20 Jan Methods of Measuring
SOCW–6301: SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE RESEARCH 1
Discussion 1: Methods of Measuring
The center point of research studies is the body of data collected to answer the research question. These data must be measured, which is the act of taking an abstract concept (e.g., depression, anger, etc.), sorting them out and quantifying them in some cohesive way in order to construct meaning—but how can you measure something that is not easily quantifiable?
Choosing an appropriate measurement tool requires consideration of a number of different issues including reliability, validity, appropriateness for use with a specific group or culture, availability, and potential cost. Sometimes, social workers will attempt to create their own set of questions to tap into or measure a concept. This may appear to be an easy thing to do; however, writing questions to measure a phenomenon is more challenging than it would seem. For example, how do we know it measures what we want it to measure? In the first discussion this week, you will have the opportunity to create your own questions to measure a phenomenon of your interest. In the second discussion, you will compare the measure you created with an existing instrument that measures the same phenomenon.
To prepare: Choose one phenomenon or issue that a client may be dealing with (for example, depression, anxiety, or family conflict). Consider how you would evaluate the client’s progress in this area. Create questions with response options that would capture this phenomenon or client issue.
By Day 3
• Identify the phenomenon you would measure and explain how you conceptualize this phenomenon.
• Provide at least 3 questions you would use to measure this phenomenon and explain how these questions operationalize the phenomenon.
• Define reliability in 2-3 sentences and give one example of how you would establish reliability for the questions you created.
• Define validity in 2-3 sentences and give one example of how you would establish validity for the questions you created.
• Create a measurement plan to assess the phenomenon.
o Describe the methodology you would use to collect data using your measurement tool (your method for acquiring this research data).
o Explain the advantages and disadvantages of your choices.
Be sure to support your responses with specific references to the resources. If you are using additional articles, be sure to provide full APA-formatted citations for your references both within the text and on the referencing section. PLEASE ALWAYS INCLUDE THE REQIRED TEXTBOOK as part of the references and if possible some of the REQUIRED READING if applicable. Please always start by referring to THE TEXTBOOK, Yegidis, B. L., Weinbach, R. W., & Myers, L. L. (2018). Research methods for social workers (8th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson.
Required readings
Yegidis, B. L., Weinbach, R. W., & Myers, L. L. (2018). Research methods for social workers (8th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson.
• Chapter 10, “Measurements Concepts and Issues” (pp. 223-245)
• Chapter 11,” Methods for Acquiring Research Data” (pp. 246-275)
• Chapter 12, “Data Collection Instruments” (pp. 277-294)
https://web-a-ebscohost-com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=1&sid=0a0802f1-dc32-4564-97ef-a41214321dd3%40sessionmgr4008
egidis, B. L., Weinbach, R. W., & Myers, L. L. (2018). Research methods for social workers (8th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson.
• Chapter 10, “Measurements Concepts and Issues” (pp. 223-245)
• Chapter 11,” Methods for Acquiring Research Data” (pp. 246-275)
• Chapter 12, “Data Collection Instruments” (pp. 277-294)
• Windle, G., Bennett, K. M., & Noyes, J. (2011). A methodological review of resilience scales. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 9, 2-18.
Walker, K. E., & Arbreton, A. J. A. (2001). Working together to build Beacon Centers in San Francisco: Evaluation findings from 1998–2000. Philadelphia, PA: Public/Private Ventures. (see pp. 96-99 for measures). Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED464212.pdf
• See pp. 96–99 for measures
Document: Tips When Evaluating Instruments
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