lecture 1

Question 1

Knowledge is gained through:

Answer 1

our own personal experiences (can be biased)

the knowledge of others

tradition

the use of scientific methods

Question 2

What is Research (according to Faukner)

Answer 2

“Research is a systematic and methodological approach to creating knowledge” (Faulkner & Faulkner, 2019, p. 1).
“Research is … the assimilation of knowledge and the gathering of data in a logical manner in order to become informed about something” (Faulkner & Faulkner, 2019, p. 3).

Question 3

what is research (according to Wilson)

Answer 3

“Research is all about unanswered questions, but it also reveals our unquestioned answers” (Wilson, 2008, p. 6).*

Question 4

Relational Accountability

Answer 4

“Relational accountability comes into every aspect of the research process … At every stage, we have to ask ourselves, am I fulfilling my responsibilities to my relationships? Is this of benefit to the community? Am I being true to my values? Am I being true to the values and wishes of the communities with whom I’m working? Is this research approach enacting an ethic of care?”(p. 13).

It “is [about] ensuring that research questions are genuinely aligned with community priorities and … are going to “lead to some change out there in that community”(p.14).

Question 5

Reconciliation:

Answer 5

“Reconciliation is all about action … To care is not enough, to be compassionate is not enough, to know the truth is not enough. We must use this awareness to guide our actions – as researchers and as human beings”(p. 6).

Question 6

role of power and knowledge as a researcher?

Answer 6

“We have to recognize that as researchers, we have power. We have to use our power and knowledge responsibly. We have to act. That might be acting to resolve differences or acting to ensure accuracy or acting by refusing to follow the status quo. It requires us to use our power as researchers to change ourselves as individuals, but also all of humankind” (p.7).

Question 7

Challenging Colonialism & Settler Colonialism through Research
(HOW TO RESIST THESE FORCES?)

Answer 7

To resist is to research in the margins, retrieve what we were and remake ourselves. The past, our stories, local and global, the present, our communities, cultures, languages and social practices – all may be spaces of marginalization, but they have also become spaces of resistance and hope … researchers have begun to address social issues within the wider framework of self-determination, decolonization and social justice”
Smith (1999, p. 4).

Question 8

According to Walter (RESISTING THESE COLONIAL, NEOLIBERAL, SETTLER COLONIAL FORCES CAN BE DONE BY):

Answer 8

To create a body of evidence:

This involves generating research that centers Indigenous perspectives, experiences, and knowledge systems. By producing evidence grounded in Indigenous realities, we can challenge the dominant narratives that often marginalize or misrepresent Indigenous communities.

To have data for influencing policy decisions:

Data is a powerful tool in shaping public policy. By collecting and presenting data that reflects the true needs and experiences of Indigenous peoples, we can advocate for policy changes that are responsive to their realities, rather than policies rooted in colonial assumptions.

Reframing the analyses of social issues within Indigenous communities:

This means shifting the lens through which social problems in Indigenous communities are viewed. Instead of seeing these issues through a deficit model, we should analyze them in the context of colonial history, ongoing settler colonialism, and neoliberal policies. This reframing highlights how external forces, rather than inherent community weaknesses, contribute to challenges, paving the way for solutions that are culturally appropriate and decolonized.

Question 9

Challenging Whiteness Through Research (how do we do it?)

Answer 9

Apply theoretical frameworks that enable drawing connections between ideology, policy and research

Those who are experiencing exclusion should be the creators of their own knowledge

Select research questions that examine dominant culture’s hidden assumptions and values

Question 10

restoring human dignity

Answer 10

“Dignity is not only fundamental to health and human rights separately but may actually serve to explain the link between the two: that is, the relationships between the societal achievement, or failure, of human rights goals and individual and collective health status may be mediated by the experience of dignity” (Mann cited in Jacobson, 2009, p.1).

Question 11

Importance of Social Work Research

Answer 11

To explore new areas of concern/practice intervention
We have an obligation to produce knowledge relevant to our discipline (SW Code of Ethics)
To evaluate practices / interventions
To be accountable to funders
To inform policy
To advocate for change within the agency
To highlight oppression and injustice faced by historically marginalized groups

Question 12

questions to ask that challenge mainstream ways of research

Answer 12

Who is undertaking research?
Who has designed its questions?
What methodology is used for conducting research?
Who will carry out the research?
What theories are used to explain the social phenomenon? Where do those theories originate from?
Who will write it up?
What recommendations are prescribed?
What will be done with the findings of research? Or Who will benefit from this research?

Question 13

Quantitative

Answer 13

To describe (e.g. StatsCan)
To explain, predict and control a relationship between two or more variables/factors To provide evidence of effectiveness

Question 14

Qualitative

Answer 14

To understand characteristics, meaning and lived experiences (deep dive type of research)

Question 15

Mixed-method

Answer 15

Elements of both qualitative and quantitative methods are used in one study

Question 16

Researchers’ Positionality in quantitative research

Answer 16

no acknowledgement of bias
assumes researcher’s neutrality

Question 17

Researchers’ Positionality in Qualitative research

Answer 17

acknowledges researcher’s bias
different approaches of inquiry address it differently

Question 18

Exploratory Purpose and Design and WHAT method of research is used for it?

