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Assignments from Department of Social Sciences and Dept. of Social Work

SS 201 ASSIGNMENT N0 TWO Begin: Week Four Due: In Class Week Six

LITERATURE SEARCH

Project Objective: To teach you to execute a literature search on a specific and narrow topic in order to create an exhaustive and properly formatted bibliography of approximately 25 mainly primary sources.

Instructions:

1) Choose a subject to research. You must begin by checking your topic with me either in class, in office hours, or by phone. Next, to narrow down your topic and create a beginning list of the appropriate key words/indexing terms to use to execute data base searches, consult the Library of Congress Subject Headings, hard copy, and such references as the Contemporary Thesaurus of Social Science Terms and Synonyms. This should help you to identify some of the most widely used indexing terms for your topic. Then, check the Encyclopedia of Social Issues, or other relevant subject dictionaries, encyclopedias, almanacs, handbooks, bibliographies, and yearbooks for definitions of your key words/topic and possible additional ways to narrow your search. Finally, clearly state the parameters of the topic you are researching at the beginning of your project documentation. Narrow the topic either by sub-topic or chronologically. (Please note: search a minimum 5 years period for any topic). Also, include all the key words that you used to execute the search and the source of those key words. (20 of 100 points)

2) Search for whatever sources exist in the world on your topic using the computerized and non- computerized sources in Haas Library. You must consult all of the following sources: a. Statistics, such as the American Statistics Index, Consuls b. Government documents: General Statutes of Connecticut and GPO Index, Consuls c. Books: CSU’s collection and the Library of Congress Subject Headings, Consuls d. Indexes to Scholarly Articles/Documents: Online: Ebsco Host/Academic Elite, Lexus-Nexus, First Search/OCLC, Yale University, Jstor, etc. Search all of the available & relevant on-line resources. Hard copy indexes: Also, hard copy indexes for sources published prior to approximately 1980 are available in the school’s library reference section. You must check all relevant data bases and resources available through Haas Library.

Write a 2-3 page journal-style description of: a) the steps you took in your search, including the specific reference tools you used and how useful they were (45 pts. for all specific references cited, and the quality of your search and your journal); and b) your evaluation of the literature search experience (5 pts.).

3) Submit a word processed bibliography. Format your bibliography correctly, using a technical style guide; MLA style preferred and expected unless grader is notified. (30 pts.)

SS 201 ASSIGNMENT N0 3A Begin: Week Seven Due: In Class Week Nine

PROFESSIONAL WRITING

Project Objective: To practice your scholarly writing and presenting your work in a professional style. To gain further knowledge about social science inquiry.

Instructions:

Write a position paper, analysis, expository or comparison of one of the following topics:

SS 201 ASSIGNMENT N0 3B Begin: Week Ten Due: In Class Week Eleven

THEORY PAPER

Project Objective: To practice thinking theoretically by applying different social science theories to explain a common public policy problem and to suggest solutions. To learn to think critically about social science theory.

Instructions:

Choose one of the two topics listed below. In 5-7 double- spaced word processed pages, apply 5 of Etheredge's major theories to the problem. State a clear hypothesis for each theory, suggest several solutions, and offer a critique of each view of the problem. In addition to a brief introduction and conclusion, format your paper as follows:

I. Theory: XXXX (Source, page number)

Hypothesis: XXXX

Solutions: XXXX

Critique: XXXX

II. Theory: XXXX (Source, page number)

Etcetera

Grading: a) Content: address the issue of your choice clearly, carefully, and thoroughly. (80/100)

b) Format: title page, page numbers, headers, footnotes or endnotes, spell check, etc. Proof read carefully for grammatical and punctuation errors. (20/100)

For the fall semester of 2004, please address the following social issue:

• Littering

SS 201 ASSIGNMENT N0 FOUR Begin: Week Twelve Due: Weeks Thirteen - Fifteen

ORAL DEFENSE

Project Objective: For you to gain (further) experience presenting and evaluating research and to learn about basic research techniques, designs, and issues.

Instructions:

1) You and your group will select one of the five main sections in Patricia Golden's book The Research Experience, and choose one of the studies in your section to present to the class. Your group will be assigned one study to critique as well.

