Chapter 1: Science, Society, and Social Work Research

Reasoning About the Social World Was Burt typical of the homeless? What is it like being homeless? Why do people become homeless? How do homeless people adapt to temporary shelter? What programs are effective in ending homelessness? Engel and Schutt, The Practice of Research in Social Work. © 2016, SAGE Publications.

Reasoning About the Social World Our decisions are driven by: Personal Biases Previous Experiences Differing Expectations Cultural Background Engel and Schutt, The Practice of Research in Social Work. © 2016, SAGE Publications.

Example: “People of color were more likely than White people to see the absence of good jobs as a key cause [of homelessness].” Engel and Schutt, The Practice of Research in Social Work. © 2016, SAGE Publications.

Errors in Reasoning: Indoor/Outdoor Cats Selective/inaccurate observation: She observed the cats at the outside door only once. Overgeneralization: She observed only two cats, both of which previously were confined indoors. Illogical Reasoning: She assumed that others feel guilty about keeping their cats indoors and that cats are motivated by emotions. Engel and Schutt, The Practice of Research in Social Work. © 2016, SAGE Publications.

Errors in Reasoning: Indoor/Outdoor Cats Resistance to Change: She was quick to conclude that she had no need to change her approach to the cats. Adherence to Authority: She is looking to the ‘expert’ to support her conclusion. Engel and Schutt, The Practice of Research in Social Work. © 2016, SAGE Publications.

Everyday Errors in Reasoning #1: Selective and Inaccurate Observation Selective Observation: Only seeing what you want to see Being blind to information or data that doesn’t advance your argument Inaccurate Observation: Incorrectly assessing an individual or situation that leads us to false conclusions Engel and Schutt, The Practice of Research in Social Work. © 2016, SAGE Publications.

Everyday Errors in Reasoning #2 & #3: Overgeneralization and Illogical Reasoning Extrapolating from a specific instance to every instance without proper justification Illogical Reasoning Reaching a conclusion that was built on false assumptions or incorrect information Engel and Schutt, The Practice of Research in Social Work. © 2016, SAGE Publications.

Everyday Errors in Reasoning #4 & #5: Resistance to Change and Adherence to Authority Reluctance to change when presented with new information May occur because of: Ego-based Commitments Excessive Devotion to Tradition Adherence to Authority: Accepting authority as opposed to thinking critically about their ideas Engel and Schutt, The Practice of Research in Social Work. © 2016, SAGE Publications.

The Social Scientific Approach Scientific research is designed to avoid these ‘every day errors’ This approach can be used to investigate: Treatment effectiveness Social conditions Organizational behavior Social welfare Engel and Schutt, The Practice of Research in Social Work. © 2016, SAGE Publications.

Definition: Social Science “The use of scientific methods to investigate individuals, groups, communities, organizations, societies, and social processes; the knowledge produced by these.” Engel and Schutt, The Practice of Research in Social Work. © 2016, SAGE Publications.

Social Work & the Social World Social work responds to negative conditions present in our social world. Through scientific investigation, we can understand the causes of social problems and implement better interventions. Engel and Schutt, The Practice of Research in Social Work. © 2016, SAGE Publications.

Social Work & the Social World Intervention models can be tested as well. Social workers can learn what models are most effective. Research allows us to understand real people and not rely on stereotypes. Engel and Schutt, The Practice of Research in Social Work. © 2016, SAGE Publications.

Research in the News: Why Did NYC’s Homeless Population Increase? Engel and Schutt, The Practice of Research in Social Work. © 2016, SAGE Publications.

Social Work Research and Evidence-Based Practice Evidence-Based Practice includes: Best Current Research Evidence Client Values Client Circumstances Clinical Expertise Engel and Schutt, The Practice of Research in Social Work. © 2016, SAGE Publications.

Social Work Research and Evidence-Based Practice EBP Decision Making Process: Convert need for information into an answerable question. Locate the best clinical evidence to answer question. Critically evaluate the research evidence. Combine critique with clinical expertise with client values and circumstances. Evaluate effectiveness in decision-making process to improve future use. Engel and Schutt, The Practice of Research in Social Work. © 2016, SAGE Publications.

Social Work Research and Evidence-Based Practice Barriers to EBP Implementation: Inadequate Agency Resources Inadequate Research Skills Restrictive Agency Guidelines Attitudes towards Research Inadequate Supervision Engel and Schutt, The Practice of Research in Social Work. © 2016, SAGE Publications.

Social Work Research in Practice Descriptive Research Gathering the facts Ex: Who are the homeless? Exploratory Research Understanding a social phenomenon Ex: How do the homeless adapt to shelter life? Engel and Schutt, The Practice of Research in Social Work. © 2016, SAGE Publications.

Social Work Research in Practice Explanatory Research Identify relationships between phenomenon Ex: What community-level factors cause homelessness? Evaluation Research Outcome assessment to improve interventions Ex: Should housing or treatment come first? Engel and Schutt, The Practice of Research in Social Work. © 2016, SAGE Publications.

Alternative Research Orientation Quantitative and/or Qualitative Positivist or Constructivist Researcher or Participatory Centered Engel and Schutt, The Practice of Research in Social Work. © 2016, SAGE Publications.

Social Work Research in a Diverse Society Cultural norms impact the research process: Identifying participants Ascribing meaning to abstract terms and constructs Collecting data Interpreting findings Engel and Schutt, The Practice of Research in Social Work. © 2016, SAGE Publications.