SWRK 500 THESIS/PROJECT GUIDELINES

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, SACARAMENTO DIVISION OF SOCIAL WORK

IN COMPLIANCE WITH THESIS/PROJECT FORMAT

BY

THE OFFICE OF GRADUATE STUDIES (2017)

The Culminating Experience requirements in social work can be fulfilled by ONE of these two options:

1. SWRK 500 (Option A) ThesisSWRK 500 (Option A) Research Project. Either Thesis or Project (Fall: 2 units. Spring:2 units).

2. SWRK 501 (B) Advanced Research (Fall: 2 units)SWRK 502-Capstone Project (Spring: 2 units)

Please note that each option requires a RESEARCH STYLE written ends product.

For the most up to date templates and guides on Thesis and Project, please consult the Office of Graduate Studies at:

http://www.csus.edu/gradstudies/forms/thesis_project_forms/thesis%20project%20workshop.pdf

Page ii to x are the Office of Graduate Studies’ 2017 templates that were modified to meet the requirements for the Division of Social Work.

ii

[Thesis or Project Title Page] [THE FIRST LINE OF YOUR TITLE GOES HERE]

[THE SECOND LINE OF YOUR TITLE GOES HERE] if needed

[Type title in ALL CAPS] [Double space the title if multiple lines]

[Use 12 Point Font] [Only Acceptable Font is Times New Roman]

A Thesis or A Project [upper and lower case]

Presented to the faculty of the Division of Social Work

California State University, Sacramento

Submitted in partial satisfaction of [single space] the requirements for the degree of [single space]

MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK

by

Jonathon James Doe

SPRING [all caps] 2017 [single space]

Note the font and location of the page number below e.g., ii. Center, 1” from the bottom. This use of lowercase Roman numerals applies to all “front matter” pages, except the cover page above. Adjust your printer. Not all printers are preset at 1 inch from the bottom. PLEASE DO NOT BE CONFUSED WITH PAGE NUMBER BELOW. Your page ii begins on the next page. This is the first page of your Thesis or Project

iii

Sample Copyright page [optional]

© 2017

Jonathon James Doe

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

iv

[Thesis/Project Approval Page]

[THE FIRST LINE OF YOUR TITLE GOES HERE]

[THE SECOND LINE OF YOUR TITLE GOES HERE] if needed

A Thesis or A Project

by

Jonathon James Doe Approved by: __________________________________, Committee Chair [Type Name Beneath Signature] __________________________________, Second Reader [Type Name Beneath Signature] ____________________________ Date Note. A Thesis required two (2) readers. A Project required one (1) reader. Best if enter only the terminal degree such as PhD or DSW. Credentials such as Dr., Professor or LCSW are optional.

v

[Thesis/Project Format Approval Page]

Student: Jonathon James Doe

I certify that this/these student(s) has/have met the requirements for format contained in the

University format manual, and that this thesis/project is suitable for shelving in the Library and

credit is to be awarded for the thesis/project.

__________________________, Graduate Program Director ___________________ Serge C. Lee, PhD* or Division Chair Date (List Division Chair when the Director is not available) Department of Social Work Note. *If it is a Thesis and the Graduate Program Director is the Committee Chair, the Graduate Program Director can approve the Format Approval page. If it is a Project and the Committee Chair is the Graduate Program Director, the Chair of the Division of Social Work must sign the Format Approval page.

vi

[Thesis Abstract Form]

[Every thesis, project, or Capstone must have an abstract] Abstract

of

[THE FIRST LINE OF YOUR TITLE GOES HERE]

[THE SECOND LINE OF YOUR TITLE GOES HERE] if needed

by

Jonathon James Doe

Must be double-spaced Block/Justified both sides (optional) Sub-headings (optional) Not to include Statement of Collaboration Not to exceed two pages. Best if everything fits into a single page with the Chair

signature Discuss the research purpose(s), present major findings that are relevant to the

research questions, and provide recommendations or implications for social work

_______________________, Committee Chair [Type Name Beneath Signature] _______________________ Date Note. As stated on p. iv, credential(s) of Committee Chair is optional

vii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS (optional)

If needed, insert your acknowledgements here.

viii

[This Table of Contents covers many possible headings. Use only the headings that apply to your thesis/project]. [Do not add Abstract to Table of Contents] The Chapter titles and headings within each chapter are presented here but they are not set in stone. Check with your advisor; modify them to meet your need. To create or generate a Table of Contents, you can use the Table of Contents function in Word under the References menu.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page

Acknowledgments .................................................................................................................... ii

List of Tables ............................................................................................................................ #

List of Figures .......................................................................................................................... #

Chapter

1. INTRODUCTION [in all CAPS] ....................................................................................... 1

Background of the Problem ...................................................................................... #

