Social Works Practice Res I Validity and Research Design

Study Notes
Social Work Practice Research I
Topic: Validity and Research Design
1. Introduction
Research Design: The overall plan or structure guiding how a study is conducted, including methods of data collection, sampling, and analysis.

Validity: Refers to the accuracy and truthfulness of research findings. It ensures that conclusions drawn from a study genuinely reflect reality.

Connection: Strong research design enhances validity, while weak design undermines it.

Relevance to Social Work: Validity and design are critical for evidence‑based practice, policy advocacy, and ethical responsibility.

2. Types of Validity
a) Internal Validity
Definition: The extent to which a study establishes a trustworthy cause‑and‑effect relationship.

Threats:

History (events outside study influence results).

Maturation (participants change over time).

Testing (effects of repeated testing).

Instrumentation (changes in measurement tools).

Selection bias (non‑equivalent groups).

Attrition (dropout of participants).

Strategies to Strengthen: Randomization, control groups, standardized procedures.

b) External Validity
Definition: The extent to which findings can be generalized to other populations, settings, or times.

Threats:

Sampling bias.

Artificial research settings.

Narrow participant characteristics.

Strategies to Strengthen: Representative samples, replication in diverse contexts.

c) Construct Validity
Definition: The degree to which a test or instrument measures the concept it claims to measure.

Threats: Poorly defined constructs, inadequate operationalization.

Strategies: Use established instruments, pilot testing, expert review.

d) Statistical Conclusion Validity
Definition: The extent to which conclusions about relationships are accurate and reliable.

Threats:

Low statistical power.

Violated assumptions of statistical tests.

Measurement error.

Strategies: Adequate sample size, appropriate statistical methods.

3. Reliability and Its Relationship to Validity
Reliability: Consistency of measurement across time, items, or observers.

Connection: Reliability is necessary but not sufficient for validity. A measure can be reliable but not valid.

Example: A bathroom scale consistently shows the same weight (reliable) but may be inaccurate (not valid).

4. Research Design Types
a) Experimental Design
Definition: Manipulates independent variables to observe effects on dependent variables.

Features: Random assignment, control groups.

Strengths: High internal validity.

Limitations: Ethical concerns, limited external validity.

b) Quasi‑Experimental Design
Definition: Similar to experimental but lacks random assignment.

Strengths: Practical in real‑world settings.

Limitations: Lower internal validity.

c) Non‑Experimental/Descriptive Design
Definition: Observes and describes phenomena without manipulation.

Strengths: Useful for exploratory research.

Limitations: Cannot establish causality.

d) Correlational Design
Definition: Examines relationships between variables without manipulation.

Strengths: Identifies associations.

Limitations: Cannot infer causation.

e) Longitudinal Design
Definition: Studies participants over time.

Strengths: Captures changes and development.

Limitations: Resource‑intensive, attrition risk.

f) Cross‑Sectional Design
Definition: Examines participants at one point in time.

Strengths: Efficient, cost‑effective.

Limitations: Cannot capture change over time.

5. Role of Validity in Research Design
Design Choices: Influence internal and external validity.

Sampling: Affects generalizability (external validity).

Measurement Tools: Impact construct validity.

Statistical Methods: Affect statistical conclusion validity.

Ethical Practices: Ensure credibility and trustworthiness.

6. Threats to Validity in Social Work Research
Cultural Bias: Instruments may not reflect diverse populations.

Social Desirability Bias: Participants may give socially acceptable answers.

Observer Bias: Researcher expectations influence observations.

Hawthorne Effect: Participants alter behavior when observed.

Confounding Variables: Uncontrolled factors distort results.

7. Strategies to Enhance Validity
Triangulation: Use multiple methods or data sources.

Randomization: Reduce selection bias.

Blinding: Prevent researcher or participant bias.

Pilot Testing: Refine instruments and procedures.

Replication: Confirm findings across studies.

Cultural Competence: Adapt tools to diverse populations.

8. Case Example
Study: Evaluating effectiveness of a parenting program.

Design: Quasi‑experimental with comparison groups.

Validity Issues: Selection bias (volunteers may differ from non‑participants).

Strategies: Use matched groups, standardized instruments, and triangulation.

Outcome: Findings more credible and applicable to practice.

9. Ethical Considerations
Transparency: Report design and validity limitations.

Equity: Ensure diverse populations are represented.

Respect: Protect participant confidentiality.

Accountability: Align research with professional values.

Integrity: Avoid manipulation of data to enhance validity artificially.

