(SOCW 486) Social Research Methods and Applied Statistics

Course Outcomes

1. Understand basic principles of descriptive and inferential statistics and their application in social work and other social and behavioral sciences.
2. Understand how to interpret scholarly research writing that utilizes descriptive and basic inferential statistics and how to apply research findings to practice.
3. Learn the appropriate application of basic statistical tests such as the t-test, ANOVA, Correlation and Regression, and Chi-square in the evaluation of interventions, policies, and theories.
4. Learn how to construct and test research hypotheses.
5. Demonstrate the ability to apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice.
6. Understand that diverse populations may respond differently to particular conditions and that these variations need to be incorporated into research models;
7. Understand the limitations of generalizability and the caution of applying research findings across groups differing in gender, race, ethnicity, and social class;
8. Conduct review of literature and interpret research on issues related to poverty, social welfare, and social justice
9. Generate and test hypotheses and apply the findings to social work theory and practice;
10. Use the computer, statistical software, and basic statistics to perform univariate, bivariate, and simple multivariate analyses of quantitative data;
11. Begin a basic appreciation of PASW for Windows.
12. Engage in career-long learning. (PB5)
13. Use practice experience to inform scientific inquiry. (PB21)
14. Use research evidence to inform practice. (PB22)
15. Critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate interventions. (PB41)