This assignment is built to be three chapters/sections travelling a singular social issue from the Macro/Micro/Connecting analytical lenses. Each section is to be 1-2 pages double spaced with an overall consistent sourcing method as mentioned in the social work writing document (writinginsocialwork.docPreview the document). An attempted paper shall start you at 70 points. Each properly completed section (along with grammatical and structural writing issues) shall be worth 10 points for a total possible score of 100. An incomplete paper shall result in a failing grade.
SECTION #1
Social Work Research Paper (Big Picture)(1pg)
Research papers in social work require that you identify a problem or question worth investigating and perform research that will help you to solve the problem or answer the question. Therefore, a key step in writing a social work research paper is identifying an important question or problem, a step that requires lots of reading
and note taking. Invest time in formulating a strong research question or problem that you can then work to answer or solve by collecting data or by reading relevant literature. For example:
- Identify a focused topic—depression among the elderly
- Formulate a question—what are the unique barriers to addressing depression among the elderly?
SECTION #2
Description and Critical Reflection (Micro/ Local/ Personal)(1pg)
These types of papers ask you to describe and reflect upon a particular agency, a particular individual or group, a role play exercise, or an in-class interview. In this type of assignment, you must not only accurately describe your subject, but also move beyond reporting to critically analyze what you have described. To analyze and uncover underlying reasons, along with answer how and why questions.
For example:
Topic: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Missoula
- Describe- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Missoula’s history, mission, goals and objectives, structure, and programs.
- Analyze why Big Brothers Big Sisters of Missoula is structured in this way and how certain practice models and theoretical frameworks influence the agency’s mission.
Topic: Cultural Differences
- Describe- a group whose experiences differ from yours.
- Analyze- why these differences exist and how they might pose barriers to understanding.
SECTION #3
Social Policy Analysis (Connecting/Solving/Involving)(1pg)
Social policy analysis papers critically evaluate the effectiveness of social policy. By understanding the outcomes of these policies and making recommendations, social workers inform future decision making.
- The Issue: Clearly define the social problem the policy addresses.
- Background: Describe the historical development and original intent of the policy and how it attempts to address the social problem in question.
- Analysis: Analyze the social policy, focusing on its strengths and limitations in addressing the problem.
- Recommendation: Propose social policy alternatives that might better address the problem.
- Conclusion of all sections.
