SWK 509

Fundamentals of Research

This course introduces and sensitizes students to critical methods of inquiry and evaluation related to social work practice. This course fosters an appreciation for the necessity to employ unbiased, valid, and systematic knowledge in social work practice. Students are expected to develop a critical understanding of how unsubstantiated and biased assumptions form the basis for misconceptions about the nature and needs of people. Students will learn about and demonstrate practice based research and research based practice. They will become competent evaluating their practice with individuals, families, groups, organization and communities. Students will understand that evidence that informs practice derives from multi-disciplinary sources and multiple ways of knowing. Students will demonstrate knowledge of qualitative and quantitative methods, logic, scientific inquiry, and culturally informed and ethical approaches to build knowledge and evaluate outcomes and practice effectiveness.

Units: 3.0