Answer 18

“Exploratory research design is a design in which the primary purpose is to examine a little understood issue or phenomenon to develop preliminary ideas and move toward refined research questions by focusing on the “what” question” (Neuman, 2006, p. 33).

Generally Qualitative methodology is used

For instance, if we’re exploring barriers to mental health services among marginalized communities, we might conduct focus groups or interviews to gather insights. This qualitative approach helps us identify key issues, concerns, and experiences that can guide more structured research in the future.”

Question 19

Descriptive Purpose and Design and WHAT method of research is used for it?

Answer 19

“Descriptive research design is a design in which the primary purpose is to “paint a picture” using words or numbers and to present a profile, a classification of types, or an outline of steps to answer questions such as who, when, where, and how” (Neuman, 2006, p. 35).

Quantitative or qualitative methodology can be used

Both quantitative and qualitative methodologies can be employed in this research design. For example, a quantitative approach might involve using surveys to gather statistical data on substance use among teenagers, presenting findings in charts and graphs. A qualitative approach, on the other hand, could involve conducting interviews to describe the experiences and motivations behind substance use, capturing the nuances of individual stories.”

Question 20

Explanatory Purpose and Design and WHAT method of research is used for it?

Answer 20

“Explanatory research design is a design in which the primary purpose is to explain why events occur and to build, elaborate, extend and test a theory” (Neuman, 2006, p. 35).

Quantitative methodology is mostly used

“Explanatory research design focuses on understanding the reasons behind events and seeks to build, elaborate, or test theories. According to Neuman (2006), its primary purpose is to explain ‘why’ things happen.

Typically, quantitative methodology is employed in this type of research. For example, if we’re studying the impact of parental involvement on children’s academic success, we might use surveys to collect numerical data on parental engagement levels and student performance. Statistical analysis would then allow us to explain how and why higher parental involvement correlates with better academic outcomes.”

Question 21

Evaluative Purpose and Design nd WHAT method of research is used for it?

Answer 21

Evaluative research employs systematic methodology to evaluate the effectiveness of a program or agency.

Mixed methods designs are often used.

For instance, if we’re evaluating a youth mentorship program, we might use mixed methods. We could gather quantitative data through surveys measuring participant outcomes, such as academic performance, alongside qualitative data from interviews with mentors and mentees to capture personal experiences and insights. This combination allows us to assess not just whether the program works, but also how and why it makes a difference.”

Question 22

Construct Measurement Instruments (what is purpose and design?)

Answer 22

This research purpose/design is used:

to develop standardized measurement instruments –> For example, creating a standardized questionnaire to assess mental health symptoms in adolescents ensures that every participant responds to the same set of questions, allowing for consistent data collection across different studies.

to assess the validity and reliability of existing measurement tools –>
For instance, if we’re using a previously developed scale to measure client satisfaction with social services, we would evaluate its validity (does it truly measure satisfaction?) and reliability (does it yield consistent results over repeated administrations?) to ensure its effectiveness in our research.”

Question 23

Cross sectional research is like a _______

Answer 23

snapshot…… This means that we gather data from a group of people at a single point, without tracking them over time.

For example, let’s say we want to know how stress levels differ among university students. We survey students from different years (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th year) all at once to compare stress levels at that specific moment, rather than following them over their entire university experience. It gives us a quick look but doesn’t show how things change.”

Question 24

Longitudinal research

Answer 24

gathers data at multiple points in time.

like recording a video over time—it lets us see how things change or develop. Instead of just taking one snapshot, we keep checking in at different points.

In social work, for example, if we wanted to study how mental health changes after a traumatic event, we could survey the same group of people right after the event, then again 6 months later, and maybe a year after that. This way, we can observe patterns, changes, and long-term impacts, not just a one-time view.”

Question 25

Trend Studies

Answer 25

Examine changes in a population over a period of time.

“Trend studies are like tracking the weather over several years to see how it changes. Instead of focusing on the same people, we look at how a whole population shifts over time.
For example, if we wanted to see how attitudes toward mental health have changed over the past decade, we might survey a different group of people every few years, asking the same questions. This helps us see how society’s views evolve, even though we’re not tracking the exact same individuals each time.”

Question 26

Panel Research

Answer 26

Involves multiple studies of the same sample over different points of time.

“Panel research is like following a group of friends over the years—you’re looking at the same individuals at different moments.

In social work, if we want to study the impact of a new intervention on family dynamics, we could survey the same families multiple times—say, at the start of the program, then 6 months in, and again after a year. This allows us to see how their experiences and relationships change over time, providing deeper insights into the effects of the intervention.”