2) Your group will have 45 minutes to teach the class about your research genre, and to present the research process and results of your specific study. Be as creative, innovative, and fun as you can/wish. Organize your presentation carefully, like any research project:

a) Problem selection and statement b) Research design c) Results d) Evaluation: Validity, reliability, generalizability, significance

3) Your group will critique one of the studies presented to the class including the following criteria:

a discussion of validity, reliability, generalizability, sample quality, naturalness, bias/error, and significance.

The group presenting the study and class discussion will help us to critique each study.

3) Each member of your group must turn in a brief one page evaluation of your presentation and critique, and an assessment of your own and your teammates’ contribution to the group. Assign your presentation, yourself, and your base group members a letter grade and explain why you chose the grade you did.

N.B. You and your group will be rewarded
grade-wise--for creative approaches.

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ASSIGNMENT 1 (LIBRARY ASSIGNMENT)

  1. Provide a Title Page (see N drive for a guide for writing a title page)
  2. Provide a detailed summary of your self-guided library tour. Describe specifically what you learned about how to look things up in the library. Type (double space) this part of the assignment. One – two pages maximum. Be sure to describe both your actual tour of the library and your virtual tour of the library on WSCU’s website.
  3. Using the most recent edition of the Statistical Abstract of the United States, (The National Data Book) find the number of cases of AIDS reported each of the following years:1998, 1999, 2000 (if available). Provide your findings and the year of the book that you used. You may report this information in your summary (#2 above).
  4. Find a PEER REVIEWED article on the subject of father and child relationships in a social work related journal: a. List the volume number and the year of the article. b. Who is the author(s) of the article? c. What institution is the author(s) affiliated with? d. What is the title of the article? e. Provide a copy of the abstract page. f. Copy and hand-in the front page only of the journal article.
  5. You are researching the topic, “child development.” Using CONSULS, locate a book that can help with this task. Attach a copy of the printout.
  6. Find out how to acquire a book or journal article through interlibrary loan. Include the “how to” in #2 above and attach a copy of the form(s) one uses to acquire them.
  7. In the reference section of the library, find Tests in Print (any edition); choose a test, scale, or index that MAY help you with your Basic Research Assignment. Hand-in on a separate sheet of paper the name of the test and the author(s) of the test. If you are unsure of your Research topic at this time select another test.

Through this assignment students: 1) Develop skills in searching for information including using library resources such as computerized databases and bound indexes;

2) Develop skills in communicating effectively in writing;

3) Develop relationships with library staff.

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SW 200 Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare Services FALL 2006: Mary Harrington, LCSW

Guidelines for Research and Evaluation of Field Placement Paper – due 11/29/06 A draft of Part I is due by 10/18/06. Consider the draft to be 70-80% complete. Do not hand in an outline.

This major paper combines knowledge you learn about the agency you are volunteering at and research you conduct on a social issue or population-at-risk (preferably one that is served by your agency). The paper should offer a comprehensive understanding of the agency’s purpose, mission, size, funding, social policies impacting the agency, an agency assessment of the effectiveness of services and a self assessment of the student’s own functioning from this volunteer experience. Your research should include at least 5 different professional references (properly noted with APA style within the body of the paper and in the reference list). References will be used for both parts of the paper. Interviews with agency personnel and Internet sources are acceptable; however, make sure these methods of gathering information are not the only method that you use. Use at least 5 professional references – 3 must come from a literary source (book, journal). Feel free to use our text book or any other current textbooks.

Learning Objectives: • To enrich students' understanding about a field of practice through the knowledge and experience offered in an agency-based volunteer placement • To provide structure to that learning experience, through data gathering, assessment, and evaluation • To enhance students' access to resources about a service delivery system aside from course texts and lectures • To support the development of assessment process skills, both of programs and of oneself as a social work intern • To enrich students’ understanding about a population at risk through research of professional literature, policies, theories and personal experience in an agency-based volunteer placement. • To provide an opportunity to enhance skills in the research process. • To enhance writing skills and provide the structure from which a verbal presentation will be given in the second part of the semester. Students will learn from fellow students’ experiences in diverse client systems. • To examine the students’ personal feelings, biases, reactions, etc. in working with this population.

This assignment addresses aspects of objectives 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15

A complete paper will be 8-15 double spaced typewritten pages and should be edited for readability and correct grammar. It should basically follow the outline given to assure that all areas are covered. Brief supporting documents (such as the agency mission statement, program brochure, organizational chart, etc.) are encouraged but not counted toward the overall length of the paper. Entitling the various sections are useful as an organizational writing tool.

