Week 6: Design an Unobtrusive Research Strategy

Assignment Instructions

Purpose

Practice designing an unobtrusive research approach for a sensitive topic. Youll identify feasible data sources, outline procedures, anticipate strengths/limitations, and build ethical safeguards that align with social work values.

Instructions:

1. Select a sensitive topic (examples: stigma, domestic violence, substance use, homelessness, immigration status, mental health in youth).
2. Write a 2-page plan (double-spaced) that includes:
3. Potential data sources: Specify which records (e.g., agency files, public reports), documents/artifacts(e.g., social media posts, news articles, flyers), and/or observations (direct or indirect/trace) youll useand why they fit this topic.
4. Data collection procedures: Where will you access the data? How often? What inclusion/exclusion criteria? How will you store, organize, and code the data (e.g., a brief coding scheme for content analysis or an observation checklist)?
5. Strengths & limitations: Explain how unobtrusive methods reduce reactivity and participant burdenthen note constraints (e.g., missing context, selection bias, representativeness, interpretation challenges).
6. Ethical safeguards: Address privacy (public vs. private sources), de-identification, secure storage, cultural sensitivity, terms-of-service compliance, and how youll avoid harm. Include when consent, IRB review, or agency permission would be needed.
7. Submit your plan by Sunday 11:59 PM in Word or PDF.

Suggested Structure (2 pages)

• Title & Topic (12 sentences)
• Data Sources (12 page): Records, artifacts, observations (what/where/why)
• Procedures (12 page): Access, sampling/selection, frequency, organization/coding
• Strengths & Limitations (12 page)
• Ethical Safeguards (12 page)

Formatting & Citations

• 2 pages, double-spaced, 12-pt Times New Roman (or similar).
• Use APA 7 if you cite policies, instruments, or sources.

Tips for Success

• Be specific: Name concrete data sources (e.g., public eviction court dockets, 20222024), not just categories.
• Keep it feasible: Choose sources you could realistically access in an agency or community context.
• Center ethics: Clarify what is truly public, how youll de-identify data, and how youll minimize risk.
• Plan your coding: Include a simple coding approach (themes, keywords, categories) to show how analysis would work.
• Acknowledge limits: Briefly note what your plan cannot capture and how you might triangulate with other methods later.

Michael Barron 15.2

What are some of the underlying issues that my be affecting Mike’s behavior?

What are some of Mike’s strengths?

What might be some fears that you imagine Mandy is having concerning her son?

Who would you like to get permission to talk with outside the family concerning Mike’s behavior?

How would you initially diagnose Mike?

What psychosocial and cultural factors (Z codes) might be of concern for Mike?

Required reading :

DSM-5-TR and Michael Barron in Pomeroy, E. (2015)

Criteria:

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMichael Barron 15.2

Identify at least two underlying issues that my be affecting Mike’s behavior? =.5

Identify at least two of Mike’s strengths=1

Share some fears that you imagine Mandy is having concerning her son=.5

Identify at least two appropriate persons you like to get permission to talk with outside the family concerning Mike’s behavior=1

Identify at least one initial diagnosis of Mike=.5

Identify at least one psychosocial and cultural factors (Z codes) might be of concern for Mike=.5

Week #5 Instructions (PLEASE USE THE PREVIOUS PAPER, I HAVE ATTACHED TO THIS ORDER ) Based on what you have learned, determine whether an action research or program evaluation approach would best facilitate change regarding the social problem and systems you have identified (policy advocacy, policy change, program development, program implementation, community organizing, and so on). Choose one approach focused on change specific to your social problem. Use systems-based thinking to help in conceptualizing all of the important organizations and people needed in that change effort. How will you evaluate the results of the change effort? Be explicit in how you will address diversity and oppression in that change effort. Lastly, part of this assignment is to identify personal biases and assumptions that are being made about the population and social problem of focus. Address the seven main bullet points below that correspond to the rubric criteria for this assignment: Describe a strategy for change. o Describe a specific strategy that you believe will bring change, specific to your social problem of focus. o Specify your choice of action research or program evaluation to engage the system. o Your strategy may also focus on policy change, program implementation, and so on. o Explain in detail what your change-based strategy will look like. o Identify the individuals, organizations, coalitions, and stakeholders should be at the table in that effort. o Explain how you will engage the community and participants. o Explain how you will collaborate with relevant organizations. o Identify what kinds of steps must be taken to succeed in that change effort. Justify the choice of a particular intervention. o Cite relevant literature in arguing for your strategy. Propose a plan to evaluate the proposed change effort. o Include a timeline, the specific outcomes of focus, and specific details on how you will measure the outcomes. Explain one’s personal biases relative to a social problem. o For this criterion, you are asked to write about yourself; therefore, writing in the first person is appropriate for this portion of the assignment. Identify and explain what personal biases you have specific to your social problem. Identify and explain the assumptions you are making about your social problem and proposed change effort. Explain how your biases and assumptions might affect the work you are doing to create change. Explain how one will address diversity and oppression. o Identify the issues of diversity, oppression, and social justice that must be considered specific to your social problem. o Specify which strategies you will employ to address those particular issues. Write content clearly and logically, following the rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics. o Grammar refers to the basic rules for how sentences are constructed and how words combine to make sentences (such as word order, case, and tense). o Usage refers to correct word choice and phrasing, particularly with regard to the meanings of words and phrases. o Mechanics refers to correct use of capitalization, punctuation, and spelling. o Write in the third person (except as noted above), adhering to conventions of academic tone. Apply APA style and formatting to scholarly writing. o This includes the formatting of the title page, page numbers, margins, use of in-text headers, appropriate in-text citations and references page. Additional Requirements Your assignment should also meet the following requirements: Paper length: 7content pages plus a title page, abstract, and references. Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point. Sources: Six scholarly sources published within the last 7 years, cited and referenced in current edition APA style and format.