Statement of the Research Problem (Check with advisor if needed it) ..................... #

Purpose of the Study ................................................................................................. #

Theoretical Framework ............................................................................................. #

Definition of Terms (Check with advisor if needed it) .............................................. #

Statement of Collaboration (Not needed it effective summer 2018) ......................... #

2. REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE .................................................................................... #

Heading ....................................................................................................................... #

Heading ....................................................................................................................... #

3. METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................................. #

Study Objectives (or Research Question) .......................................................... #

Study Design ..................................................................................................... #

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Sampling (Procedures) ...................................................................................... #

Data Collection (Procedures) ............................................................................ #

Instrument(s) ...................................................................................................... #

Data Analysis ..................................................................................................... #

Protection of Human Subjects ........................................................................... #

Summary ..................................................................................................................... #

4. STUDY FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS (Check with advisor for title) ....................... #

Background ................................................................................................................. #

Demographics ............................................................................................................. #

Hypotheses (if appropriate) ........................................................................................ #

(Descriptive Headings of Major Findings – related to research questions) ................ #

(Descriptive Headings of Additional Findings) .......................................................... #

Discussions of Findings .............................................................................................. #

Summary ..................................................................................................................... #

5. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS (Check with advisor for title) ............. #

Summary of Study ....................................................................................................... #

Limitations .................................................................................................................. #

Recommendations ....................................................................................................... #

Implications for Social Work ...................................................................................... #

Conclusions ................................................................................................................. #

Appendix A. [title] ................................................................................................................ #

Appendix B. [title] .................................................................................................................. #

References ................................................................................................................................ #

x

LIST OF TABLES Tables Page

1. Gender of Respondents [title] ………………………………..………………………. #

2. [title]……………………………….… ............................ ……………………………. #

3. [title]…………………… ........................ ………….…………………………………. #

4. [title]……………………………….……… ........................ …………………………. #

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LIST OF FIGURES Figures Page

1. Pie Chart of Ethnic Backgrounds [title]…………… .. .………………………………. #

2. [title]……………………………….… ............................ ……………………………. #

3. [title]…………………… ........................ ………….…………………………………. #

4. [title]……………………………….……… ........................ …………………………. #

Guidelines for Chapter Beginning with Chapter 1 through the end of your manuscript use Arabic

numbers (1, 2, 3 etc.) Position numbers in upper right hand corner One (1) inch from the top One (1) inch in from right edge of paper First line of text, position (1.5 inches from top of page and 1.5 inches from the

left margin). • Applies to materials in appendices and bibliography • Chapters, appendices, bibliography/references/works cited begin on new

pages Double space titles with multiple lines Best practice. Keep title of tables and figures to 1 line or less Font: Times New Roman Font Size: Tables and figures font size of 10 and 11 is allowable. Text throughout the

manuscript must use a font size of 12 point.

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DIVISION OF SOCIAL WORK Thesis/Project

Social Work 500 2/4 Units

Course Description

SWRK 500. Culminating Experience. Completion of either: A. Thesis (an original

contribution to knowledge) OR B. Research Project (addition to technical/professional

knowledge or application of knowledge through case study, field study, documentary

report, substantial annotated bibliography, or article of publishable quality) OR C.

Directed Study and Comprehensive Examination (seminar, portfolio, examination). The

Office of Graduate Studies defined a Thesis and a Project as follows:

Plan A: Thesis

A thesis is the written product of the systematic study of a significant problem. It clearly identifies the problem; states the major assumptions; explains the significance of the undertaking; sets forth the sources for, and methods of gathering information; analyzes the data; and offers a conclusion or recommendation. The finished product must evidence originality, critical and independent thinking, appropriate organization and format, clarity of purpose, and accurate and thorough documentation. Normally an oral defense of the thesis will be required.

Plan B: Project

A project is a significant undertaking of a pursuit appropriate to the fine and applied arts or to professional fields. It must evidence originality and independent thinking, appropriate form and organization, and a rationale. It must be described and summarized in a written abstract that includes the project’s significance, objectives, methodology, and a conclusion or recommendation. An oral defense of the project may be required. Some samples of types of projects are outlined below:

1. A Creative Project in the Arts: an original contribution to the verbal, visual, or performing arts. Examples include a music recital; a musical composition; a completed novel or play; a completed collection of short stories or poems; direction of a theatrical production; a gallery showing of works of art.

2. A Curriculum Project: a project that contributes to a field of teaching by enhancing communication of a subject matter. Examples include a course of

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study; a teacher’s guide; an instructional manual; a design for a new teaching method; the development of new teaching materials.

