Conceptual Analysis of a Specific Theoretical Construct Final Project Overview

This course explores various theoretical constructs and their application with various clients. When providing services to clients, a professional social worker uses theory as a guide. Consider the theories presented in this course. Choose one from the following list that resonates most closely for you: systems, conflict, empowerment, feminist, psychodynamic, development, cognitive-behavioral, or transpersonal. Use the following conceptual framework to prepare a 12-15-page paper to analyze of your chosen theory.

1. Philosophical/historical roots

2. Theoretical framework (use work from seminal experts in the development of the theory chosen).

3. Nature of support for and against theory (empirical, practice wisdom).

• How do theoretical concepts translate into or guide specific practice goals and practice skills?

• What social work values are embraced?

4. When/with whom would it make the most sense to use this method in practice?

• Target populations

• Problems

• Those for whom this model is contraindicated

5. Description of treatment process

• Initial phase (e.g., purpose, areas of study and investigation, use of relationship, client/worker interaction, nature and content of client participation, nature of worker authority and expertise)

• Assessment (e.g., purpose, limits and range, process of assessment phase, client/worker interaction, nature and content of client's participation; emphasis on strengths vs. weaknesses; nature of worker authority and expertise; relationship of assessment to theoretical bases; underpinnings; expected outcomes of assessment phase)

• Treatment (e.g., goals [implicit and explicit]; focus of work; strategies and techniques used [empirical support, practice wisdom)]

• Termination (e.g., how decided, how carried out)

6. Research

• How does this theory inform research methods and topics?