HCR 593: Module 5

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HCR 593: Module 5

Module 5: Producing the Applied Project: Design of Study

The first thing you will tell the reader is what kind of study or project you are doing and why it is a good fit for your applied research question.  These can be broad approaches such as qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, or a specific design such as narrative.

Brief Descriptions of Study Designs:

  • Qualitative: 
    These types of research methods involve describing in details specific situation using research tools like
    interviews, surveys, and Observations.
  • Quantitative: 
    These types of research methods require quantifiable data involving numerical and statistical explanations.
  • Correlation/Regression Analysis:
    This research method involves determining the strength of the relationship between two or more variables (e.g.
    are violent video games correlated with aggression in children).
  • Quasi-Experimental: 
    This research involves the comparison of two groups, one which is influenced by an external source and
    another which is not influenced by an external force.
  • Experimental: 
    Use of random assignment to place participants in two groups: an experimental group which receives
    intervention, and another control group without any intervention. It is using a positive control for you to base it
    or compare it in your result.
  • Meta-Analysis: 
    This research method is useful for finding out the average impact of several different studies on a hypothesis.

 

Example:   The proposed study will use  a quasi-experimental design with electronic surveys administered to participants  before and then 6 months following the implementation of the new teaching program.

You can use articles or books to back up your choices  on your approach.

Three and a half minute video that gives a quick overview of the two main types of research (qualitative versus quantitative – and how to mix the two together if needed for a mixed methods approach).

HCR 593-Module 5

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HCR 593-Module 5

Where is your study taking place? You will need to place it within its geographic setting as well as  local ( such as a facility or organization).
Provide enough background information about the setting so the reader understands the context in which the study or problem is taking place.
Details can include:
  • Population demographics
  • Socioeconomic factors
  • Environmental factors
  • Cultural factors.

If you are doing a quality -improvement project, include all of the facility or organization information that the reader needs to understand the problem. This may include a description of the organizational culture in addition information related to:

  • Administration
  • Management
  • Leadership structures
  • Financial data
  • Staffing
  • Involved populations, such as patients.

Anything that could  influence the implementation or outcomes of your project, for better or worse, should be discussed.

Module 5: Producing the Applied Project: Sample Population

  • What population are you drawing your sample from?
  • Who is going to participate in your study or project?
  • How many participants do you need? Is there a minimum?
  • How are you going to get them?

You need to first look at the type  of  sample design you are going to use ( convenience, purposive, random, consecutive) and why you chose that design.

Next, you need to establish your  sampling frame (the general population from which you will recruit your participants).  Example: For a study of bereaved parents of estranged children, the sampling frame might be parents attending a grief support group in a particular region of the United States.

Then you must tell us who you want to recruit from that population.

You need to specify exactly who qualifies to participate

  • Develop inclusion and exclusion criteria (I/E)
  • Characteristics for I/E  may include
    • Demographics (age, sex, educational level, marital status, ethnicity, occupation)
    • Presence or absence of an illness or health condition
    • Duration of illness or health condition
    • Number of years phenomenon being  experience
  • Professional role
  • Primary language
  • Literacy
  • Previous experience with intervention
  • Location

Example

The study will include a purposive sample of women in western Uganda who have experienced obstetric fistula. Inclusion criteria are women 18 years of age and older with a vesicovaginal or rectovaginal fistula  secondary to prolonged obstructed labor. Exclusion criteria will be women who have had their fistula for longer than five years so that the data reflect current sociocultural norms.

Module 5: Bias in Research

As you develop your project, take time to see if you have identified any potential “bias” in your approach, in your population, and in your analysis. How will you approach bias that you identify.

Resources: Bias in Research.pdf– attached file
This video discusses the concept of bias in research. Bias is evident when researching an issue that is polarizing or when financial gain is at stake. Even without these elements, bias exists in research because of other factors including researchers wanting a particular result to occur.
Every project contains some level of bias. It is our responsibility as the researcher to identify and limit bias.

SOWK 602

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SOWK 602

Critical Perspectives in Urban Social Work with African Americans

Purpose

This assignment assesses students’ ability to synthesize theory, critique dominant practice models, and apply culturally grounded frameworks to urban social work practice with African Americans.

