Advanced Topics in Macro Social Work

We hear a lot about evidence-based practice and the use of expert research to guide decisions made in personal practice, social service interventions, and social policy. Integrating research studies into practice is best exercised with a basic knowledge of the use of data in statistical studies. We explore research evidence by reading statistical briefs on topics important to social workers. We concentrate on the ways that such evidence is useful for social workers in everyday practice.

This semester, we will read publications using the theme of violence: child abuse and neglect, intimate partner violence, hate crimes, violence against the disabled and the elderly, etc. Students will make the connection between a question of importance to social workers and the use of data and statistics to help answer it. By the end of the mini-course, students will be able to read basic statistical research briefs (no matter what the topic) and apply lessons to their own work. While many social work students feel intimidated by statistics, this mini class is an excellent introduction to its use without fear! Students are not required to produce their own statistics or to learn statistical theory.