Assignment Code: MSW-006/TMA/2022-23

Course Code: MSW-006

Assignment Name: Social Work Research

Year: 2022-2023

Verification Status: Verified by Professor

Answer all the five questions. All questions carry equal marks. Answers to question number 1 and 2 should not exceed 600 words each.

Q1) What is experimental research? Discuss the significance of Control, Manipulation, and observation is an experimental study.

Ans) Studies in experimental research are intended to establish causal correlations. This approach starts with a query about the connection between two or more variables. The researcher simultaneously puts out one or more hypotheses that describe the nature of the anticipated relationship. The experiment is the activity that the researcher arranges and does to compile data supporting the hypotheses.

An experiment has three properties in its most basic form:

1. It involves changing an unrelated variable.

2. Except for the independent variable, all other variables are kept constant.

3. On the dependent variable, the impact of manipulating the independent variable is shown.

Three Characteristics of Experimental Research

Control, manipulation, and observation are the three crucial elements in the conduct of an experiment. Following is how we will discuss each of them:

1) Control: The first component of an experimental procedure is control. It is impossible to evaluate an independent variable's effects clearly in the absence of control. Basically, there are two factors on which the experimental procedure is predicated. Which are:

a) Any difference between two situations that arises when they are identical in all other respects save for a variable that is added to or removed from one of the situations can be attributed to that variable. The law of the solitary variable is the name given to this proposition.

b)  Any difference that arises between the two situations after the addition of a new variable to one of them can be attributed to the new variable if two situations are not equal and it can be shown that none of the variables are significant in causing the phenomenon under investigation, or if significant variables are made equal. The law of the single important variable is the name given to this proposition.

In an experiment, setting up a control environment is crucial in order to quantify the impact of various variables. Physical sciences make it easier to obtain the requirements needed to satisfy the first law. In a laboratory environment, it is far simpler to maintain a high level of control than it is in real-world circumstances. There are a finite number of variables in the laboratory that can be easily changed.

2) Manipulation: An additional criterion that sets experimental research apart is the manipulation of a variable. It alludes to a purposeful action taken by the researcher. The researcher in experimental research actually sets the stage for the occurrence of the factors whose performance is to be studied under conditions where all other factors are controlled or eliminated, in contrast to descriptive research where the researcher merely observes conditions as they occur naturally. In social science and other behavioural sciences, the manipulation of a variable typically takes the form of the investigator placing the participants under a predetermined set of different conditions. The independent variable, experimental variable, or treatment variable are all terms used to describe this collection of various conditions.

3) Observation: When conducting an experiment, our focus is on the impact that changing the independent variable has on the dependent variable. Regarding a few aspects of the subjects used in the research's subjects' behaviour, observations are made. These quantitative measurements might be considered the dependent variable.

In social research, the dependent variable is frequently changing in some way, like attitude toward learning. We frequently want to be able to predict or explain attitude. We can only approximate attitude through measurements like scores on a scale because attitude cannot be evaluated directly. In a literal sense, scores, or observations rather than an attitude change are the dependent variable.

Q2) Define sampling. Highlight the different methods of probability sampling.

Ans) Sampling is the process of choosing the group from which you will actually collect data for your study. Sampling is the process of choosing a portion of a statistical population to estimate attributes of the entire population in statistics, quality control, and survey methods. Statisticians try to get samples that are typical of the population under consideration.

Methods of Probability Sampling

Randomly choosing units from a population is the foundation of probability sampling. In other words, the sampling procedure is carried out in a way that ensures there is an equal chance of including every unit in the population, rather of basing it on the researcher's judgement. Probability sampling is a sampling technique that entails picking a sample, or a section of the population, at random. It is also known as random sampling on occasion. There are four types of probability sampling designs that are frequently used:

Simple Random Sampling: A method of choosing a sample from a finite population where each unit of the population has an equal chance of being chosen is known as simple random sampling. With simple random sampling, a random selection is taken from the entire population, with an equal chance of selection for each unit. The most typical method of choosing a random sample is this one. Consider utilising a random number generator to create a list of the units that make up your research population.