Assignment Instructions

Write a 2–3 page paper (APA format) that integrates concepts from the assigned readings to address the following components:

Section I: Theoretical Foundations (Analysis)

Using the readings by Mazama (Afrocentric paradigm) and Littlefield and/or Few (Black Feminist/Womanist perspectives):

Explain the core assumptions of these frameworks.

Analyze how they center African American history, culture, spirituality, gender, and collective identity.

Discuss how these perspectives redefine “helping,” “healing,” and “competence” in urban social work.

Section II: Race, Identity, and Structural Racism (Evaluation)

Drawing on Boyd-Franklin, Alcántara et al., and related readings:

Evaluate how racism, racial identity development, and racialized trauma impact African American individuals and families in urban environments.

Critically assess limitations of traditional clinical or policy approaches that fail to address structural and historical realities.

Discuss how ignoring these dynamics can lead to misdiagnosis, ineffective intervention, or ethical harm.

Section III: Practice Application (Application)

Select one urban social work practice area (e.g., mental health, family therapy, child welfare, schools, housing, or criminal justice):

Apply at least two theoretical perspectives from the readings to describe how you would:

Conduct assessment

Engage clients and communities

Design interventions

Identify specific practice strategies that reflect cultural humility, anti-racist practice, and social justice.

Explain how your approach aligns with NASW values and ethical responsibilities.

Conclusion

Briefly reflect on how these critical perspectives reshape your understanding of your role as a social worker in urban African American communities.

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SOWK 602

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SOWK 602

One of the professors in one of the universities in Maryland is Dr. Anna McPhatter. She was a Dean of Social Work at Morgan State University, situates urban social work with African Americans within a historical, structural, and culturally grounded framework, emphasizing the enduring impact of racism, oppression, and systemic inequities on urban communities, while also lifting resilience, cultural strengths, and the ethical responsibilities of social workers.

In 3-4 pages (title and reference page not included), drawing directly from the introduction, analyze how McPhatter conceptualizes the role of the social worker in urban African American communities. In your response:

Analyze how historical trauma, structural racism, and urban context are presented as shaping contemporary social work practice with African Americans.

Evaluate McPhatter’s argument for culturally responsive and justice-oriented practice. What assumptions does she challenge about traditional social work models, and where do you see tensions or limitations in her framework?

Apply McPhatter’s perspective to a current urban social work practice issue (e.g., mental health, child welfare, housing instability, education, mass incarceration, health disparities).

How would her framework inform assessment, engagement, and intervention strategies?

What would ethical and culturally grounded practice look like in this scenario?

Support your discussion with specific concepts or language from the reading and 2-3 additional sources, and integrate professional values and practice principles into your response.

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Progress Report HCR 593

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Progress Report HCR 593

Progress Report #1 (15 pts)

  • Due Feb 15 by 11:59pm
  • Points 15
  • Submitting a file upload
  • Available until Feb 15 at 11:59pm

Remember, like DBs, Progress Reports, like DBs, are not accepted past the due date and time.

Progress Report must include updates on your project since your last progress report was submitted (or proposal for the first progress report). Use this opportunity to document your project’s journey. Some questions to consider: What are your plans for accomplishment within the following week and how have you scheduled time to accomplish it? Then, add a short reflection on your progress.

Rubric:

Ten (10) of the possible 15 points are for detailed progress reporting and planning documented.

Five (5) points of the possible (15) for personal reflection on your progress reporting and planning.

Each progress report must be unique to the progress you have made to avoid cutting and pasting previous submissions. This is an opportunity to document and reflect on your path.

This template is in Word format for ease of reporting.

HCR 593 – Progress Report #1.docx

Reminder that progress reports are not accepted late.

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Module 3 HCR 593

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Module 3 HCR 593

Module 3: Overview

Overview:

In this module, we will be reviewing your timeline for the applied projects, and then we begin to learn about literature reviews and how they impact the beginning stages of your project.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

  1. Explain the basics of a literature review and how it supports a project.
  2. Explain informed consent and its requirements for a planned applied project.
  3. Comprehend the importance of Annotated Bibliography (AB) in research and submit AB for five of the most important sources that support the goals of the applied project.

