Course Syllabus

SOW 5404 Syllabus

Spring/2017

 

Instructor Contact

• Instructor: Kim Gryglewicz, PhD, MSW
• Office: HPA 1, Room 249
• Office Hours: Tuesday (1-3) and Wednesday (2-5), or by appointment
  
• Phone: 407-823-2954
• E-mail: kgryglew@ucf.edu

Course Information 

• Course Name: Social Work Research
• Course ID & Section: SOW 5404
• Credit Hours: 3
• Semester/Year: Spring/2017
• Location: Online

Course Description

Study of group research designs in social work; quantitative analyses; and related ethical issues.   

Course Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate an understanding of research as integral to evidence-based social work practice and to the expansion of our professional knowledge base. (PB 7, 11, 21, 22)

• Explain the function of research in micro, mezzo, and macro contexts. (PB 11, 27)

• Demonstrate an understanding of social work research as a scientific approach. (PB 11)

• Discuss the specific stages of the social work research process:  formulation of practice questions and hypotheses, sampling, data collection, data processing, interpretation of statistical results, testing of hypotheses, and report writing. (PB 11, 12, 41)

• Explore the social and economic justice implications of implementing and interpreting research. (PB 15)

• Apply research designs appropriate to research aims. (PB 12)

• Demonstrate beginning level skills in the use of a computerized statistical program (SPSS) for data analysis in social work research. (PB 32)

• Discuss beginning level strategies for qualitative data analysis.  (PB 32)

• Design social research (quantitative/qualitative and descriptive/explanatory) related to community-based clinical practice. (PB 21, 22, 32)

• Understand, critically evaluate, and make use of the research findings of others. (PB 22)

• Discuss ethical and political issues and the need for sensitivity when studying the populations of diversity (women, racial and cultural minorities, gays and lesbians, persons with disabilities, older people, economically disadvantaged).  (PB 18)

• Understand and apply the principles of the human subjects’ protection, the IRB review process and how it relates to social work research. (PB 8)

The MSW Program within the school of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).  In order to maintain our accreditation status, we engage in ongoing curriculum assessment to demonstrate compliance with CSWE’s Education Policies and Accreditation Standards (EPAS).  Several of the courses within our curriculum are part of this assessment process.  Below is a list of the Educational Policies (EPs) and Practice Behaviors (PB) that are assessed within this specific course.  The complete EPAS can be found in your Student Handbook.

 

	SOW 5404 - Social Work Research
Competency	Practice Behavior	Course Objective	Module / Session Covered	Assignment
2.1.2 Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice	PB 7 Recognize and manage personal values in a way that allows professional values to guide practice	1	1, 2	Human Participant Protections Education for Research
	PB 8 Make ethical decisions by applying standards of the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and, as applicable	12	2	Human Participant Protections Education for Research Quiz
2.1.3 Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments	PB 11 Distinguish, appraise, and integrate multiple sources of knowledge, including research-based knowledge and practice wisdom PB 12   Analyze models of assessment, prevention, intervention, and evaluation	1,2,3,4,6	1, 2, 6, 7	Quiz Article Review & Critique Mini Assignments
2.1.5. Advance human rights and social and economic justice	PB 18.  Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination	11	1, 2, 5-7	Article Review & Critique
2.1.6 Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research	PB 21 Use practice experience to inform scientific inquiry. PB 22 Use research evidence to inform practice	1,9,10	1, 2, 7	Quizzes Article Review & Critique Mini Assignments
2.1.9. Respond to contexts that shape practice	PB 27 Continuously discover, appraise, and attend to locales, populations, scientific and technological developments, and emerging societal trends to provide relevant services	2	1, 2, 3, 7	Quizzes Article Review & Critique Group Discussion
2.1.10 Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups organization, and communities	PB 41 Critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate interventions	4	1-7	Article Review & Critique Mini Assignments

 

Required Text

• Engel, R.J., & Schutt, R. K.  (2014). Fundamentals of social work research (2^nd ed.).  Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. (Available UCF Bookstore and the publisher’s website) http://www.bookstore.ucf.edu

• American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6^th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. (Available UCF Bookstore) http://www.bookstore.ucf.edu 

Other Required Readings

• Nuremberg Code: http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/international/ethical-codes-and-research-standards/
• NASW Code of Ethics: http://www.naswdc.org/pubs/code/default.asp
• Website: http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/

Additional Suggested Reading:

Salkind, N. (2014) Statistics for people who (think they) hate statistics. Sage Publications: NY.

