MSW Master of Social Work Research and Program Evaluation Questions and Answers Flashcards
6 cards from real MSW practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 MSW Master of Social Work Research and Program Evaluation Questions and Answers flashcards as text
A social work researcher wants to determine whether a new group therapy intervention reduces anxiety symptoms more effectively than individual therapy. Which research design is most appropriate?
Answer: Randomized controlled trial
A randomized controlled trial allows the researcher to compare outcomes between two intervention groups while controlling for confounding variables.
In program evaluation, what does the term 'logic model' primarily describe?
Answer: A visual representation of how program resources lead to intended outcomes
A logic model maps the theoretical pathway from program inputs and activities through outputs to short-term and long-term outcomes.
Which of the following best represents a threat to external validity in social work research?
Answer: Using a sample from only one urban homeless shelter to generalize findings to all homeless populations
Generalizing results from a single, specific setting to a broader population is a classic threat to external validity.
A program evaluator is conducting a formative evaluation of a new child welfare training curriculum. What is the primary purpose of this type of evaluation?
Answer: To improve the program while it is still being developed or implemented
Formative evaluation focuses on gathering feedback during program development or early implementation to make improvements.
Which sampling method would introduce the most bias in a study examining social work burnout across a state's child protective services agencies?
Answer: Convenience sampling of workers who volunteer to participate
Convenience sampling of volunteers introduces self-selection bias because workers who volunteer may differ systematically from those who do not.
When analyzing qualitative interview data from a study on refugee resettlement experiences, which approach involves identifying recurring patterns and themes across transcripts?
Answer: Thematic analysis
Thematic analysis is a qualitative method that systematically identifies, organizes, and reports patterns and themes within interview data.