To Do:

  • Continue to work on our Applied Project
  • Submit the Applied Project Annotated Bibliography

Plan for first Project Draft Submission

HCR593_APPLIED PROJECT TEMPLATE_BF_15DEC2025_retitle to include your name-4.doc

Please review the first project draft submission in advance to plan accordingly and ask questions. It is anticipated that questions will arise so please plan time with instructors as well.

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HCR- 593 Discussion board #2

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HCR- 593 Discussion board #2

Discussion Board (DB) 2: In DB 1, you shared some information on your interests in Regulatory Science. Now, tell a bit more about how you came to Regulatory Science as a field. Secondly, tell your course colleagues how you chose the topic of your applied project, and why it matters to you. If you shared this in DB1, then instead, provide some details on how your topic fills a gap/need. Add any steps you have taken to fine-tune your topic since your inception of the idea.

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HCR 593: Module 2: Assignment Project Timeline

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HCR 593: Module 2: Assignment Project Timeline

  • Due Sunday Feb 1by 11:59pm
  • Points 10
  • Submitting a file upload

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Overview

Your applied project needs careful planning and management.  Project management is crucial to your success. Take time to actively review your schedule along with the steps you will need to complete for your project. Add buffer time into the plan as well.  Project management steps will help assist you to complete each phase of your applied project. You should identify a number of key activities that you should include when developing your applied project plan. The key activities, or milestones, should have a hard deadline that you recognize as a clear requirement to meet the goals of this project. 

  • Identify the key milestones of your project and map them first.
    • For example, if you are collecting surveys, when do you have to have the survey completed so you have time to have it approved before it launches?
    • For example, if you are conducting a literature review as a method, when would you need to have your article inclusion/exclusion complete in order to start running the study (searching for the articles, then documenting them so you can determine the themes which are required for writing up the results)?
  • Identify any key challenges in your path that may contribute to the risk of delays. For this task, you should consider not only your scheduling around milestones but how to build prevention techniques into a project to minimize risk.
  • Map out all resources you have and those that you will need (and by when will you need them).

Submission

For this assignment, you will submit a timeline displaying all activities you expect to accomplish for this project and their associated durations. Complete the time frame details. Update the deliverable as it applies to your project (i.e., if it says statistics, you can change that term to analysis or whatever is applicable). 

A few notes:

  • You are encouraged to add your start dates, although it is not required.
  • Using this tool throughout your project is highly encouraged not only for the benefit of your project but also to practice the industry skill of managing projects successfully.
  • See the template attached for outlining your project plan which you can use for this submission.
  • You may create your own as long as it contains the deliverables listed in the template provided. 

Do not be misled by the small number of points assigned to this submission. Lack of submission is not an option. This is a contributing step toward the ultimate goal of the overall project. Steps such as these are understood in the industry and by researchers to be critical for planning and executing a project, and without proper planning, it could impact small or very large portions of your project. Lack of planning significantly contributes to increased stress and frustration, especially in the second half of the project. 

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HCR 593: Annotated Bibliography Assignment

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HCR 593: Annotated Bibliography Assignment

  • Due Feb 8 by 11:59pm
  • Points 50
  • Submitting a file upload
  • Available until Feb 15 at 11:59pm

Annotated Bibliography Template with Instructions 18Apr22 .docx

Please make sure to select articles for this assignment that you plan to use in your Applied Project. This assignment supports the research process and, by default, the final project deliverable.

Background and Review for the assignment:

Annotated Bibliography (AB)

An AB is, in short, an explanatory list of citations to books, articles, and documents that have the purpose of serving as a reference to an author or researcher while they are in the writing or researching process. Each citation is followed by a brief (usually about 150 words) descriptive and evaluative paragraph, the annotation. The purpose of the annotation is to inform the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited.

AB versus an Abstract

You may ask, what is the difference between an AB and an abstract. Michael Engle from Cornell University notes the difference as follows: Abstract is a descriptive summary of an article that is placed at the beginning of an article written by the authors. AB, on the other hand, have a descriptive nature as well. However, the key difference is that AB holds the purpose of providing a critical review of the article written by someone else. It can take a different viewpoint and serve as a method to categorize articles to support the writing process.

Additional reading on HOW to critically analyze a source for the purposes of your review, see also How to Critically Analyze Information SourcesLinks to an external site..