3. A Research Project: a project which contributes to the physical sciences, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, or the professions, by adding to technical/professional knowledge in the professional field. Examples include building a device; designing an experiment; a field study; a case study; a documentary report; a professional article of publishable quality.

The fulfillment of any of the above culminating requirements must conform to the appropriate requirements of the Sacramento State Thesis and Project Format Requirement Guides.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

The Culminating Experience (SWRK 500) (for the Division of Social Work is

also known as the Thesis/Project) offers an opportunity for students to engage in a

process that ethically and culturally competent (EPAS, 2015, Competency 1), practice-

informed research, and research-informed practice (EPAS, 2015, Competency 4). Under

the supervision of a faculty advisor, students will be involved in the research process

ranging from topic that advance human rights, social, economic, and environmental

justice (EPAS, 2015, Competency 3). This course meets the Council on Social Work

Education’s (CSWE) Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards for the Master’s

Social Work Programs (EPAS, 2015). More specifically, it meets the Competency 4 –

Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice. It will also fulfill

California State University, Sacramento’s Cumulating Experience requirements as a

Thesis/Project.

At the completion of the course, student learners will be able to understand and

distinguish (EPAS, 2015, Competency: 1, 3, 4, 7 & 9):

• Common research methods

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• Apply research knowledge and skills to informed practice and practice knowledge

and skills to inform research

• The extensive literature review relevant to one’s area of inquiry

• Methods of sampling and data collection procedures as well as the protection of

human subjects

• Data entry and research findings

• Provide interpretation and make recommendations for social work implications at

all levels of practice as well as making suggestions for future research.

Course Format/Requirements

This course is conducted primarily on an independent basis where a students work

with the thesis/project advisor as a part of evidence-based practice (EPAS, 2015).

Students enrolled in the course will meet according to the agreed upon schedules with the

thesis/project advisor to formulate, plan, implement, and complete the thesis/project

research. Different advisors will have different instructional formats and timelines and

use different communication medium. It is however the expectation that there will be

regular face-to-face meetings with advisor to gain feedback and direction or discuss

challenges. Students must attain reasonable progress toward the completion of their

Thesis or Project to receive the course credits for each semester.

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Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION (All caps)

The researcher has the task of presenting and defining the problem so that it is

clearly understood, is not trivial, and can be investigated using the tools of commonly

accepted research methods.

This section introduces the reader to the general problem, also known as the

research concept. It tells the reader what the problem is. What is it that you are going to

be studying? For example, is it child abuse, mental health, homelessness, adoption, or

what? At the end of this section, the reader should have a clear idea of what the problem

is. Make sure you present the introduction as how others (others meaning

authors/researchers of articles or books) have written about your topic of interest and not

how much you know about the issue or how knowledgeable you are. The introduction is

not about you but “What is the big deal about the issue under investigation?”

Background of the Problem (Level 1 heading)

Commonly, this section has two purposes: (1) to begin a more specific discussion

about the problem; and, (2) to convince that what you are studying is truly a problem.

Use evidence and logical discussions to show that what is being studying is in fact a

problem. For example, where did it come from; how long has it been with us; how big is

it; how extensive it is; what are the costs of not resolving the problem. It helps to relate

your specific research focus to the social world. Write authoritatively about how others

researchers had stated or written about the subject matter you are examining. This means

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that all key concepts discussed in here must be properly referenced. Please be aware

that most SWRK 500 advisors do not allowed more than two (2) quotes for the

entire product.

Study purpose (Level 2 heading). Explain the research objectives in here. People

typically begin their study purpose with sentences like “This study aims to …; The study

purposes for this research project are…; and The goals for this research include… ”

Sometimes researchers distinguish their primary and secondary study purposes in here as

well. Unless you are replicating someone’s research design, no referenced sources are

needed in here.

Theoretical framework (Level 3 heading). Describe the research problem using

one or several theories/perspectives/paradigms. First, select the appropriate theories or

paradigms and succinctly write about them so that the reader has a clear understanding of

the theories/paradigms. Then, using the language of the theory/paradigm describes the

research problem. By this time in your professional social work education, you should

have a good working knowledge of the theories employed. Detailed discussions of these

theories are to be included in Chapter 2 Literature Review.

Definition of Terms Check with your thesis/project advisor. Some advisors do not require definitions

of terms while others do.

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Chapter 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

The purpose of this section is for the researcher to tell the reader what others have found

out (or said or conjectured) about the particular problem s/he has chosen to do his/her

research on or about a similar problem (the results of which s/he can, by analogy, apply

to the problem). Organize the findings by themes. Do not present the findings in the form

of an annotated bibliography. Begin the review of the literature with an introduction

telling the reader how the review is organized, the themes to be used, and why they were

chosen (i.e., their relation to the research problem). End the review with a summary

highlighting the major findings. Use headings of: Introduction; Themes (i.e., the actual

names that describe your themes); Subthemes, if any (i.e., the actual names that describe

your subthemes); and Summary. Be sure to provide page numbers for direct quotations.

