Social Work Research, Statistics and Fieldwork
Research sequence
Problem formulation → literature review → objectives and hypotheses → variables → research design (descriptive, exploratory, experimental, case study) → sampling → tools → data collection → analysis → report.
Sampling and tools
Probability: simple random, systematic, stratified, cluster. Non-probability: purposive, quota, snowball. Tools: interview schedule, questionnaire, observation checklist, case study, focus group guide. Reliability = consistency of the tool; validity = measures what it claims.
Basic statistics
Mean, median, mode, range, percentage, and simple tabulation. The median is best when data have extreme scores.
Worked example
Ages in a sample: 18, 20, 22, 24, 26. Sum = 110; mean = 110 ÷ 5 = 22. Ordered middle value = 22, so median = 22. Add one value, 60: mean becomes 170 ÷ 6 = 28.3, median becomes 23. Reasoning: with an outlier the mean is dragged upward; report the median as the better average.
Fieldwork
Concurrent fieldwork (weekly agency placement) and block placement (continuous weeks). Types of recording: process record (verbatim dialogue plus worker's reflection), summary record, problem-oriented record. Supervision is educational, administrative and supportive. Fieldwork is graded through records, supervisor ratings, field conferences and a viva.
Traps
Calling a non-probability sample representative; mixing standard deviation with range; writing a process record as a diary of activities instead of reflective analysis; ignoring ethics (consent, anonymity) in the research report.