FREE MSW Master of Social Work Social Work Research and Policy Questions and Answers Flashcards

Which research design is most appropriate for examining causal relationships between a social work intervention and client outcomes?

Answer: Randomized controlled trial

Randomized controlled trials use random assignment to establish causality between an intervention and its outcomes.

What is the primary purpose of a needs assessment in social work policy development?

Answer: To identify gaps between current conditions and desired outcomes in a community

A needs assessment systematically identifies the gap between what exists and what is needed in a target population or community.

In social work research, what does the term 'cultural responsiveness' in study design primarily address?

Answer: Ensuring research methods respect and account for participants' cultural contexts

Cultural responsiveness ensures that research methods, instruments, and interpretations are appropriate for the cultural backgrounds of participants.

Which federal legislation established the foundation for child welfare policy in the United States by promoting permanency planning?

Answer: Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997

The Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 prioritized child safety and established timelines for permanency decisions in child welfare cases.

What is the main ethical concern when using a control group that receives no treatment in social work research?

Answer: Withholding potentially beneficial services from vulnerable participants

Denying services to a control group raises ethical concerns about withholding potentially helpful interventions from people in need.

Which data collection method is best suited for exploring the lived experiences of individuals affected by homelessness policies?

Answer: In-depth qualitative interviews

In-depth qualitative interviews allow researchers to capture rich, detailed narratives about participants' personal experiences with homelessness.