SOCW-6301-6500-WK11-Discussions

Discussion 1: Integrating the Research Process

About 15 years ago, before evidence-based practice became a standard to which to aspire, a professor found an article describing a treatment program for substance-abusing African-American women that incorporated their children and aimed to preserve their families. The program was built around principles of African-centered theory. The professor thought the program appeared well designed and heartily urged students to study the article and possibly find ways to imitate the program ideas, if not the program itself. A few years later, the professor, having continued her education, especially in the area of research, searched for a follow-up on the program, perhaps reporting outcomes and evidence of effectiveness. No research evidence on the program appears in the scholarly journals. In fact, no evidence that the program continues to exist at this time has been found. The fact that what appeared to be a promising practice approach did not endure or have the opportunity to benefit from evaluation is unfortunate.

Note: This week you will work in groups to create a plan for evaluating the rite of passage program described in the assigned article. Each member of the group will be assigned one step of the research process:

1.                            Focused research questions and research hypothesis

2.                            Measurement

3.                            Analyzing data

4.                            Disseminating research findings

To prepare for this Discussion, read the Poitier et al. study and then revisit what you have learned about your assigned step of the research process. Consider what would be the most important information to share with your colleagues about that step. Together your group will create a research plan for evaluating the rite of passage program described in the assigned article.

 ·      Post an explanation of your assigned step of the research process and how you would complete that step.

References (use 2 or more)

Poitier, V. L., Niliwaambieni, M., & Rowe, C. L. (1997). A rite of passage approach designed to preserve the families of substance-abusing African American women. Child Welfare, 76(1), 173–195.

Discussion 2: Blog

Refer to the topics covered in this week's resources and incorporate them into your blog.

Post a blog post that includes:

 ·      An explanation of the completion of your agency learning agreement, including a summary of the results of your evaluation

References (use 2 or more)


Garthwait, C. (2012). The social work practicum: A guide and workbook for students (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.


Pomeroy, E. C., & Nonaka, A. M. (2011). The art of not knowing. Social Work, 56(4), 293–295.