The main purpose of Checkpoint #1 is to help you learn the steps to structuring your paper in APA Referencing Style. Your journal should follow APA Referencing Standards. The Journal should be no more than 3 pages (including your cover page) and should include at least three levels of headings. Your paper will solely be graded on the items on the rubric. At this time, you may include brainstorming content using the prompt below. We will continue using this prompt in the following checkpoints leading up to Assignment #1. Prompt: Write a journal where you reflect on the role of communication in social work practice. Consider how effective communication impacts client relationships, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and advocacy efforts. In your reflection, discuss how ethical standardssuch as respect, confidentiality, cultural competence, and professional integrityshape the way social workers communicate. Use examples from your learning, experiences, or course materials to illustrate your points. Maximum of 3 pages plus cover page and reference page.

In your reply, critically engage with your peers ideas by providing additional insights,

supporting evidence, and posing at least 1 question to foster critical thinking and deepen the

discussion.

Next, identify 1 key piece of discussion in your peers threads regarding the benefits or

risks of puberty blockers or hormone therapy for youth with GD. Reflect on how this evidence

influences your understanding of ethical considerations in providing gender-affirming care. Do

you see any ethical dilemmas or conflicts? Why or why not?

As with the thread, much of the material on this topic comes from media sources. That being the

case, feel free to cite those sources (e.g., from schools, local governments, policymaking,

advocacy groups, professional/para-professional associations, medical institutions, etc.), but be

sure to also fulfill the threads overall instructions to provide at least 1 scholarly

source.

Please incorporate and discuss at least 1 biblical principle and cite and reference the Bible verse

used, which would add a better understanding and create a deeper reflection on the topic and

faith in the context of your peers discussion and your own arguments and conclusions. 200 WORDS EACH 1 SCHOLARLY SOURCES AND 1 BIBLICAL SCRIPTURE PER RESPONSE! ITS 2 RESPONSES

Chapters Covered: Chapters 4 and 9

Assignment Type: Structured Written Reflection

Length: 600750 words (excluding title and reference pages)

Format: APA 7th Edition (Times New Roman, 12 pt, double-spaced, 1″ margins)

Instructions

• Respond to all four short essay prompts below. Each response should be 150200 words.
• Your total word count should fall between 600750 words.
• In each answer:
• Apply at least one key concept from the list provided
• Cite the textbook at least once (in-text citation required)
• Reference at least one NOHS Ethical Standard and one CSWE Competency across your four responses
• Use clear, professional language and paragraph format

Chapter 4 Child Welfare Questions

• 1. How have ethnic minority children been historically abused and exploited, and what are the long-term effects of this history?
• Hint: Consider forced removals, labor exploitation, or boarding schools. Discuss how these events impact current attitudes toward the child welfare system.
• 2. Provide an example of how removing a child from their home and placing them in foster care can affect identity development.
• Think about disrupted attachments, cultural disconnects, and developmental outcomes.

Chapter 9 Human Services in School Settings Questions

• 3. Why is interprofessional collaboration important in school-based human services? Explain the different roles of each.
• Include the roles of school social workers, counselors, and other personnel. Describe how collaboration promotes student well-being and ethical care.
• 4. What are some ways that human services providers in schools can respond to bias-based bullying of LGBTQ students, based on GLSENs recommendations?
• Describe how providers can foster affirming, inclusive school environments and promote dignity and safety for all students.

