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 sorting them out and quantifying them in some cohesive way in order to construct meaning-but how can you measure something that is not quantifiable? For example, how would you measure a phenomenon? How would you measure the feelings of adolescents in a certain situation? For this Discussion, choose one phenomenon, or abstract concept, and think about how it can be operationally defined and measured. What method and instrument could you use to measure it?
Choose a phenomenon (love, anger, compassion, or something similar) and suggest a method and an instrument for measuring it. Create a question or set of questions that operationalize the concept. Then provide explanations for the following questions:
· What level of measurement applies to your proposed measure?
· How did you determine whether the questions and response options are both reliable and valid?
· How would you collect the data (in person, telephone, mail)? Individually or in groups? Self-administered or researcher-administered?
Please use 2 or more resources to support your answers.
References
Yegidis, B. L., Weinbach, R. W., & Myers, L. L. (2012). Research methods for social workers (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Allyn & Bacon.
Brosi, E. (2011). Table 1.2: Academic/educational attitudes and values. In Measurement tools for evaluating out-of-school time programs: An evaluation resource.
Retrieved from http://www.hfrp.org/publications-resources/browse-our-publications/measurement-tools-for-evaluating-out-of-school-time-programs-an-evaluation-resource2#table1-2.
Windle, G., Bennett, K. M., & Noyes, J. (2011). A methodological review of resilience measurement scales. Retrieved from http://www.hqlo.com/content/pdf/1477-7525-9-8.pdf
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
Discussion 2: Use of Existing Measures
One of the best ways to learn is to critique the work of others. For this week's Discussion 2, choose an instrument used in one of the research studies listed in the resources for this week or from a research study that relates to the concept you proposed to measure in Discussion 1. Consider how you would compare your original measurement to the existing measurement.
· Post a brief explanation of your chosen research study and the measurement instrument used.
· Then, compare your original measurement approach to the existing instrument.
· Next, explain how you would revise or replace your original measurement plan.
· Finally explain the advantages and/or disadvantages of using existing instruments for measurement.
Please use 2 or more resources to support your answers.
References
Yegidis, B. L., Weinbach, R. W., & Myers, L. L. (2012). Research methods for social workers (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Allyn & Bacon.
Brosi, E. (2011). Table 1.2: Academic/educational attitudes and values. In Measurement tools for evaluating out-of-school time programs: An evaluation resource. Retrieved from
http://www.hfrp.org/publications-resources/browse-our-publications/measurement-tools-for-evaluating-out-of-school-time-programs-an-evaluation-resource2#table1-2.
Windle, G., Bennett, K. M., & Noyes, J. (2011). A methodological review of resilience measurement scales. Retrieved from
http://www.hqlo.com/content/pdf/1477-7525-9-8.pdf
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
Discussion 3: 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 use of self during your field education experience that you may have encountered or that you might encounter
· A description of potential boundary challenges in your field education experience at a military mental health clinic
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.
Ganzer, C. (2007). The use of self from a relational perspective. Clinical Social Work Journal, 35(2), 117-123.
Osteen, P. J. (2011). Motivations, values, and conflict resolution: Students' integration of personal and professional identities. Journal of Social Work Education, 47(3), 423-444.