Examination of the history and value base of social policy in America, with frameworks for policy analysis. Special emphasis on the impact of these policies, and related services, on rural areas. Policy Process and Program Design. Focus on how the process, including budgeting, results in service delivery systems. Skills developed in policy analysis for developing and changing programs.
Examples focus on the rural experience.
Social Work Research Methodology. Examines the logic of scientific inquiry, the social research process, application of research to social work practice, problem conceptualization, measurement options, research design and beginning level analysis of data. Quantitative Research Methods. Use of descriptive and inferential statistics in analyzing research data. Understanding quantitative and qualitative methodologies.