Stratified Sampling: With stratified sampling, a sample is randomly chosen from one or more strata, or population subgroups. Each subgroup is distinguished from the others based on a shared trait, such gender, colour, or religion. By doing this, you can make sure that your sample population sufficiently represents each subgroup of a particular community. The stratification of the main population into a number of subpopulations, each of which is homogenous with regard to one or more characteristics, is taken into account by stratified random sampling.

Systematic Sampling: Through the systematic selection of units at predetermined intervals beginning at a random point, a random sample is taken from the target population. This approach is helpful when records of your target audience already exist, such as customer lists for agencies, student enrollment lists for universities, or employee data for businesses.

Cluster Sampling: When it is either impossible or impractical to sample every component of the target population, cluster sampling may be utilised. Large-scale research investigations use cluster sampling techniques for the aforementioned and a few other reasons. The technique of segmenting the target population into groupings known as clusters is known as cluster sampling. The sample is then chosen at random from among these categories. An effective strategy for studying large, geographically scattered populations is cluster sampling. It typically involves already-existing groups that share some characteristics with one another.

Cluster sampling can be of two different kinds:

1. When the entire population is divided into clusters, single cluster sampling is used.

2. Multistage cluster sampling is the process of further subdividing a cluster into other clusters in order to reduce the sample size.

Q3) Answer any two of the following questions in about 300 words each: 10x2

a) Describe briefly the different forms of hypothesis with examples.

Ans) A hypothesis is typically expressed in testable form for its proper testing in order to get certain findings regarding a specific research problem. It can be expressed in the question form, the null form, or the declarative form.

Declarative Hypothesis

A declarative hypothesis arises when a researcher states that the results of the investigation were favourable. For instance, the declarative form of the statement "The performance of the creative folks' on problem-solving activities is much higher than that of the non-creative ones'." Here, the researcher tries to forecast what will happen in the future. This forecast is based on the theoretical formulation of what ought to occur in a specific circumstance if the explanations for behaviour provided by the researcher in his or her theory are accurate.

Null Hypothesis

A non-directional hypothesis that suggests a difference or link is known as a null hypothesis. Such an assertion usually takes the following form: "There is no discernible difference between the performance of two groups of social workers, one with a general background and the second with a specific specialisation." A null hypothesis is frequently referred to as a statistical hypothesis or a "testing hypothesis" since it may be statistically examined. The researcher must maintain objectivity during the course of the inquiry, according to the advocates of the null hypothesis.

Hypothesis in Question Form

The question-form hypothesis asks what the outcome will be rather than expressing what is anticipated to happen. For instance, if you want to know whether pregnant women's health will improve as a result of receiving instructions through video programmes, your hypothesis would be: "Will pregnant women's health improve as a result of receiving instructions through video programmes?" This claim demonstrates how instructions from video programmes may or may not be connected to pregnant women's health habits.

b) Explain various types of documents.

Ans) On a continuum, three classifications can be applied to documents. Expressive papers that describe social interaction are at one end of the continuum, and documents like court records, official histories, and commission proceedings are at the other. Newspaper articles, recounting, etc. fall somewhere in the middle and hardly ever provide enough information on the participatory process. Journals are a different significant sort of document.

Expressive Documents

The following categories of documents can be considered expressive:

1. Personal Letters: The most prevalent variety of expressive documents are personal letters. The importance of letters as expressive documents varies depending on the writers' cultural backgrounds.

2. Life Histories/Case Histories: Historians frequently use life or case histories in the form of diaries, biographies, and autobiographies. Psychologists have referred to them as personal documents par excellence.

3. Accounts of Small-Group Processes: Another type of expressive document is a record of a small group procedure. Such accounts are rarely written voluntarily, thus they are not very helpful in any significant investigation.

Official Records

According to the legal administrative rules associated with that event, official records provide essential information on the date, time, and occurrence of an event. These records of events include extensive records of births, deaths, marriages, and divorces, as well as institutional attendance, performance on psychological and educational tests, crimes, court cases, prison records, registration, voting, social security payments and benefits, illness/hospital data, production/business records, memberships, census data, etc. Such data cover a very broad range and include a variety of different types of information.

