course material

1. Socw 6301 wk11, discussion: integrating the research process
About 15 years ago, before evidence-based practice became a standard to which to aspire, a
professor found an article describing a treatment program for substance-abusing African-
American women that incorporated their children and aimed to preserve their families. The
program was built around principles of African-centered theory. The professor thought the
program appeared well designed and heartily urged students to study the article and
possibly find ways to imitate the program ideas, if not the program itself. A few years later,
the professor, having continued her education, especially in the area of research, searched
for a follow-up on the program, perhaps reporting outcomes and evidence of effectiveness.
No research evidence on the program appears in the scholarly journals. In fact, no evidence
that the program continues to exist at this time has been found. The fact that what appeared
to be a promising practice approach did not endure or have the opportunity to benefit from
evaluation is unfortunate.Note: This week you will work as a class to create a plan for
evaluating the rite of passage program described in the assigned article. Each member of
the class will be assigned one step of the research process:Research problems and
questionsFinding and using existing knowledgeFocused research questions and research
hypothesisResearch methodsSampling issues and optionsMeasurementData
acquisitionData collection instrumentsAnalyzing dataDisseminating research findingsTo
prepare for this Discussion, read the Poitier et al. study and then revisit what you have
learned about your assigned step of the research process. Consider what would be the most
important information to share with your colleagues about that step. Together the class will
create a research plan for evaluating the rite of passage program described in the assigned
article.Post an explanation of your assigned step of the research process and how you would
complete that step.