Social Work Research and Evaluation Flashcards

In single-subject research design, a baseline phase (A) is followed by an intervention phase (B). What does the 'A' phase establish?

Answer: Pre-intervention behavior patterns used as a comparison

The baseline (A) phase documents the client's behavior or symptom level before intervention begins, serving as the comparison point for measuring change.

Which sampling method gives every member of a population an equal chance of being selected, making it the most representative?

Answer: Simple random sampling

Simple random sampling ensures every individual in the population has an equal probability of selection, maximizing representativeness.

A social worker notices a correlation between high childhood adversity scores and adult depression in their clinical data. The CORRECT interpretation is:

Answer: There is a statistically significant association that warrants further causal study

Correlation demonstrates an association but cannot establish causation; additional experimental research is needed to determine causal relationships.

The Belmont Report's principle of 'justice' in research ethics refers to:

Answer: Ensuring fair distribution of research benefits and burdens across populations

The Belmont Report's justice principle requires equitable selection of research subjects so that no group bears a disproportionate burden or is excluded from benefits.

Which research design collects data at a single point in time from a sample to examine relationships between variables?

Answer: Cross-sectional survey design

Cross-sectional designs collect data at one time point from a sample, allowing examination of variable relationships but not causal or longitudinal conclusions.

A needs assessment in social work is conducted primarily to:

Answer: Identify service gaps and inform program planning for a target population

Needs assessments identify unmet needs and resource gaps within a community or population to guide the development of programs and services.