The WCSU Writing Lab is a great resource for help in creating an excellent paper. The lab is located in Warner Hall. The telephone number is 837-8728.

Outline

Part I: Agency information

• Name of agency and client-service program, how long in existence, location and service area • Field(s) of practice- what type of professional works there (nurses, social workers, counselors, etc.) • Objectives of agency (mission statement; goals for service). Historical background of the agency. Specific goals for the program/s • Ownership (public, private non-profit, or for-profit, part of a chain). • Funding sources • Organizational structure (e.g., hierarchical, informal; complex, simple) • Staffing (roles/titles, credentials/training --no names needed) • Clients served (“eligibility”--specific needs and characteristics that qualify people for service; other demographics about client system—age, gender, ethnicity, etc.) • Services provided: what does this agency/your specific assigned program do? How are the services provided to clients? • Social policies that provide justification and guidance for services and/or that define/limit services (e.g., policies that related to insurance, anti-discrimination, public education, laws that mandate the agency’s existence.... you’ll need to think about which social policies apply in your particular agency). • Assessment of effectiveness of service outcomes from 2 sources: 1. Agency’s perspective: What degree of meeting ideal goals is acceptable and by whom are these assessed? (Ask an administrator or locate in the agency’s annual report) 2. Student’s perspective: What do you assess regarding the effectiveness of services, the way they are delivered, staff qualifications and demeanor, values and ethics reflected in mission and in service delivery, etc? • Student Self Assessment: Using the SW200 “Field Placement Evaluation” (in Handbook) as a guide, reflect on the quality of your effort and effectiveness in the assignments and learning experiences you had.

Part II: Social Issue/Population-At-Risk

A population that is served by …”xxx”…agency is _______________ or A social issue that affects …”xxx” agency is ____________________.

• Description of a typical client/social issue in the agency and the primary problem or diagnosis that is presented. • The prevalence of this social issue. • Evidence and types of discrimination and/or oppression related to this population. • Theories that can be applied to prevalence and treatment. • Types of social work interventions. • Challenges to treatment. • Applicable social policies related to this social issue (these may or may not be the same policies that apply to your agency). • A case study (if possible). Remember some case studies may be available in the literature or on-line. • A conclusion that summarizes your involvement with clients served by the agency and your honest reaction to the experience thus far. Do not refrain from expressing any biases, anger, sympathy, sadness, etc. since it is important to recognize your feelings and values. The conclusion should also include ways in which you could act to advocate for social justice for this client population.

Grading Criteria for Paper

There will be 5 possible points for each part of your paper. I will be looking for an organized, well-written paper that addresses items provided in the outline. Please edit your paper carefully, provide proper referencing within the text, a cover page (do not use special document covers) and references.

Part I ____ Cover page and turned in by 11/29 or before (2 points deducted if draft not turned in by 10/18).

____ All references should be written in APA style. At least 5 professional references (3 of which must come from professional literary sources) should be listed. Professional web sites are ok.

____ Correct grammar, sentence construction and spelling.

____ Agency name, location, size, organizational structure, history, ownership, type (profit, non-profit, private, public).

____ Primary population served and goals of the agency for its clients, mission statement. Description of how the services are provided: a typical day for a typical client.

____ Organization’s funding sources in a detailed paragraph. Any issues, complications, worries over funding sources?

____ Staffing: credentials, numbers, shifts, duties

____ Eligibility requirements (if any) for clients served.

____ Social policies applicable to the existence of this agency.

____ Assessment of the effectiveness of the agency’s outcomes by the agency’s description (did the agency reach its stated goals for the year?)

____ Your reflection on the agency’s success or lack of success.

____ Brief explanation of your duties at the agency over the semester and a self-reflection on your experience at the agency.

Part II ____ Introduce the social issue or diagnosis that reflects your research.

____ Description of a typical client & the prevalence of this social issue, diagnosis, etc

____ Evidence and types of discrimination and/or oppression experienced by this population

____ Theories that are applied toward this social issue, behavior or diagnosis

____ Types of interventions and challenges to treatment

____ Social policies applicable to this issue/diagnosis

____ Description of a real or hypothetical case study (remember strict confidentiality rules)

____ Conclusion that offers a reflection of your feelings including any frustrations or value issues you wrestled with and your thoughts on how you could advocate for this particular population at risk.




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