Journals

Journals frequently publish fresh ideas and breakthroughs before they are published in books. There are numerous publications out there right now that cover a wide range of social work topics. In fact, they are the finest resource for summaries of modern social work research. Current concerns and issues in social work are updated in journals. Additionally, they release local interest items that are never included in books. The finest resource for learning about current or historical opinion and status are journals.

Q4) Answer any four of the following questions in about 150 words each: 5x4

a) Describe the different research methodologies used in social work.

Ans) Social scientists and researchers utilise social research as a strategy to learn about people and communities so they may create goods and services that address a range of consumer wants.

1. Surveys: A sample of people from a target market are sent a series of pre-decided questions to participate in a survey. This will result in the gathering of data and comments from people of different backgrounds, races, age groupings, etc.

2. Experiments: Researchers perform experimental study to identify the causes and effects of a variable by observing how one variable changes another. In experiments, a hypothesis must be carefully observed and analysed in order to support or refute it.

3. Interviews: Interview research is a method of gathering opinions and feedback by asking specific questions in person, over the phone, or online. Interviews can be formal or informal. Formal interviews are arranged by the researcher with structured open-ended and closed-ended questions and a framework. Informal interviews are more like dialogues with the participants and are flexible to acquire as much information as possible.

4. Observation: In observational research, participants' daily lives are anticipated to be observed by the researcher in order to learn about their routines, decision-making abilities, stress tolerance, and general likes and dislikes.

b) Explain the measures of difference.

Ans) Based on the premise that the population is regularly distributed, parametric tests are used. These tests also employ higher measurement levels, such as intervals and ratios.

1. t-Tests: There are two different kinds of t tests: the paired t test and the t test for independent samples. The results of the first test are used for the ratings of one group and are unrelated to those of the other group. This indicates that there are no logical connections between the scores received for one group and those obtained for another group.

2. Pair t-Test: When we are interested in the difference between two variables for the same subject, we utilise a paired t-test. The two variables are frequently separated in time.

3. The t-test for Independent Samples: The t-test compares the differences in the means of two independent samples to determine how closely or far they are related to one another.

4. The One-Way Analysis of Variance: By comparing the means of many sets of data, the analysis of variance evaluates whether there is a statistically significant difference between them. In the F-test process, there are two variances that are determined. The values within each of the groups are used to calculate the second variance, while the values between the groups are used to calculate the first variance.

c) Enlist the characteristics of a good questionnaire.

Ans) A excellent questionnaire should have the following qualities:

1. Purpose: Good surveys have two goals. The goals of an investigation must be converted into precise queries that give the information needed to test hypotheses and explore the goals' domain. The questionnaire must encourage responses.

2. Language: A good questionnaire uses straightforward language to ensure respondent understanding. Low-IQ members of the study group should understand the terms. Simple syntax is needed. Use precise language.

3. Frame of Reference: Frame of reference affects a respondent's answers. Complex questions lead to erroneous answers because they require the respondent to engage multiple levels of reasoning.

4. Sequence of Questions: Particular care should be paid to the layout or sequencing of the questions. The respondents should find it to be reasonable.

5. Length of the Questionnaire: A survey shouldn't go any longer than is strictly necessary. There shouldn't be too many questions overall that the respondents get bored or tired of answering them.

6. Form of Response: The responses must match the questions' format. One form is often better than another for queries about different parts of the same issue.

d) Mention various types of observation and the steps involved in them.

Ans) Observation may be classified into two types:

1. Participant Observation: In the process of participant observation, the observer becomes more or less one of the group members and may actually participate in some or the other activity of the group.

2. Non-Participant Observation: When engaging in non-participant observation, the observer positions themselves so that the group is not aware of their presence. He/she may pay special attention to a person's actions or the traits of one or more groups.

Stages in the Process of Observation

In order for observation to be a successful research method, it must be well-planned, expertly carried out, and properly recorded and interpreted.