Journal Articles:  Several journal articles may be listed in the syllabus as required readings.  In order to provide the best information possible as it becomes available, new journal articles may be included as required reading throughout the semester.  Articles are available through the online electronic databases at: http://library.ucf.edu/.  

Several additional articles will be assigned: TBD

Library Resources 

Students will be expected to utilize UCF library resources to search library databases for required readings and assignments. Your best library resource is your Social Work Librarian, Carrie Moran (carrie.moran@ucf.edu).  Carrie can meet with you individually to discuss your research needs, or answer questions via phone and email. You can find out more about her at: http://library.ucf.edu/staff/moran-carrie/

For links to library materials, research guides, study rooms, and more visit the Services for Undergrads (http://library.ucf.edu/services/services-for-undergrads/) or Services for Grad Students (http://library.ucf.edu/services/services-for-grad-students/) pages.

For general help, Ask Us (http://library.ucf.edu/ask).

 

The following websites provide additional information about APA style:

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/

www.wisc.edu/writing/Handbook/DocAPA.html

www.apastyle.org/elecref.html

http://library.duke.edu/research/citing

Course Requirements

There will be a total of 5 assignments in this course.  Below is a brief description of each assignment.  Additional details of each assignment can be found in the Assignment List. 

Activity	Due Date	Grade Points
Human Participant Protections Education	Week 2	5
Mini Quizzes	Each week; Weeks 1-6	35
Online Activities	Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4 (see Modules)	14
Group Discussions	Weeks 1, 7 (see Modules)	6
Article Critique	Week 7	40
Total Possible Grade Points		100

 

Human Participant Protections Education for Research (5%; PB 7, 8):

Students will complete the CITI web-based tutorial found on the UCF Institutional Review Board website: http://www.research.ucf.edu/Compliance/irb.html.  Click on CITI link (top right hand corner), register as a UCF student.  Select: Social & Behavioral Research Investigators and Key Personnel module.  After completing the course, save the certification.  Email the certification to the Instructor.  You will receive 5 points for completing this assignment.

Mini Quizzes (35%; PB 8, 11, 12, 27):

After each module, there will be a mini quiz to test your understanding of the course materials.  Test questions will be taken from the materials covered in the class and assigned readings. The quizzes may have any combination of true/false, multiple choice, matching, or brief essay questions.

   Resource: Here is the link: https://studysites.sagepub.com/fswr2e/study/default.htm

Online Activities (14%, PB 11, 12, 21, 22, 41 ):

There will be five (5) mini assignments due throughout the semester to help solidify your understanding of the course content.

(1) APA Review: It is important to understand the proper way to cite references using APA standards. In this mini assignment, you will need to create a reference page in APA with a listing of references (reference not in correct APA format).

(2) Creating a Mock Mini Study: In order to solidify your understanding of the course content taught in this class and to help you dissect the major sections of the research article you will critique, you will draft up a mini mock study (each assignment will coincide with major concepts from the book/slides).

• Research Question: Create a research question and hypothesis to examine a social work problem/topic that interests you.  Use the PICO worksheet to guide you in creating your research question.  Note:  You will this research question for the other ‘mini assignments.’
• Variable Activity: Refer to your research question.  In one paragraph, identify what the variables mean in your research question (conceptualization).  Identify the independent and dependent variable(s).  (Include the research question in this assignment)
• Sample Activity: Refer to your research question.  In one paragraph, define who your targeted sample would be (e.g., how many people, age, race, education status, disability; are there specific characteristics that you would include).  Identify which sampling approach you would use and why.  (Include the prior sections in this assignment)
• Research Design Activity: Refer to your research question.  In one paragraph, identify which research design you would use to answer/test your research question.  Identify the design and provide support/rationale for why you are choosing it.   (Include the prior sections in this assignment)

 

Group Discussion (6%; PB 7, 11, 12, 21, 22, 27 ):

Two (2) group discussions will be posted to stimulate learning and to articulate your understanding of the contents of this course.

Article Critique (40%; PB 11, 12, 18, 21, 22, 27, 41 ): 

Write a “peer review” of a research-based article from a peer-reviewed journal that is applicable to community-based clinical practice, using one of the guides that we discuss in class (CONSORT, TREND, etc). Articles will need to be approved by the instructor PRIOR to submitting the paper, and a copy of the article should be attached to your assignment. The paper should not exceed 6 pages and must be double-spaced, with 12-point font and 1” margins, using APA 6^th edition guidelines. Additional guidelines and a grading rubric for this assignment will be provided in class by the instructor. This assignment will be worth 40 points.  The best way to complete this assignment is to complete it in parts based on content provided in specific modules/lectures.

