2. For the simulation, each student should assume they are a professional social worker whose has primary responsibility for research in her or his agency. They should think about what the major areas of concern are in their agency, how research could improve the knowledge base for addressing these issues and what major research project they think ought to be proposed in order to get funding from a foundation.
3. Emphasis was given to the idea that research tends to be "empirical" research, that produces information about what "is" as opposed to philosophizing or theorizing about what "ought to be."
4. Empirical research can take a narrative or numerical form; i.e., it can be qualitative or quantitative.
5. Students began the simulation by suggesting topics that they think are in need of study, reserving the right to change their topics, agency and even identity as warranted.The topics suggested included:
A quantifiable evaluation to support or refute the anecdotally reported effectiveness of Philadelphia DHS's Parent Action Network groups.
The usefulness of art or movement therapy in healthcare settings.
The value of peer support for people dealing with illness such as cancer.
A multi-disciplinary investigation of child sexual abuse that focuses on whether what can reduce the trauma to the child and family as a result of the investigative process.
To what extent does Borderline Personality Disorder affect a person's ability to complete tasks in the workplace.
Is there a notable difference in the self-esteem and body image of adolescents
who are affiliated with athletics versus those who are not?
What type of people volunteer, how long they volunteer for, and what type of volunteering do most people do?
Why physicians are reluctant to offer abortion services and how this
could be altered?