Social Work Research

1. Pick a topic in social work to conduct research and write an analytical research paper on your findings. See the topic list in the announcements for ideas.
2. Research articles and information which will increase your knowledge and awareness about this topic.
3. Write a 5 page (minimum) paper consisting of a 3 or more secondary sources cited in APA format. Secondary sources include publications such as textbooks, magazine articles, book reviews, commentaries, encyclopedias, almanacs. You may also find secondary resources within the following databases:
   • Annual Reviews (scholarly article reviews)
   • Credo Reference (encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks & more)
   • Ebook Central (ebooks)
   • ProQuest (book reviews, bibliographies, literature reviews & more )
   • SAGE Reference Methods, SAGE Knowledge & SAGE Navigator (handbooks, encyclopedias, major works, debates & more)
   • Most Library databases include secondary sources.
   Your paper should be typed in Times New Roman font, 12 pt. size, double spaced with one-inch margins on all four sides. You will need to include the following: page header (aka the “running head”) at the top of each page, title page, abstract and reference page. See https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html for more information on the proper format. Information on the 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual can be found on this website.
4. Use the following outline to guide you with your paper:

a. Introduction: First address the social work topic. State the overall area of concern (for instance, populations-at-risk for injustice or discrimination; need for more functional affiliations for individuals and groups; unethical policies/practices; lack of knowledge in the field, etc.). Arouse the reader’s interest; tell the reader what to expect in the rest of your paper. Provide brief statistics to support your argument of potential problems or concerns pertaining to your topic. Next, answer the questions, “How is this topic generally addressed in social work practice?” Discuss how this topic affects individuals, communities, and society as a whole (for example, what are issues related to injustices).

b. Body: Discuss your findings. Address what you have learned about the topic and what your thoughts are on the information you reviewed. Include knowledge of social work tenets (think social worker code of ethics too), the effects of this issue on clients, families, society, etc. Discuss treatment options, treatment settings and needs for advocacy. Incorporate ways a social worker can increase advocacy for this population. The body of the paper contains only facts!

c. Conclusion: Wrap it all up for the reader by tying it back into the introduction of your paper. This is where you will make a connection between what you have found in your review of research articles and literature and what you believe to be true based upon the facts in the body of your paper.

5. Presentation of your paper will take place via an audio or video recording. Whatever you are more comfortable with is fine. You will need to clearly present your findings in an 8-10 minute recording. Do not read verbatim. Share with me your topic, why you wanted to learn more about it and what you discovered during the process. Define subject, use your knowledge of Social Work tenets to discuss effects of this issue on clients, families, society, etc. Discuss treatment options, treatment settings and needs for advocacy.