10. Contemporary Issues
Big Data: Raises questions about validity of large datasets.

Digital Research: Online surveys increase reach but risk sampling bias.

Globalization: Requires cross‑cultural validity.

COVID‑19 Pandemic: Highlighted need for adaptive designs and remote data collection.

Intersectionality: Validity must reflect overlapping identities and experiences.

11. Implications for Social Work Practice
Evidence‑Based Interventions: Valid research supports effective programs.

Policy Advocacy: Valid findings inform systemic reforms.

Community Engagement: Inclusive designs empower participants.

Professional Growth: Enhances research literacy among social workers.

Ethical Responsibility: Ensures accountability to participants and society.

12. Conclusion
Validity and research design are inseparable in producing credible knowledge.

Internal, external, construct, and statistical conclusion validity each address different aspects of accuracy.

Research designs vary in strengths and limitations, influencing validity.

Social workers must critically evaluate design and validity to ensure ethical, evidence‑based practice.

Ultimately, strong validity and design advance social justice, human rights, and professional excellence.

Quiz (15 Questions)
Multiple Choice
Which type of validity refers to the accuracy of cause‑and‑effect relationships? a) External validity b) Internal validity c) Construct validity d) Statistical conclusion validity

Which research design uses random assignment and control groups? a) Quasi‑experimental b) Experimental c) Correlational d) Cross‑sectional

Which validity ensures findings can be generalized to other populations? a) Internal validity b) External validity c) Construct validity d) Reliability

Which design studies participants over time? a) Cross‑sectional b) Longitudinal c) Correlational d) Descriptive

Which strategy reduces selection bias? a) Triangulation b) Randomization c) Blinding d) Pilot testing

True/False
Reliability is necessary but not sufficient for validity. (True)

Non‑experimental designs can establish causality. (False)

Construct validity refers to whether instruments measure intended concepts. (True)

Larger sample sizes always guarantee internal validity. (False)

Triangulation involves using multiple methods or data sources. (True)

Short Answer
Define internal validity in the context of social work research.

Provide one example of a threat to external validity.

Identify two strengths of experimental design.

Describe one limitation of qualitative non‑experimental designs.

How can cultural competence enhance validity in social work research?

Social Works Practice Res I- week 7 discussion 1
Validity and Research Design
Within the quantitative methodological approach are several research designs. A research design simply provides more information on how and at what points data will be collected. The decision of design is driven by the research question and purpose of the study. For example, if your aim is to measure the effects of psychoeducation on social work clients, you might take measurements before and after the intervention (pretest-posttest).
Some designs are better than others in terms of validity—the accuracy of the measurement. For this Discussion, you explore threats to internal validity and determine which research design is the best at controlling for these threat.
.
BY DAY 3 (Please write out the sub headings)

To Prepare:
Review the Learning Resources on quantitative research.
Consider internal and external validity, the differences between them, and threats to validity when conducting research.
Reflect on which quantitative research design controls for all threats to internal validity.

By Day 4
Post your initial response to the following:
What is the difference between internal and external validity?
Select two internal validity threats and describe each.
After examining each category and list of designs, determine which design controls for all threats to internal validity. Explain how this design controls for all threats. 
Please use the Learning Resources to support your post (i.e., cite and reference).
 Please write out the sub headings)

Support your post with examples from the course text and any other resources used to respond to this Discussion. Demonstrate that you have completed the required readings, understand the material, and are able to apply the concepts. Include a full reference of resources at the bottom of the post.

Course book

Research Methods for Social Workers 8TH 18
Author: Yegidis, Bonnie L.
ISBN-13: 978-0-13-451256-3
ISBN-10: 0-13-451256-1
Edition/Copyright: 8TH 18
Publisher: Allyn & Bacon, Inc.

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (Paperback) 7TH 20
Author: American Psychological Association
ISBN-13: 978-1-4338-3216-1
ISBN-10: 1-4338-3216-X
Edition/Copyright: 7TH 20
Publisher: American Psychological Association – APA

Resources

Required Readings
Yegidis, B. L., Weinbach, R. W., & Myers, L. L. (2018). Research methods for social workers (8th ed.). Pearson.
oChapter 5: Quantitative Research (pp. 100–125)

Wentworth, H. (2020, February 24). Critical reading for evaluationLinks to an external site.. The Savvy Student. https://waldenacademicskills.wordpress.com/2020/02/24/critical-reading-for-evaluation

Document: Critique Template (Word document)