Be cautious that direct quotations must be short and fewest in number. Several quotations

appearing in a single page make your document unpleasant to read.

Never use phrases like "The author states or says" without paraphrasing why the

author is "saying" the evidence being presented. Paraphrasing is/are based on the

author(s) of the article(s) or book not yours. Give some details about the methodology of

the actual research referenced, as this enhances the reader's ability to judge the quality of

the research. Also, review current literature (within the last 10 years). The Review of the

Literature will generally have a minimum of 20 appropriate references and be

approximately 20 pages long.

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Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

Study Objectives

Discuss the objective(s) for the Methods section. For example, you may state that the research study utilized the quantitative, non-randomized snowball sampling. Then organize the Methods/Methodology chapter using the following headings:

Study Design (Discuss whether the research is exploratory, descriptive, or explanatory). The

Study Design must be referenced.

Sampling Procedures. Discuss where, when, sample size and how subjects were recruited. Was the sampling procedure was convenience, randomized and so on.

Data Collection Procedures. (Discuss when, where, how data set was collected)

Instruments (Discuss the questionnaire constructions/or data collection protocol)

Data Analysis. Discuss data entry and data analysis procedures.

Protection of Human Subjects. Discuss the IRB preparations, submission, and

approval process. Must include the IRB approval Protocol number in here.

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Chapter 4

STUDY FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS (Vary by faculty advisor)

Do not confuse discussions with summary. This chapter discusses the findings (reporting your results). Typically, graduate student researchers select between 15-20 variables from the research questionnaires to enable them answer the research purposes. Of course, in case your Study Purpose(s) includes hypothesis test, you will have to select as many variables as possible to answer each of the hypotheses. In one or two short paragraphs, reiterate the background of the research study, and then organize the remaining parts of the chapter using the following suggested headings:

Overall Findings

(e.g., reiterating background of participants)

Specific Findings Discuss findings related to the research purposes (Study Purpose, Chapter 1).

Tables and charts must be 12 point Times New Roman.

Interpretations to the Findings (What do overall and specific findings mean?)

Summary (Check with faculty advisor whether this heading is required)

Note. Please note that the numbers of headings and sub-headings are dependent between the student research(s) and the faculty advisor. Just make sure to continue to use APA guidelines for the levels of headings.

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Chapter 5

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS (Vary by faculty advisor)

Present the major findings that describe critical influences/relevancies to the

variables of interest in this study. You will discuss findings (from chapter 4) in terms of

whether or not your research hypotheses were confirmed, which ones, and how they

compare to, or contrast with, the literature review discussed in chapter 2. Reactions

pertaining to the research study as well as findings that you have not discussed in Chapter

4, particularly your intuition, now it’s the right time to discuss it/them here. You must

include the headings below in your chapter.

Summary of Study

Your summary must include: (1) overarching findings from your own research

study that are relevant to your research purposes (your rationale in Chapter 1). If you

specified, say three purposes, you must discuss how those purposes are either confirmed

or disconfirmed. (2) State whether any extra ordinary finding is/are found. For example,

things that you did not specified in your research purposes. And, (3) how is/are your

findings related to the review of the literatures. Be very specific as how your own

findings are related/or confirmed the cited/referenced sources in Chapter 2.

Implications for Social Work

Provide several practice recommendations to the social work profession. You may begin

with recommendations for social work practice with individuals, families, and

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communities then go into broader perspectives about social policy, especially policy

change.

Recommendations for Future Research

Provide a minimum of three research recommendations. This is usually has to do with

lessons learned from completing this research project and what would you like future

researchers take into consideration. Typically, past researchers talked about increase the

sample size, started the data collection early, change population, and improve the

research instruments.

Study limitations

Provide a minimum of three study limitations. This is about social work research

limitations as well as the narrow focus as a graduate student. This is another part of the

lessons learned, or you could consider as mistakes you made as a graduate researcher.

Conclusion

Provide an overall summary of your research project. This is where you can provide

personal reactions to anything. Anything here could mean things you learned as a

graduate student researcher, information you learned while reviewing the literature,

evidence that you did not expect to obtain from the research study.

Note. As stated in Chapter 4, the levels of headings for Chapter 5 are dependent between the student researcher and the faculty advisor.

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Appendices

Put materials in this section that does not easily fit into the main body of the text (i.e., questionnaire used; letter to participants)

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References

Include all references for which you have referenced in the main text. Check APA Manual for inclusions or exclusions. (Use APA 6.0, 2nd Printing, for the references and the text).