Required Key Concepts (Use at least 4 total):

• Mandated Reporting
• Risk Assessment
• Kinship Care
• Identity Development
• Historical Trauma
• Cultural Competence
• Bias-Based Bullying
• Interprofessional Collaboration
• Trauma-Informed Practice
• Affirming School Environments

Assignment Requirements

• APA 7th edition formatting:
• Title page
• In-text citations
• Reference list with hanging indents
• Use at least two sources: the course textbook and one additional scholarly or credible source

Professional Standards

NOHS Ethical Standards (reference one or more):

• Standard 1: Client safety and well-being
• Standard 5: Ethical decisions within systems
• Standard 11: Cultural awareness and respect
• Standard 18: Recognize and build on client strengths

CSWE 2022 Competencies (reference one or more):

• Competency 1: Ethical and Professional Behavior
• Competency 2: Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
• Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
• Competency 6 or 7: Engage or Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Reminder:

This assignment is an opportunity to apply your learning to real-world practice. Use course language, demonstrate critical thinking, and clearly connect your responses to professional roles and ethical standards in Human Services.

Chapter Application Activity

Chapter Application Activity

CriteriaRatingsPointsAPA Requirements

Full Marks

Meets all of the criteria.

5 pts

Near

APA formatting is present, but is not correct.

2.5 pts

No Evidence

No APA formatting. Need major revisions.

0 pts

/5 pts

Critical Thinking/Application of Material

Exceeds

Full Marks (Represents excellent/superior work): Exceeds the criteria for a fully developed paper with the proper application of the material.

25 pts

Mastery

Represents good work: The paper shows a developed thought process and gives detail on most of the subject matter. Paper reflects developed ideas and thought process.

20 pts

Near

Represents average work; The paper shows an semi developed thought process and gives detail to most of the subject matter. Paper reflects semi developed ideas and thought process, but did not completely finalize all aspects of the process.

15 pts

Below

The paper does not show that the writer has developed critical thinking skills necessary to fully complete the assignment.

10 pts

No Evidence

The student demonstrates the minimal skills considered necessary to pass the assignment and has not demonstrated the ability to meet expectations.

0 pts

/25 pts

Clarity

Exceeds

Full Marks (Represents excellent/superior work): Explanations very clear and well organized.

10 pts

Mastery

Represents good work: The body of the paper shows a developed thought process and gives detail on most of the subject matter.

9 pts

Near

Represents average work: The body of the paper touched briefly on a set of ideas but did not fully develop them, showing growth and competency.

7 pts

Below

Did not complete or didn’t fully develop their thoughts on each of the discussion points.

5 pts

No Evidence

The student demonstrates the minimal skills considered necessary to pass the assignment and has not demonstrated the ability to meet expectations.

0 pts

/10 pts

Writing-Grammar Sentence structure, paragraph structure, spelling, punctuation

Mastery

Full Marks (Represents excellent/superior work): 0 errors in sentence structure, paragraph structure, spelling, or punctuation.

5 pts

Near

Represents good work: 0-3 different errors in sentence structure, paragraph structure, spelling, or punctuation.

4 pts

Below

The student demonstrates the minimal skills considered necessary to pass the assignment and has not demonstrated the ability to meet expectations.

2 pts

No Evidence

Did not complete the assignment or had 8 or more different errors in sentence structure, paragraph structure, spelling, or punctuation

0 pts

/5 pts

Reference requirements

Mastery

Full Marks: Meets all of the criteria.

5 pts

Near

References are present, but did not meet the reference requirement.

3 pts

No Evidence

No references were present,

0 pts

/5 pts

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APA Formating guideline: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/index.html

Instructions

In this assignment, you will write a two-page essay (approximately 500 words, double-spaced) evaluating whether Social Security functions as an effective mechanism to address poverty in the United States. This task is designed to help you critically assess the Social Security system and its impact on older adult Americans. To begin, watch the video provided

. Then, respond to the central question: Is Social Security a mechanism to address poverty?

In your essay, be sure to address the following points:

• Describe the history of Social Security and the conditions that led to its creation.
• Compare how Social Security was initially dispensed to how it functions today.
• Evaluate whether the program has been effective since its inception and whether it continues to be effective in todays society, providing reasons for your stance.
• Offer any suggestions you may have as a future social worker for improving the program.

Criteria

Throughout the two-page paper, students must adhere to APA 7th edition formatting and citation guidelines. This includes the proper use of in-text citations, references, and formatting of headings and subheadings in alignment with APA standards. The use of credible, scholarly sources is encouraged to support your discussion and demonstrate depth of knowledge.

Papers should reflect critical thinking, academic integrity, and professional writing standards. Clarity, depth, and accuracy of content will be evaluated, along with the effective integration of APA style throughout both the outline and narrative components.

The objectives of this discussion forum are to identify a core value or belief for analysis in this and upcoming assignments and explain the relationship between the self and society via Cooley’s conceptualization of the looking glass self.

