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PRIOR SYLLABUS. SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CONTACT INSTRUCTOR FOR FURTHER QUESTIONS. University of Vermont College of Education and Social Services Department of Social Work SWSS 7: Quantitative Methods in Social Work Research Summer 2008 Tues., Thurs. 5:00-8:30 p.m. Location: L107 Lafayette

Instructor: Gary Widrick, Ph.D. Phone: 656-8801 (voice mail) E mail: [email protected] Office and hours: Waterman 439 & by app’t.

3 credits

It is a simple task to make things complex, But a complex task to make things simple. Chinese Proverb

1.0

COURSE DESCRIPTION

1.1

OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE

This course is designed as an introduction to statistics commonly found in social work practice, policy and research. The course will cover the range of statistical concepts from univariate to multivariate analysis as well as descriptive and inferential statistics. The course content will be discussed conceptually as well as from applied and intuitive perspectives. Each class will cover a specific set of statistical conventions (including mathematical derivations and formulations), the underlying assumptions of their construction, and their application in the social work literature. The course will also include the use of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (Version 13.01) for data analysis. The goals of the course are three fold: (1.) beginning competence in statistics; (2.) preparing students to use and critique statistical methods in practice and research; and (3.) helping students present statistics clearly and accurately. The course fulfills the statistics requirement for the UVM MSW degree program (M.S.W. Program Bulletin 2007‘08, p 14).

1.2

Course Objectives

Students who successfully complete the course should be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, values and skill objectives: Knowledge:

2 1. Develop a conceptual framework for statistical thinking; 2. Understand the use of statistics in social work journal articles; 3. Understand the underlying assumptions of quantitative methodology and its implications for social work; 4. Understand the applicability as well as limitations of statistical testing and statistical significance for social work practice, research and policy; 5. Gain appreciation of the uses of statistical software for data analysis Values: 1. Appreciate the sensitivities of diverse groups toward notions of generalizability, norms and representativeness in the use of statistics and social indicators; 2. Understand the ethical issues involved in the use of measurement based upon the normal distribution and use of standardized tests; 3. Develop sensitivity to use of group data and statistical averages and their effect on disadvantaged and oppressed groups Skills: 1. Recognize and accurately interpret statistical symbols; 2. Understand mathematical foundations of statistical tests; 3. Be able to ask critical questions about the presentation of data\ statistics in reports, presentations, journal articles and in the media; 4. Ability to use SPSS software for basic statistical operations; 5. Ability to select and apply basic statistical tests to collected data; 6. Prepare and present statistical data in clear and concise ways to promote understanding and reasonable, supportable interpretations. 1.3

Grading

There will be three quizzes worth ten (10) points each for a total of thirty (30) points. Quizzes

2 cover course material in preceding classes prior to the date of the quiz. Students are allowed to use notes and a calculator. There will be two (2) lab assignments worth ten (10) points each for a total of twenty (20) points. Lab assignments may be completed in the Academic Computing Center (ACC) in the basement of the Waterman Building and in the Bailey Howe library (Cyber Café). Please see summer hours posted on the UVM website for the hours of the ACC and the Bailey- Howe library. Students will need to use computers loaded with current SPSS software. Please make sure you have a current UVM e mail account so you can log in successfully to the on campus computers (Note: UVM creates an e mail account for all summer enrolled students. Go to www.uvm.edu/account or UVM Computing and Information Technology ( CIT ) webpage to activate). Your UVM e mail account is the only email address UVM uses to communicate important information about course changes, cancellations, or other information regarding courses. Some class time may be allotted for lab work. The instructor will allow one and only one re-write of a lab assignment if necessary. Specific instructions will be given early in the course for completion of the lab assignments. In rare instances and with permission of the instructor, extra credit assignments may be jointly planned with the instructor. Each student will be asked to review an article from the required course pack, lead a class discussion on the article and write a brief review of the article following class discussion. This assignment will constitute twenty-five (25) points toward the total points in the class. A final small group (n=2) project on the presentation of data is required. The presentation will involve displaying data in a clear and concise format and using technology (e.g., Power Point, SPSS graphics, Excel) to enhance your presentation. Students will present in a simulated formal presentation format and receive feedback directly from their peers and the instructor on form, style and substance of their topic. Exact topics will be discussed in class and guidelines on the display of data provided. This assignment will be worth twenty-five (25) points based upon group participation and content. 1.4

Code of Conduct

All students will be expected to come to class prepared which includes reading assigned articles and text readings. Class participation is also graded (+, -) and can make a difference when a student is on the cusp of two grades (e.g., B+ or A-). So please make yourself heard in class while respecting equal time for your learning colleagues. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that serves to maintain, promote, and enhance the high quality academic environment befitting the University of Vermont. Faculty and students will treat all members of the learning community with respect. Toward this end, they will promote academic discourse and the free exchange of ideas by listening with civil attention to comments made by all individuals. Students and faculty will maintain an appropriate academic

3 climate by refraining from all actions which will disrupt the learning environment (UVM Faculty Senate, 1999). Additionally I request that while in class you turn off all cell phone ringers, refrain from text messaging and lap top non course work (e mail messaging). 2.0

COURSE METHODS

2.1

Required Readings

The required texts are available from the UVM bookstore in the Dudley Davis Center. Rubin, A. (2007). Statistics for Evidence-Based Practice and Evaluation. Thomson/Brooks Cole, Belmont, CA.

Quantitative Methods in Social Work: SWSS 007 course pack (2008).

3.0

Tues., 5/20

COURSE SCHEDULE AND OUTLINE

Introduction to course Statistics – Why do I need to learn this? Examples of data presentation in social work Self- efficacy Questionnaire

Readings:

Text, Chap. 1

Thurs., 5/22

Frequency distributions, reading data Levels of measurement Article assignment selection

Readings

Text, Chaps. 3-4

Tues., 5/27

Measures of central tendency, the normal curve and distribution Introduction to SPSS and Stat Lab (Note: Allan Howard will lead class tutorial

4 In Waterman Room 133-Q, starting at 4:30 p.m.) (This is in the basement of the Waterman Building in the Academic Computing Center).

Readings:

Text, Chaps. 2, 5-7 Readings from course pack.

Thurs., 5/29

Sampling and Probability Z-scores Hypothesis Testing The meaning, use and misuse of statistical significance

Readings:

text, Chaps. 9-11 Recommended reading Article presentations

Tues., June 3

Readings

Thurs., June 5

Chi square and cross tabs SPSS Lab assignment I Quiz # 1 Article presentations Text, Chap.14

Article presentations

Lab Time (optional)

Tues., June 10

Correlational Methods

Readings:

text, Chap. 15 Article presentations Lab assignment # 1 due

5 Thurs., June 12

Lab Assignment # 2 T-tests Quiz # 2 Article presentations

Readings:

text, chap. 12

Tues., June 17

ANOVA Article presentations Lab Assignment # 2 due

Readings:

text, Chap. 13

Thurs., June 19

Multiple regression Group presentations Text, Chap.12 (pp. 211-216).

Tues., June 24

Strength of Stat tests and Selecting State tests Group presentation Lab Assignment # 2 due

Reading: Thurs., June 26

Article review paper due Text, Chap. 16 Course review Quiz # 3 Group presentations

Please refer to the UVM Cat’s Tale (student handbook) & the Graduate College Catalogue (on Graduate College web page) in regard to policies for academic honesty. Note: Syllabus is subject to change with notice. This syllabus is for the use of students enrolled in SWSS 7, Quantitative Methods in Social Work Research at the University of Vermont. It may not be reproduced, published, sold, or posted on

4 an unauthorized web without the written permission of the instructor.