Instructions for this assignment:

1. Select FIVE articles/publications that are high on your list of references to use in your Literature Review.

2. Review the attached template that should be used for this assignment. You will see that each article (of the 5) will take 3 sections (squares) each as there are corresponding parts for each square. The first three sections on the template provide explanation on how to use the template. The next 3 provides an example to illustrate the explanation.

3. When you are ready to begin, you can save this word document template in a format similar to “Your.Name_HCR593_Ann.Biblio_Date” and delete the instructions from the version that you will submit for the assignment (example, delete the example and the explanation and instructions).

4. Then complete the sections for FIVE (5) articles or sources needed for your Applied Project.

5. As a reminder, the articles you select to use usually should meet the following criteria: (1) peer reviewed, (2) published and (3) published within the last 5 years. There may be some cases where it may be older than 5 years. For example, if you are using a source to explain the foundation of a theory or historical portion of your Applied Project, then more than 5 years ago can suffice. You must, however, use articles less than 5 years when supporting the gap (i.e. need) that your applied project is trying to fill in the literature. If you have questions, please reach out to Prof Barb.

6. The submission will be the annotated bibliography for FIVE (five) articles you critically reviewed.

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SOWK 604

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SOWK 604

Due February 5, 2026
Part 1: Futuristic Perspective in the Social Work Profession
—————-
Based upon your acquired knowledge of the administrative structure and internship experience with your practicum agency:
•Identify an actual position (within your area of specialized practice) for which you would like to qualify for a job upon graduation.
•Identify responsibilities and qualifications of that actual position.
•List key points for a professional reference letter about yourself that could originate with a professor.
•List key points for a professional reference letter about yourself that could originate from a Site Supervisor.
•Evaluate your readiness to assume this position. State areas in which you need to grow.
•Integrate knowledge of the following in answering this question:
1.making ethical decisions using the various codes of ethics in social work.
2.issues of diversity, social, economic and environmental justice.
3.managing personal and professional values in practice;
4.advocating for individuals, groups, communities that have no voice;
5.knowledge of social work with individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities; evidenced based research.
6.serving people with addictive behaviors in urban communities remaining professional by consistently assessing, reflecting and attending to the personal biases that impact treatment and recovery experiences and influence practice with people with addictive behaviors.
•What does competency in urban social work mean as it relates to the position you are applying for?
•How does this exercise impact your confidence level as an urban Social Work Professional?
Class members will provide constructive feedback to each other as they demonstrate mastery of social work skills, knowledge and experience.
Paper 1 Rubric: (Attached)
Part 2: What it Means to Take the Torch From a Current African American Social Work Pioneer (by ASP) Analysis Paper
•Identify a Current African American Social Work Pioneer and discuss his/her contribution to the advancement of social, economic, and environmental justice for urban African Americans.
•Think of the factors that influence the prevention, treatment, and recovery experience of people with addictive behaviors in urban communities and describe any connections you can make to the mission, goals, and services provided by your practicum placement.
•Review two conceptual (not empirical research) articles or a book chapter you read in your Area of Specialized Practice concerning African Americans. Use the articles or book chapter to discuss your “takeaway” from an African American trail blazer as you run with the torch. Your discussion must include the following concepts: social, economic, and
environmental justice; inequitable opportunities; societal disengagement, for African Americans and other individuals; housing; health; classism; sexism; disability; violence, and other social problems and issues.  “take away” refers to:
•“Knowledge – what is learned, understood or aware of. “
•“Values – service, social justice, the dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationships, integrity, competence, human rights, and scientific inquiry are among the core values of the profession. These values underpin the explicit and implicit curriculum and frame the profession’s commitment to respect all people and the quest for social and economic justice.”
•“Skills-the ability, coming from one’s knowledge, practice, aptitude, etc., to do something well.”
•Cognitive/Affective Processes – include demonstration of strong critical thinking skills, professional reaction and judgment.
•What does taking the torch and running with it mean for you in your practicum placement?
** (NOTE: Other Parts will be sent later but not due on February 5, 2026)
Required Reading for this class:
•Wolfer, T. A., Franklin, L. D., & Gray, K. A. (2013). Decision Cases for Advanced Social Work Practice: Confronting Complexity (3rd). New York, NY, Columbia University Press.
•Journal articles already in your possession from MSW courses that are specific to Area of Specialized Practice (ASP).