SW 132 Research and Evaluation for Social Work Practice

Fall 2000

Schram

Final Exam Study Guide

The final exam for this section of the course will have multiple choice, short answer and essay questions. To prepare, use the keynotes checklists provided over the course of the semester in class in order to help structure and focus your review of key points addressed in the readings. Be prepared to define or explain any of the following:

Qualitative vs. Quantitative research

Verificationist vs. Falsificationist theory of science

Paradigm

Induction vs. Deduction

Hypothesis

Independent vs. Dependent Variable

Operationalization

Nominal, Ordinal, Interval and Ratio level of precision in measurement

Reliability vs. Validity of Quantitative Measurement

Systematic vs. Random Measurement Error

Triangulation

Acquiescent Response-Set

Likert-type Scale

Unit of Analysis

Sample Frame

Probability Sample

Parameter vs. Statistic

Random Selection for Sampling vs. Randomization for Experimental Groups

Systematic Sample

Examples of Nonprobability Samples

Longitudinal vs. Cross-sectional Studies

Panel Study

Advantages vs. Disadvantages of different types of Survey Research

Conditions Needed to Establish Causality

Experimental vs. Control Group

Internal vs. External Validity

Threats to Internal Validity—history, maturation, testing, instrumentation, statistical regression, selection bias, experimental mortality, ambiguity about the direction of causal influence, and diffusion of treatment

Classic Two-Group Design

Hawthorne Effect

Research Reactivity

Advantages vs. Disadvantages of Experimental Design

Simple A/B Single Subject Design

Baseline vs. Intervention Phase

Limitations of Single Subject Designs

Visual vs. Statistical vs. Clinical Significance

Field Studies vs. Ethnographies

Verstehen

Grounded Theory

Reliability and Validity for Qualitative Observation

Pitfalls of Qualitative Research—suppressed evidence, provincialism, overidentification, hasty conclusions, and questionable causation

Advantages and Disadvantages of Unobstrusive Measurement

Content Analysis

Intercoder Reliability

Ecological Fallacy

Needs vs. Assets Assessment

Outcome Evaluation

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