Social Work Research: Steps of Research #researchstudy #socialresearch #BSW #MSW #UGC-NET

Summary

This video explores the key steps and importance of Social Work research. The speaker outlines the scientific steps involved in conducting research, including selecting a topic, formulating a hypothesis, designing a research plan, and collecting and analyzing data. It also highlights the functions of Social Work research, such as improving treatment techniques, defining agency roles, and addressing community needs. The importance of research in extending Social Work knowledge and aiding effective practice is emphasized, concluding that Social Work research provides valuable insights for making informed decisions in social service settings.

Takeaways

• 😀 The first step in Social Work research is selecting and formulating the research problem based on experience and facts in the field.
• 😀 After identifying the problem, the next step is to formulate a hypothesis, which can begin as a guess or intuitive idea to guide further research.
• 😀 Constructing a research design is crucial to ensure the research is systematic and allows for testing hypotheses and analyzing data effectively.
• 😀 A comprehensive survey of relevant literature helps social workers better understand the problem and informs the direction of the research.
• 😀 Investigating and studying related materials is essential for gathering insights that will guide the research process.
• 😀 Data collection is a key step, gathering facts and figures related to the problem at hand to inform analysis.
• 😀 Once data is collected, it must be systematically tabulated and classified to allow for easier analysis and to ensure accuracy.
• 😀 Data analysis and interpretation are critical in understanding what the data reveals about the problem and hypothesis.
• 😀 Verification of the research problem and hypothesis is necessary to confirm the accuracy and validity of the research findings.
• 😀 Once the hypothesis is proven valid, generalization of the findings can be made, laying down scientific principles based on the verified data.
• 😀 The functions of Social Work research include improving diagnostic techniques, defining agency functions, appraising community needs, and understanding social pathology to prevent future problems.
• 😀 Social Work research is important for critically investigating social welfare questions, expanding social work knowledge, and improving practices to benefit clients and communities.

Q & A

What is the first step in Social Work research?

The first step is the selection of the subject or identification and formulation of the research problem. The social worker identifies a relevant problem based on experience and available facts in the field of Social Work.

How is a hypothesis formulated in Social Work research?

After selecting the problem, the social worker formulates a hypothesis, which may initially be a hunch, a guess, or an imaginative idea about the subject. This hypothesis serves as the foundation for further investigation.

Why is a research design important in Social Work research?

A research design provides a systematic structure for conducting the research, enabling the social worker to test the hypothesis, analyze data, and move forward in an organized manner.

What is the purpose of surveying literature in Social Work research?

Surveying relevant literature is crucial for understanding the problem in depth. The social worker reviews books, journals, research papers, and other materials to gain insights related to the issue under study.

What does the process of data collection entail in Social Work research?

Data collection involves gathering facts and information that are pertinent to the research problem. This is done systematically once the research design is in place.

How is the collected data organized in Social Work research?

The collected data is tabulated and classified to ensure that it is systematically arranged. This makes it easier for the social worker to study and interpret the data accurately.

What is the significance of analyzing and interpreting data in Social Work research?

Analyzing and interpreting the data helps the social worker understand which data is relevant to specific areas of the study and determine its key characteristics, ensuring a clear direction for the research.

What role does verification of the problem and hypothesis play in Social Work research?

Verification ensures that the research problem and hypothesis are valid and accurate. This step is critical for drawing correct conclusions from the research.

What is the importance of generalization in Social Work research?

Once the hypothesis is verified, general principles can be established based on the verified data. These principles contribute to a broader understanding and application in the field of Social Work.

What are some key functions of Social Work research according to Professor Fletcher?

Professor Fletcher outlines several functions of Social Work research, including improving techniques of diagnosis and treatment, developing the efficiency of social work agencies, measuring community needs for services, and contributing to knowledge about social pathology to prevent future issues.

Why is Social Work research important in the field of social work?

Social Work research is important because it provides systematic and critical investigations of issues in the social welfare field. It helps extend knowledge, improve techniques, and address problems in social work practice, thereby increasing the effectiveness of services provided to clients and communities.