The document outlines the fundamental elements of social work research, focusing on scientific methods, concepts, definitions, assumptions, and hypotheses. Key terms such as variables, operationalization, and types of hypotheses (null and alternate) are defined, alongside the importance of testability and relationships between variables. Additionally, it discusses type 1 and type 2 errors in hypothesis testing and the distinction between theoretical and conceptual frameworks in research.

1. SW010205 – SOCIAL WORK
RESEARCH AND STATISTICS
Kesiyamol Mathew, MSW
Asst. Professor
Department of Social Work
Marian Academy of Management Studies,
Kothamangalam, Ernakulam

2. Agenda
1) Basic elements of scientific method
2) Concept
3) Conceptual and operational definition
4) Assumptions
5) Hypothesis
6) Law

3. Elements of Research
Concept is defined as
a mental
image that symbolizes an
idea, an object, an event
or a behavior.
Attributes are
characteristics or qualities
that describe an object.
An attribute is
a specific value on a
variable
Variables are logical
groupings of
attributes. A variable is any
entity that can take on
different values.
Operationalization is the
process of defining
abstract concepts in a way
that makes them
observable and
measurable.

4. Operationalization
Concept Construct Variable

5. How do you Operationalize
• Interactions in the class
• Duration of interaction
• No of times you spoke
• Extend of contribution
• No of Ideas you proposed
• Duration of class

7. Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a specific
statement of prediction.
The statement that postulates
the relationship between the
independent and dependent
variable is called the hypothesis.

8. Thus hypotheses are tentative statements that predict what we
expect to find about the way our variable co-vary together.
A good hypothesis is:
Clear and specific
It should have more that one possible out come.
Hypotheses should be testable
Should state the relationship between the
variables.

9. Types of relationship
between the variable
• Positive relationship
• The dependent variable increases as the independent variable increases.
• Or decreases as the independent variable decreases.
• The variable move in the same direction.
• Negative or inverse relationship:
• The two-variable move in opposite direction.
• As one increases, the other decreases.

10. Null and Alternate Hypothesis
Null Hypothesis (H0)
• The null hypothesis is a general statement that states
that there is no relationship between two
phenomenon's under consideration or that there is
no association between two groups.
• Eg: There is no relationship between job stress and
Satisfaction
Alternate Hypothesis(Ha)
• An alternative hypothesis is a statement that describes
that there is a relationship between two selected
variables in a study.
• Ha is accepted when H0 is rejected.

11. Type 1 and 2 errors
• Type – 1 error is a false-positive finding, while
• It occurs if the researcher rejects a correct null
hypothesis in the population.
• i.e., incorrect rejection of the null hypothesis.
• Type –2 error is also known as a false negative.
• It occurs if a researcher fails to reject a null
hypothesis that is actually false hypothesis.

12. Type 1 and 2
errors

13. Theory /conceptual framework
While the theoretical framework
is the theory on which the study
is based, the conceptual
framework is the
operationalization of the theory.
It is the researcher’s own
position on the problem and
gives direction to the study.
It may be an adaptation of a
model used in a previous study,
with modifications to suit the
inquiry.
The indicators we will use to
determine the attribute we
observe about a particular
variable.