            Resources: Equator Network: http://www.equator-network.org

 

Note: Written Assignments

Effective written communication skills are essential to professional social work practice.  Thus, students are expected to present their ideas clearly and properly and must adhere to accepted standards of writing.  Grammar, punctuation, and spelling are to be correct in all written materials submitted.  Points will be taken off for grammar and spelling errors.

All written assignments must be typed in a 12-point font, all margins must be one inch, and must be compliant with APA 6^th edition documentation style. The cover page of a paper is not considered a page of text.  Written assignments not conforming to these standards or if work demonstrates serious deficiencies in common English usage may be returned without a grade.  When required, references should be included in the APA 6^th edition documentation style.

Students are encouraged to use the University Writing Center (UWC) for assistance in preparing written assignments.  UWC staff may be reached at (407) 823-2197 or http://www.uwc.ucf.edu/ 

If you would like feedback or help on your papers, you are welcome to make an appointment to go over the work. Email the instructor to set up an appointment time.

Evaluation and Grading

 Grading Scale

A       95 – 100 (4.0)	B-       80 – 83 (2.75)	D+      67 – 69 (1.25)
A-      90 – 94 (3.75)	C+      77 – 79 (2.25)	D        64 – 66 (1.00)
B+     87 – 89 (3.25)	C        74 – 76 (2.00)	D-      60 – 63 (.75)
B       84 – 86 (3.00)	C-       70 – 73 (1.75)	F        59 or less (0.00)

Note:  Grading rubrics will be given for each written assignment. In addition to those rubrics, the following criteria will apply to all grading:

1. Appropriate use of APA 6^th edition writing style.
2. Adequate number of appropriate references cited when appropriate (Wikipedia is NOT a reference).
3. Organization and clarity of ideas presented.
4. Ability to integrate theory and practice appropriately and demonstrate critical thinking.
5. Ability to use analytical and reflection skills throughout the assignment.

  

Incomplete Grades:

An “Incomplete” (“I”) is only an option in exceptional circumstances and when in keeping with the School and University policies.  Individual arrangements must be made with the instructor for the completion of the course requirements, but in no case will the due date extend beyond the end of the following semester.  Students who experience chronic medical or personal problems that prevent them from attending class regularly are encouraged to review policies relating to securing a leave of absence from their university studies.

Course Policies

In addition to the information below, the student should become familiar with School of Social Work Student Handbook: MSW Handbook and The Golden Rule Handbook for UCF Students Golden Rule.  All policies included in these handbooks apply to this class.

Modification of Syllabus

This syllabus may be modified at the discretion of the Instructor. Changes will be reported to students via email. It is the students’ responsibility to ensure they check their Knights email for updates.

Classroom Decorum and Professional Behavior

Professionalism encompasses areas of behavior and qualities that are expected of Social Work students in the school setting and in the student fieldwork experiences. Attendance, timeliness, attire, and respectful communication are all reflections of professionalism.  When professionalism is assessed, instructors will also consider each student's conduct in their class, the quality of content of interaction, the contribution to class discussion as related to preparedness.  The instructor expects students to respect the culture, values, beliefs and rights of their classmates.  During class sessions, alternate points of view are encouraged and should be received by others with respect. Students should feel free to express their opinions and to refer to relevant personal situations without fear of disapproval or disrespect; however, the classroom is not the place where students should indulge in personal venting or support seeking.

Students who are in violation of these behaviors (including not participating in online forums or group activities, using disrespectful language or comments toward a student or your instructor) will be cited and counseled. Repeated disregard or violation of these behaviors may constitute a serious problem.  Students will lose five points in their total possible grade point for any disregard or repeated violation of professional behavior.  The faculty may then also decide that the student is not yet capable of professional responsibility and the professional role.  The faculty may recommend remedial action, a leave of absence, or may request the student resign from the program.

Attendance/Participation Policy

Student participation is an integral part of this course.  Students are expected to engage with the instructor and peers by asking questions and posting responses to discussion forums.  Students are also expected to assume responsibility for their own learning and to actively involve themselves by posting questions to peers and participating in small group projects/assignments.  Students must be prepared for class (i.e., complete readings and other assignments prior to engaging in a discussion forum).  

