Research Paper

Part IProblem Statement
Purpose: Students will: (1) explore practice interests to inform the development of research questions; and, (2)
critically analyze published research as a guide to social work practice. This assignment is intended to help you
develop knowledge and build skills in the area of using existing research evidence to inform your social work
practice. More specifically, by completing this assignment, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate
knowledge, skills, and abilities in these key areas:
Understanding the scientific process and the use of scientific language in applied social science, as well as a
basic understanding of how to use research to inform and guide social work practice.
Understanding methods used in inquiry related to both the development and testing of theory.
Ability to formulate research questions addressing social work practice and/or the social and economic
wellbeing of clients and communities, and select appropriate methods given those questions.
Ability to review, analyze, and critique published research, including the ability to identify, compare, and
contrast qualitative and quantitative designs and methods.
Ability to identify gaps in the knowledge base and critically analyze the use of practice wisdom to inform future
research questions and studies to help fill those gaps.
Directions:
Select an area of interest in social work practice and/or related to the social and economic well-being of a
particular group of people within the larger population. Provide a brief but concise overview of your chosen
topic including:
Statement of area of interest
Nature and scope of related problems or challenges in your area of interest
Historical development of problem definition, practice approaches, and related policies
Contextual and societal factors that influence social work responses in the area of interest
Summary that includes a clearly written problem statement and at least one operationally defined research
question.