SOWK 552: Community Research and Advocacy

Flashcards covering sources of knowledge, positionality, research paradigms, social work theories, inductive and deductive reasoning, research ethics, and action research from SOWK 552.

What are five sources of knowledge identified in social work practice?

Intuition, direct experience, practice wisdom, scientific inquiry/research methods, and science.

Which cognitive biases are specifically highlighted as influencing perceptions of poverty and anti-poverty programs?

Confirmation bias, overgeneralization, selective observation, and the Dunning-Kruger effect.

What is positionality and why is it important in research?

Positionality refers to recognizing how one's own background, perspectives, and social positions (such as culture, gender, and socioeconomic status) influence their viewpoint. It helps researchers understand biases, promote reflexivity, and enhance validity and ethical standards.

What are the three levels of inquiry in research and what does each focus on?

Micro (self, one-on-one relationships), Meso (groups, organizations), and Macro (social structures, institutions, policy).

In the research framework adapted from Hay (2002) and Crotty (1998), what question corresponds to each component stage?

Ontology asks 'What is reality?', Epistemology asks 'What and how can I know reality/knowledge?', Theoretical perspective asks 'What approach can we use to get knowledge?', Methodology asks 'What procedure can we use to acquire knowledge?', Methods asks 'What tools can we use to acquire knowledge?', and Sources asks 'What data can we collect?'

What is the distinction between Ontology and Epistemology?

Ontology deals with 'what is real', whereas Epistemology deals with 'how we know what is real'.

How do Objectivity and Subjectivity differ in social research methods?

Objectivity seeks universal, unbiased truth through quantitative methods (mathematics), whereas Subjectivity focuses on individual, socially constructed truths through qualitative methods (words).

What set of assumptions defines the Positivism paradigm?

Objectivity, deductive logic, empiricism, and value-free science.

What set of assumptions defines the Social Constructionism paradigm?

Subjectivity, social context and interaction, meaning, understanding, and inductive logic.

What set of assumptions defines the Critical paradigm?

Focus on power, inequality, and social change, operating as a values-based paradigm focused on social justice and addressing oppression.

What set of assumptions defines the Postmodern paradigm?

The stance that there is no absolute truth, accompanied by skepticism towards large, sweeping theories.

How does Conflict Theory view social organization?

It focuses on who wins and who loses based on the way that society is organized.

How does Symbolic Interactionism view social reality?

It focuses on how meaning is created and negotiated through interactions.

What is the focus of Social Exchange Theory?

It focuses on how behavior is influenced by costs and rewards.

What is the focus of Systems Theory in social work?

It focuses on interrelations between parts of society and how parts work together.

What step-by-step process characterizes Inductive Reasoning?

It starts with a specific level of focus by Gathering Data, moves to Analysis by Looking for Patterns, and ends at a general level of focus by Developing Theory.

What step-by-step process characterizes Deductive Reasoning?

It starts at a general level of focus by Theorizing/Hypothesizing, proceeds through Analysis by Analyzing Data, and concludes at a specific level of focus determining whether Hypotheses are Supported or Not.

In the Ethical Inquiry Framework, what ethical question and example belong to Observation Ethics?

Question: 'How do we observe without bias?' Example: Accurate field notes and reflexivity.

In the Ethical Inquiry Framework, what ethical question and example belong to Data Ethics?

Question: 'How do we interpret findings responsibly?' Example: Avoiding deficit narratives and recognizing context.

In the Ethical Inquiry Framework, what ethical question and example belong to Advocacy Ethics?

Question: 'How can research promote justice?' Example: Community dissemination and equitable recommendations.

How does the NASW value of Service apply to social work research?

Research addresses community-identified priorities.

How does the NASW value of Dignity and Worth of the Person apply to social work research?

Participants are respected, protected, and represented accurately.

How does the NASW value of Integrity apply to social work research?

Methods, analysis, and reporting are transparent and honest.

How does the NASW value of Competence apply to social work research?

Researchers use appropriate methods, seek supervision, and acknowledge limitations.

What working question template corresponds to Functional Analysis when formulating research questions?

'What is the essential function of ___?'

What is Action Research?

Action research is a reflective, collaborative, and participatory process of problem-solving led by scholars and community stakeholders to create meaningful social change, produce actionable results, and promote social justice.

What are the four key features of Action Research?

Collaboration with Stakeholders, Focus on Social Change, Empowerment and Equity, and Participatory Process.

What key components make up a Logic Model in program planning?

Social Problem, Target population, Assumptions (causes of problem and appropriate intervention), Inputs, Activities, Outputs (intermediate and final), and Outcomes.