SSW Research & Evidence-Based Practice — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is an evidence-based practice (EBP) in school social work?
- An intervention or approach supported by rigorous research demonstrating its effectiveness (Correct answer)
- Any practice that a social worker has used successfully
- A practice recommended by a textbook author
- The most popular intervention among social workers
Correct answer: An intervention or approach supported by rigorous research demonstrating its effectiveness
Evidence-based practice integrates the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and client values/preferences to guide intervention selection and implementation.
Question 2: What is a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) in schools?
- A prevention framework providing increasingly intensive interventions at three tiers based on student need (Correct answer)
- A three-story building design for optimal learning environments
- A grading system using three performance tiers
- A staffing model with three levels of employee qualifications
Correct answer: A prevention framework providing increasingly intensive interventions at three tiers based on student need
MTSS provides three tiers of support: Tier 1 (universal interventions for all students), Tier 2 (targeted interventions for at-risk students), and Tier 3 (intensive individualized interventions for students with significant needs).
Question 3: What is the purpose of progress monitoring in school social work interventions?
- To regularly assess whether an intervention is producing the desired outcomes and adjust accordingly (Correct answer)
- To monitor student attendance records only
- To track the social worker's billable hours
- To evaluate teacher satisfaction with social work services
Correct answer: To regularly assess whether an intervention is producing the desired outcomes and adjust accordingly
Progress monitoring involves regularly collecting data on student outcomes during an intervention to determine if it is effective, make data-driven adjustments, or change the approach entirely.
Question 4: What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and how is it applied in school settings?
- A therapy approach that helps students identify and change negative thought patterns affecting their behavior and emotions (Correct answer)
- A behavioral management system using rewards and punishments
- A standardized academic curriculum for gifted students
- A physical therapy technique for students with motor difficulties
Correct answer: A therapy approach that helps students identify and change negative thought patterns affecting their behavior and emotions
CBT helps students recognize connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, teaching them to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping strategies.
Question 5: What ethical considerations must school social workers address when conducting research with students?
- Informed consent/assent, confidentiality, minimal risk, voluntary participation, and IRB approval (Correct answer)
- Only parental permission is needed regardless of the research type
- Research with minors requires no special ethical considerations
- School social workers are prohibited from conducting any research
Correct answer: Informed consent/assent, confidentiality, minimal risk, voluntary participation, and IRB approval
Research with students requires informed consent from parents, assent from minors, confidentiality protections, IRB oversight, voluntary participation, and ensuring the research poses minimal risk.
Question 6: What is a logic model in program evaluation?
- A visual representation showing the relationships between program resources, activities, outputs, and outcomes (Correct answer)
- A mathematical formula for calculating program costs
- A computer programming language for data analysis
- A standardized test for measuring student logic skills
Correct answer: A visual representation showing the relationships between program resources, activities, outputs, and outcomes
A logic model visually maps the theory of change: inputs (resources) → activities (what the program does) → outputs (products/services delivered) → outcomes (changes that result).
SSW Research & Evidence-Based Practice
What is an evidence-based practice (EBP) in school social work?