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Spring 2010--Special Issue on Social Work Research Ethics
Welcome to the Spring 2010 edition of the Journal of Social Work Values & Ethics. Below each abstract/description, click on the link to read the full article in a PDF file, which will open in a new window.
Editorial: Research, Profoundly Important Reading. and Academic Street Fights Editorial by Steve Marson Read full article Editorial Comment: From the Guest Editor Editorial by Judy Krysik, Guest Editor Read full article Forum Article: Teaching Social Work Values & Ethics Online Stephen M. Marson, Ph.D. Guo Wei, Ph.D. Barbara M. Marson, Ph.D. Abstract During the academic year 2004-2005, SWK 4500 Social Work Values and Ethics was taught both in a face-to-face format and on Blackboard. In the Blackboard class, n = 23; while in the face-to-face class, n = 16. The professor, content and syllabi for both courses were identical. Most importantly, both classes took the identical final exam on Blackboard. An unmatched t-test indicated that there was a significant difference between exam scores [t = 2.42; df =18; p < .026]. An item analysis of the exam uncovered that the Blackboard students were troubled with the test items especially addressing the application of abstract ethical concepts to practice situations. Separate factor analyses for the two groups found that the performance of face-to-face students differed primarily on the understanding of ethical theory while Blackboard students were widely divided by their knowledge for ethical theory as well as applying ethics to practice situations. Thus, the factor analysis supported the t-test results. The final was the only test given and there were no differences for any other class assignments. Read full article Ethical Dilemmas in Sampling Patrick Dattalo, MSW, PhD, Abstract This paper focuses on sampling as a nexus of ethical dilemmas experienced by social workers and other applied empirical researchers. It is argued here that social workers and other applied researchers have an ethical obligation to construct the smallest representative samples possible. Although random sampling is considered by many researchers as the gold standard methodological procedure for maximizing external validity and optimizing sample size, in practice, random sampling often is difficult to implement. Recommendations include using (1) deliberate sampling to balance a sample’s composition in terms of typicalness and diversity; (2) randomization tests; (3) a broader perspective on external validity; (4) one-sided hypotheses; (5) sequential sampling; and (6) planned missing data designs. Read full article Client-Centered Evaluation: Ethics for 21st Century Practitioners Martin Bloom, PhD Abstract Ultimately, evaluation belongs in the hands of the person most affected, the client, who should testify whether a conventionally evaluated intervention has attained his or her desired goal, as well as demonstrate that he or she can perform this intervention independently. Conventional evaluation is simultaneously performed on behalf of society to document the effective and efficient performance of public-financed service. Read full article Finding Fathers in Social Work Research and Practice Alyson F. Shapiro, Ph.D. Judy Krysik, Ph.D. Abstract A comprehensive five-year review of five social work journals and one family-focused inter-disciplinary journal was conducted to examine the prevalence of recent research on fathers. Despite an increase in father-focused research over the past two decades, there continues to be a significant lack of research examining fathers relative to mothers, as well as research that includes fathers as participants. Ethical issues regarding the inclusion of fathers in social work research and practice are discussed. Read full article Ethical Considerations in Social Work Research with Multiracial Individuals Kelly F. Jackson, MSW, PhD Abstract Growing diversity in the U.S. has prioritized social work’s ethical obligation to develop specialized knowledge and understanding of culture and its function in human behavior and society. One ethnic minority group that is receiving growing attention in the social sciences is multiracial persons, or persons who identify with more than one race or ethnic group. This population represents one of the fastest growing ethnic minority groups in the United States. The growing presence and visibility of multiracial persons in the US demands that social work researchers critically examine and understand the complexity of identity as it applies to people who identify with more than one race. This article will discuss both past and present conceptualizations of multiracial identity, and the methodological challenges specific to investigations with multiracial participants. This article will conclude with recommended strategies for ensuring ethically responsible and culturally sensitive research with multiracial persons. Read full article The Virtuous Social Work Researcher Allan Edward Barsky, JD, MSW, Ph.D. Abstract Social workers can learn how to conduct research in an ethical manner or they can learn how to be ethical in their roles as researchers. This article explains the differences between these approaches and articulates what it means to be a virtuous social work researcher. Read full article A Reply to Adams: The Delicate Balance between Private Viewpoints and Professional Duties Rick Spano, Ph.D., LSCSW and Terry L. Koenig, Ph.D., LSCSW Abstract In our second response, we reiterated that all personal values must be mediated through the Code of Ethics (Spano & Koenig, 2009). At this time, we expressed concern about Adams’ unwillingness to distinguish between free speech in the public square and professional duties. We appreciate Adams’ (2009) most recent response and for his willingness to engage in dialogue with us around a broad range of issues associated with our original article entitled, “What is sacred when personal and professional values collide?” (Spano & Koenig, 2007/2008). We remain concerned about Adams’ continued lack of response regarding the distinction between free speech in the public square and professional duties. In this third response, we discuss the following: (1) middle ground; (2) knowledge and values in social work; and (3) the personal is always political. Read full article Book Reviews Trudzik, Ardith (2009). If You Tell … It Will Kill Your Mother. Ottawa, Canada: Borealis Press Reviewed by Ashley Bunnell Leonard, BSW, and Stephen M. Marson, Ph.D. Read review Barsky, A.E. (2010), Ethics and Values in Social Work: An Integrated Approach for a Comprehensive Curriculum. NY: Oxford University Press. Reviewed by Charles Garvin, Ph.D., ACSW Read review Murphy, B. (2007). Guide to Caregiving in the Final Moments of Life. TM Middleburg, VA: Brown Publishers. Reviewed by Ann M. Callahan, PhD, MSSW, LCSW Read review O'Hare, T. (2007). Essential skills of social work practice. Chicago: Lyceum. Reviewed by: Judi T. Haberkorn, PhD Read review Shepard, Benjamin (2010). Queer Political Performance and Protest. NY: Routledge. Reviewed by: Stephen M. Marson, Ph.D., Senior Editor Read review Book Review of Women in Social Work Who Have Changed the World. Chicago, Illinois: Lyceum Books, Inc. Reviewed by Rasby Marlene Powell, Ph.D. Read review Vakalahi, H. F. O., & Peebles-Wilkins, W. C. (2010). Women of Color on the Rise: Leadership and Administration in Social Work Education and the Academy. NY: Columbia University Press. Reviewed by: Veronica Hardy, PhD, MSW Read review
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SPRING 2010, VOL. 7, #1 