Select one of the following articles to critique for your Assignment.
Eckstein, J. (2016). IPV stigma and its social management: The roles of relationship-type, abuse-type, and victims’ sexLinks to an external site.. Journal of Family Violence, 31(2), 215–225. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-015-9752-4

Gattis, M. N., & Larson, A. (2017). Perceived microaggressions and mental health in a sample of Black youths experiencing homelessnessLinks to an external site.. Social Work Research, 41(1), 7–17. https://doi.org/10.1093/swr/svw030

Owens-King, A. P. (2019). Secondary traumatic stress and self-care inextricably linkedLinks to an external site.. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 29(1), 37–47. https://doi.org/10.1080/10911359.2018.1472703

o.
Required Media
OASIS. (n.d.). Analyze and evaluate research articlesLinks to an external site.. Walden University. https://academics.waldenu.edu/library/analyze-evaluate-research-articles

Walden University Office of Research and Doctoral Services. (n.d.). Quantitative research methods: An exampleLinks to an external site. [Video]. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/research-center/student-research/methodology

QUIDIANCE

Quantitative Research Study Critique

Student Name
Walden University
SOCW 6301: Social Work Practice Research I
Instructor Name
Month XX, 202X
Quantitative Research Study Critique
Include an introductory paragraph that names the research study you are evaluating and previews the structure and focus of your critique. Provide your overall assessment of the study in a brief statement.
Title and Authors
In this section, evaluate the article title and the authors’ credibility. Do you think the title adequately describe the study and its key elements? Who are the authors and have they conducted and/or published previous research? Are they affiliated with a research institution or university?
Literature Review
Consider the following questions in your critique of the article’s literature review: To what extent does the cited literature help you understand the problem? How does the literature reviewed put the problem in context? Be specific. Do the authors indicate how their research is different from and/or similar to earlier studies? Summarize what this article intends to add to the knowledge base.
Strategy of Research
Address the following questions in your critique of the research strategy: What is the strategy/aim of this quantitative study—is it descriptive, exploratory, or explanatory? Does this strategy align with the research question?
Methodological Approach and Design
Consider the following questions in your critique of the methodological approach and design: How does a quantitative approach (as opposed to a qualitative approach) correspond with the research questions and/or hypotheses? Is the specific research design appropriate? To what extent can the design answer the research questions or address the stated hypotheses?
Threats to Internal Validity
Consider the following questions in your critique of the internal validity: What have the authors done to address threats to internal validity? How does the presence or absence of information about validity affect your confidence in the quality of the study?
Application to Practice
Connect the information from the article to social work practice and provide your recommendations. Based on your critique of this study, is this social work intervention or knowledge safe to integrate into your practice? Why or why not?

References
(Include full references here for any sources that you have cited within the research study critique. Note that the following references are intended as examples only.)
American Counseling Association. (n.d.). About us. https://www.counseling.org/about-us/about-aca
Anderson, M. (2018). Getting consistent with consequences. Educational Leadership, 76(1), 26-33.
Bach, D., & Blake, D. J. (2016). Frame or get framed: The critical role of issue framing in nonmarket management. California Management Review, 58(3), 66-87. https://doi.org/10.1525/cmr.2016.58.3.66
Burgess, R. (2019). Rethinking global health: Frameworks of Power. Routledge.​
Herbst-Damm, K. L., & Kulik, J. A. (2005). Volunteer support, marital status, and the survival times of terminally ill patients. Health Psychology, 24(2), 225–229. https://doi.org/10.1037/0278-6133.24.2.225
Johnson, P. (2003). Art: A new history. HarperCollins. https://doi.org/10.1037.0000136-000​
Lindley, L. C., & Slayter, E. M. (2018). Prior trauma exposure and serious illness at end of life: A national study of children in the U.S. foster care system from 2005 to 2015. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 56(3), 309–317. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.06.001
Osman, M. A. (2016, December 15). 5 do’s and don’ts for staying motivated. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/5-dos-and-donts-for-staying-motivated/art-20270835
Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (2016). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice (7th ed.). Wiley.
Walden University Library. (n.d.). Anatomy of a research article [Video]. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library/instructionalmedia/tutorials#s-lg-box-7955524
Walden University Writing Center. (n.d.). Writing literature reviews in your graduate coursework [Webinar]. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/webinars/graduate#s-lg-box-18447417
World Health Organization. (2018, March). Questions and answers on immunization and vaccine safety. https://www.who.int/features/qa/84/en/

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