First, identify a value or belief at the core of your self-concept: You might refer back to your post in the discussion board forum from lesson 1, where I asked you to introduce yourself and to include a discussion of who you are (beginning your sentences with, “I am…”) and what makes you happy, as these aspects of your self can indicate your values and beliefs. This

(reproduced in part from

) can help you to identify values that you think are important parts of your self.

After identifying a (single; one) core value or belief of your self-concept, think about how social interactions with others influenced you to have this value or belief. In particular, focus on the influence of social group agents of socialization as reviewed in this lesson (i.e., family and peers). Then, analyze how a specific social interaction with a social group agent of socialization influenced this value or belief by way of the looking glass self. Put differently, how did at least one specific instance of the way that you thought your family or friends perceived you contribute to your having this value or belief?

In your discussion post:

• Identify the one core value or belief that you will analyze.
• Provide a brief (2-3 sentences) description of what the looking glass self means.
• Use your own words to describe this concept (do not use direct quotes and maintain academic honesty) and
• use accurate in-text citation(s) to reference the assigned course material(s) from this lesson that informs your understanding of this concept.
• Do not substitute other sources for assigned course materials.
• Reflect on social interactions that you had with a social group agent that taught, reinforced, or otherwise somehow influenced you to have this value/belief. Select one interaction to reflectively analyze by way of applying the concept of the looking glass self. Now, share you analysis with us: Be detailed and concise in describing the social interaction between you and the other person (or people), and take time to develop your application of the looking glass self in your analysis.

Note that I am asking you to share a personal experience with me and fellow classmates (something I will rarely ask of you in this course), so post wisely. While I strive to ensure that my classrooms (whether in-class or virtual) are a , I cannot ensure that what we discuss in this class will not be shared with others outside of class. Please, remember to be respectful and empathetic to others in discussions and, please, do not share fellow students’ personal experiences with others outside of class (remember, the stories stay, the lessons leave).

NO AI Identify and analyze key components of social psychology research as described a news article or press release that describes a research study about what makes people happy.

The objectives of this discussion forum are to demonstrate your understanding of materials from this Lesson and your ability to use your own brain to identify the different variables and relations among variables in research, critically evaluate media portrayals of academic research with reference to concepts and principles of social psychology research, and to use proper in-text citations.

First, Select one of the following news articles to review and analyze for your work in this discussion board forum:

• Anderson, Jenny. (2022). “
• “
• Dolan, Eric. (2025). “
• “
• Dolan, Eric. (2024). “
• “
• Dolan, Eric. (2024). “
• ” (This article describes a handful of findings reflecting different relationships among different variables. You may focus your analysis only on the findings about happiness / subjective well-being.)
• Johnstone, Josslyn. (2025). “
• .”
• Johnstone, Josslyn. (2025). “
• “
• Kara-Yakoubian, Mane. (2025). “
• .”
• Marsh, Jason and Robb Willer. (2013). “
• “
• Perry, Susan. (2020). “
• ” (Note that this article discussed two different research studies that vary slightly by method. Note the difference in methods in your analysis.)
• Setionago, Bianca. (2025). “
• “
• Schulz, Marc and Robert Waldinger. (2023). “
• “
• Staloch, Laura. (2023). “
• “
• Travers, Mark. (2021). “
• “

Got a different article in mind or want to find an article about something different? You can go to

,

, or

, and search for ‘research on happiness’ or some other variation of key terms (e.g., research/study/researchers/scientific on happy/happiness/happier/well-being) to find a news article or a press release that discusses a single academic research study about what makes people happy (like the articles linked above).

In your discussion post:

1. Identify the news article you selected and reviewed.
2. Use correct in-text citation(s) (see ” page for guidance; click ).
3. Provide a brief (2-3 sentences) synopsis of the research study described in the article that includes a discussion of key components in scientific research. This entails using your brain, based on what you learned in this lesson, to clearly identify and describe:
4. the research question or hypothesis explored in this research;
5. the variables in this research,
6. clearly identify and distinguish between the independent and dependent variables;
7. the research methods, including who the research participants are, and
8. describe the overall findings of this research.
9. Analyze and Discuss the difference between correlation and causation by addressing the following (based on your understanding of what you learned in this Lesson) (in a paragraph):
10. Does the title (or headline) of this news article suggest a causal or correlational relationship between variables? How so, or how not?
11. Does the research, as described in the news article, actually demonstrate a causal or a correlational relation between the variables under study?
12. Describe why or why not: What does the research suggest about the relationship between the variables? Be clear in distinguishing between causation and correlation.
13. Identify and describe at least two other correlates (i.e., variables that may also correlate with both of the variables studied in this research).