**If you find that you are experiencing difficulty either with the schedule or with keeping up with the assignments, please talk to the instructor as soon as possible. Don’t wait until you fall behind.** If you know you will have an absence, it is courteous to email your classmates and/or instructor to let them know.  

IMPORTANT NOTICE: All faculty members are required to document students' academic activity at the beginning of each course. In order to document that you began this course, you will be required to complete an online activity by the end of the first week of classes, or as soon as possible after adding the course, but no later than March 10, 2017. The activity will be posted in the Assignment List. Failure to complete the activity will result in a delay in the disbursement of your financial aid.

Late or Missed Assignments/Make-Ups/Extra Credit

All assignments must be turned into Webcourses on the DUE DATE.  Late assignments will lose a full letter grade for each day they are late unless the student gained prior approval from the instructor for a late submission.  No assignment will be accepted after the last day of class.  It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the instructor regarding late assignments.

Missed assignments/exams are given only in extreme circumstances. These circumstances include exceptional health emergencies that require the student to bring in or email medical documentation.  Out-of-town vacations, trips, mild illness (such as a cold), and other similar circumstances do not qualify as extreme.

Extra credit assignments may be given throughout the course.

Academic Honesty

Plagiarism and cheating of any kind on an examination, quiz, or assignment will result in an "F" for that assignment and may also lead to an "F" for the entire course.  All incidents of suspected plagiarism and any other violations of academic integrity will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct for further action. See the UCF Golden Rule for further information. It is assumed that students will adhere to the academic creed of the University and will maintain the highest standards of academic integrity.  Please do not ask for your grade to be changed without just cause or to bend or break rules for one person that will not apply to everyone.

Turnitin.com:

The Instructor reserves the option to use Turnitin.com, an online system that can determine if work has been copied from another source.  You will be expected to submit all assignments in both hard copy and electronic format.  For a more detailed look at this process, please visit: http://www.turnitin.com 

Religious Observances or Military-Related Responsibilities

If you experience a scheduling conflict or need accommodation for religious observance or military-related responsibilities, please speak with your instructor to discuss your circumstances.

UCF Cares

During your UCF career, you may experience challenges including struggles with academics, finances, or your personal well-being. UCF has a multitude of resources available to all students. Please visit UCFCares.com if you are seeking resources and support, or if you are worried about a friend or classmate. Free services and information are included for a variety of student concerns, including but not limited to alcohol use, bias incidents, mental health concerns, and financial challenges. You can also e-mail ucfcares@ucf.edu with questions or for additional assistance. You can reach a UCF Cares staff member between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. by calling 407-823-5607. If you are in immediate distress, please call Counseling and Psychological Services to speak directly with a counselor 24/7 at 407-823-2811, or please call 911.

Disability Statement

The University of Central Florida is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all persons with disabilities. This syllabus is available in alternate formats upon request. Students with disabilities who need accommodations in this course must contact the instructor at the beginning of the semester to discuss needed accommodations. No accommodations will be provided until the student has met with the instructor  to request accommodations. Students who need accommodations must be registered with Student Disability Services, Ferrell Commons, 7F, Room 185, phone (407) 823-2371, TTY/TDD only phone (407) 823-2116, before requesting accommodations from the instructor.

Copyright

This course may contain copyright protected materials such as audio or video clips, images, text materials, etc. These items are being used with regard to the Fair Use doctrine in order to enhance the learning environment. Please do not copy, duplicate, download or distribute these items. The use of these materials is strictly reserved for this online classroom environment and your use only. All copyright materials are credited to the copyright holder.

Third-Party Software and FERPA

During this course you might have the opportunity to use public online services and/or software applications sometimes called third-party software such as a blog or wiki. While some of these could be required assignments, you need not make any personally identifying information on a public site. Do not post or provide any private information about yourself or your classmates. Where appropriate you may use a pseudonym or nickname. Some written assignments posted publicly may require personal reflection/comments, but the assignments will not require you to disclose any personally identity-sensitive information. If you have any concerns about this, please contact your instructor.

 

The UCF Creed
Integrity, scholarship, community, creativity, and excellence are the core values that guide our conduct, performance, and decisions.
Integrity	I will practice and defend academic and personal honesty.
Scholarship	I will cherish and honor learning as a fundamental purpose of my membership in the UCF community.
Community	I will promote an open and supportive campus environment by respecting the rights and contributions of every individual.
Creativity	I will use my talents to enrich the human experience.
Excellence	I will strive toward the highest standards of performance in any endeavor I undertake.