1) Planning for Observation: Planning for observation comprises defining specific actions or units of behaviour to be observed, the characteristics of the groups to be observed, the breadth of observation of the individual or group, and the length of each observation period.

2) Execution of Observation: The following are examples of expert observation:

a) Establishing the ideal conditions to observe the subject or objects.

b) Assuming the appropriate position or function for observation.

c) Concentrating awareness on the particular behaviours activity units being observed.

d) Handling recording equipment in the correct manner.

3) Recording and Interpreting the Observation: Observation data should be recorded immediately or soon afterward. In the latter scenario, the observer records his/her observations after seeing for a while, while the details are still fresh in his/her mind.

Q5) Write short notes on any five of the following questions in about 100 words each: 5x4

a) Operationalization of concepts

Ans) Once you are settled with the hypotheses for your study, you need to operationalise the concepts so that you can develop your measuring instruments such as questionnaire. In a study, a set of concepts is used to explain the phenomenon. These concepts need clarifications with reference to the particular topic. Through the clarifications and discussion of the concepts a research model is developed at this stage.

Precision in conceptualization is critical in the social sciences, and it is not easy to achieve. Concepts like exploitation, discrimination, and oppression may all seem to be familiar terms. Yet they may prove extremely vague when one tries to measure them in relation therefore, the precise meanings you attach to these concepts must be defined and clarified, and then an appropriate way found to measure them.

b) Representative sample

Ans) A smaller amount or a smaller portion of something larger is what is meant by a representative sample. It exhibits the same characteristics and ratios as a bigger population. A representative sample is one that fits the relevant population in terms of the research-relevant characteristics. A subset of a population that aims to correctly reflect the traits of the larger group is called a representative sample.

In scientific investigations, a representative sample might be made up of subjects or even chemical compounds that could be evaluated in a lab to determine the outcome of a specific chemical reaction. Researchers can generalise the knowledge they have gathered to a larger population when they use a representative sample. In terms of time, money, and resources, the majority of psychological and market research studies are inappropriate for gathering data on everyone. In particular, with a big population like a whole country, it is almost impossible to collect data from every single person.

c) Interview

Ans) A face-to-face interview is a method of communication or contact in which the subject or interviewee provides the necessary information verbally. As it focuses on particular specified areas, it may be perceived in a research setting as an effective, informal conversation that was started for a specific goal. The gathering of knowledge and the exchange of ideas and experiences may be the key goals.

Types of Interview

Interviews may be classified according to the purpose for which they are used and according to their design and structure.

1. An interview can be used by a researcher to test a theory or solve an issue called Research interview.

2. Interviews can be structured differently. A single person may be interviewed at a time called Individual interview.

3. A group interview involves interviewing several people at once.

4. A structured interview is one in which the scenario is deliberately planned and pre-empted, and the primary inquiry topics are laid out.

5. Unstructured interviews don't follow a list of questions. The respondents are urged to narrate their specific experiences without much direction from the interviewer, to concentrate on major occurrences, and to define their social contexts.

d) Meaning of mode

Ans) The mode is another measurement that can be utilised in some contexts to characterise the predominant pattern that emerges from a collection of data. It is defined as the value that appears inside the data collection the greatest number of times. The value 75 is considered to be the mode in the set of values that follows: 71, 73, 74, 75, 75, 75, 78, 78, 80, and 82. This is due to the fact that the value 75 appears more frequently than any other value in the set. When looking at data that has been aggregated, you should look for the mode in the class that has the highest frequency. When there is a greater number of cases and when the data have been grouped, the mode is more informative.

e) Participatory Research

Ans) People engage in participatory research to map out and sketch their current problems, produce strategies to improve them, and then analyse those plans. This approach gives them a chance to describe their issues and suggest potential solutions to improve their circumstances. Over time, a variety of participatory methods using various terminologies have been put into use. The initial offering was Rapid Rural Appraisal. Later on, this phrase was used to refer to Relaxed Rural Appraisal. Participatory rural appraisal is what it later developed into. A subset of development experts later favoured the term Participatory Learning and Action to describe it. However, all of these names are frequently employed in relation to participatory methods.