Question 27

Cohort Studies

Answer 27

Examine more specific subpopulations (categories of people) who share a similar experience in a specified time period as they change over time. The focus is not on specific individuals but on the cohort/category.

like tracking a class of students as they move through school together. Instead of looking at individual experiences, we focus on a specific group that shares a common characteristic or experience.

For instance, if we want to study the long-term effects of a youth mentorship program, we might follow a cohort of participants who joined in the same year. By surveying them over time, we can see how their outcomes—like educational achievement or employment status—change collectively, helping us understand the program’s overall impact on that specific group.”

Question 28

Paradigm is:

Answer 28

“A general organizing framework for theory and research that includes basic assumptions, key issues, models of quality research and methods for seeking answers” (Neuman, 2006, p.81)

Question 29

Theories help us see patterns in diverse observations and make sense of what we are seeing

Answer 29

“Theories act like a map for navigating complex information. They help us identify patterns in diverse observations and understand how different elements are connected.

For example, in social work, a theory like systems theory helps us see how individual behaviors are influenced by family, community, and societal factors. By applying this theory, we can better analyze a client’s situation and develop more effective interventions that consider the broader context of their lives.”

Question 30

Theories help researchers develop useful implications from their findings for practice and policy.

Answer 30

“Theories are essential because they guide us in translating research findings into practical actions. They help us understand the implications of our results and inform policies and practices.

For instance, if a study finds that early intervention significantly improves outcomes for at-risk youth, theories related to developmental psychology can help us understand why that is. This understanding can lead to actionable recommendations for implementing early intervention programs in schools or community centers, ultimately shaping policy decisions that prioritize these initiatives.”

Question 31

Researchers might share paradigms but not theoretical
orientations.

Answer 31

“Researchers can operate within the same overarching paradigm—like a shared worldview—but still adopt different theoretical orientations, which are more specific frameworks within that paradigm.

For example, within a positivist paradigm that values objective measurement and scientific inquiry, one researcher might use behaviorism to study how environmental factors influence behavior, while another might use cognitive theory to explore how internal thoughts and beliefs affect actions. Though they both align with the positivist paradigm, their differing theoretical orientations lead them to ask different questions and apply distinct methods in their research.”

Question 32

Theories also draw out relationships between factors and help develop hypotheses.

Answer 32

“Theories play a crucial role in identifying relationships between different factors and guiding the formation of hypotheses. They act like a framework that connects various elements in a study.

For instance, consider a theory that links socioeconomic status to mental health outcomes. This theory can help researchers formulate hypotheses such as: ‘Lower socioeconomic status is associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression.’ By testing this hypothesis, researchers can explore the strength and nature of this relationship, ultimately contributing to a better understanding of the underlying dynamics and informing interventions.”

Question 33

Deduction

Answer 33

This method begins with a general theory, leads to specific hypotheses, then to observations, and finally confirms or rejects the theory based on the evidence.

Theory: Access to mental health services improves overall community well-being.

Hypothesis: Communities with more mental health clinics will report lower rates of anxiety and depression.

Observation: Data collected from various communities shows that those with more clinics have lower reported rates of mental health issues.

Confirmation: The findings support the theory that increased access leads to improved mental health outcomes.

Question 34

Induction

Answer 34

This method starts with observations, looks for patterns, formulates a hypothesis, and leads to a broader theory.

Observation: A social worker notices that clients who attend support groups consistently report higher satisfaction with their lives.

Pattern: Clients who engage in group activities tend to show improved social connections and reduced feelings of isolation.

Hypothesis: Participation in support groups enhances clients’ overall well-being by fostering social connections.

Theory: Building social support networks is essential for improving mental health outcomes in marginalized populations.

Question 35

Impact of Various Ethical Issues on Research Methods

Answer 35

Ethical considerations significantly shape how researchers design and conduct studies. For example, issues like informed consent, confidentiality, and the potential for harm can dictate the methods chosen. If a study involves vulnerable populations, researchers may opt for qualitative methods that allow for deeper understanding and sensitivity, rather than quantitative methods that might be more intrusive.

Question 36

Impact of Cultural Diversity on Research

Answer 36

Cultural diversity affects both the research questions posed and the methods used. Researchers must be culturally competent, ensuring that they respect and understand the cultural contexts of the populations they study. For instance, using culturally relevant frameworks and engaging community members in the research process can enhance the validity of the findings. A study on mental health stigma in diverse communities might incorporate focus groups to capture varying cultural perspectives, rather than relying solely on standardized surveys.

Question 37

Impact of Agency Constraints and Political Concerns on Research

Answer 37

Agencies often have specific goals, funding limitations, or political agendas that can influence research design. For instance, a social work agency focused on homelessness may prioritize research that aligns with its mission to secure funding. This could lead to the choice of methods that showcase successful interventions, potentially overlooking less favorable data. Additionally, political concerns may lead researchers to avoid controversial topics or limit the scope of their inquiries to align with the agency’s public image.

In summary, ethical, cultural, and political factors are crucial in shaping the research landscape in social work, impacting the choice of methods and the integrity of the research process.