Social Work Tech Research: Methodology & Data Analysis

Overview

Social Work Technology Research:
Methodology/Research Paper. Factors such as previous exposure to/experience with technology, confidence and anxiety when confronted with mathematical issues or propositions, ease of personal interactions, other sources of anxiety or situations that inspire confidence, and a host of other related professional and personal metrics were taken in order to be correlated with measurements of overall technology use, technology-inspired anxiety, and technological confidence.

Measures were recorded quantitatively using a standard Likert scale as typically employed in similar structured survey instruments, providing a reliable tool for establishing concrete measurements.

Data Collection

Data collection took place according to standard survey/questionnaire methodology, and was straightforward and low-intensity. After the survey instrument had been designed and properly validated, sufficient copies were produced and packaged with pre-paid return envelopes, and were shipped in bulk to the Office of Children’s Services offices in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Juneau, and Wasilla. Respondents had a period of two weeks to complete and return the survey, including acceptance of the enclosed consent form, at their own leisure and in their chosen setting.

No special equipment was necessary, and the instrument was quantitative and closed-form; respondents selected responses by checking boxes.

Complete instructions were included with each instrument to ensure respondents were prepared and confident in providing answers. The overall data collection procedure was designed to minimize resource usage and maximize participation.

Data analysis was performed using standard statistical techniques to determine correlations between the rate of technology use, level of technology-related anxiety, and level of confidence in technology use, and other metrics such as personal and professional attitudes, values, and experiences. The analysis aimed to identify variables that influence technology use and anxiety and to create a preliminary model of potential barriers and enablers for technology use among the research population.

The analysis is presented primarily in the discussions section of the research article.

Other references included indicate various edition standards (e.g., APA 7th Edition, MLA 9th Edition, Chicago 17th Edition).