsequent courses and research activities. The course covers the fundamentals of different types of research procedures, the essential terms and concepts, systematic literature review and research methodology designs. With this course as a foundation, you would hopefully be able to critically evaluate research literature in your field and plan a feasible research project.
This course will begin with an overview of research. Readings and assignments are planned to stimulate an analytic perspective toward social work knowledge and toward evaluation of social work practice. During the semester, you will be expected to read the assigned readings as the knowledge base. Using the framework, you will read and criticize original research and evaluation articles that address the issues of your area research of interest. You will also have the opportunity to reflect on the research process learned as prepare to conduct an original research investigation.