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Walden University *
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Dec 6, 2023
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Module 5: Research Topics
Regina Nolte-Ware
PhD in Social Work, Walden University
SOCW-8601-1/SOCW-9001A-1: Building Doctoral Soc & Comp 1
Dr. Lakisha Mearidy-Bell
May 6, 202
SOCW 8601A/9001A Journey Log
Name:
Regina Nolte-Ware
Part 1: Your Journey Begins
Summarize what you have learned from the Discussion regarding your motivation to pursue
a doctorate and become a scholar practitioner.
From the discussion, I can summarize that pursuing a clinical social work doctorate and
becoming a scholar-practitioner requires a strong passion for helping people, a commitment to
research and integrating clinical practice with empirical evidence, and a desire to advance
knowledge and research in the field. Contributing to both the academic community as well as
the broader social work industry by using a rigorous research approach to inform and guide
my clinical work. In spite of its challenging nature and high demands, it can lead to a
rewarding career helping individuals and communities.
Explain how you can make an impact on positive social change with your degree.
As a clinical social worker, I will engage in activities promoting equality and improving social
conditions, as well as employ interventions aimed at influencing the distribution of a wide
range of positive characteristics relevant to social justice, including self-esteem, self-respect,
and assertiveness among historically oppressed and economically disadvantaged people. As
part of my role as an advocate, I will also address barriers to clients' well-being individually
and socially (Howard, 2020). As a result of improved utilization of resources by mental health
agencies, positive societal changes may affect treatment outcomes for people who need
behavioral health services. In my role as a change agent, I can assist groups historically
oppressed in finding and mitigating gaps and obstacles to well-being, promoting psychological
goods associated with goal-oriented actions, reducing oppression and social bias, and
advocating systemic changes to unjust policies and practices.
Explain your perspective on the difference between advocacy and inquiry.
The act of advocating is expressing one's views. As an example, I could express how I feel,
describe what I think about something, express a judgment, urge a particular course of action,
or give an order. Inquiry is the act of asking a question. Genuine questions seek information
from the speaker. Generally, advocacy involves promoting or defending a position or
viewpoint, usually in order to persuade others toward a particular course of action. A variety of
contexts, such as political campaigns and legal proceedings, can use it to make a case for
specific beliefs, values, or objectives. By contrast, an inquiry is the investigation or
exploration of a particular topic or issue as a means of gaining a deeper understanding of it. A
nuanced and informed view can be developed by asking questions, seeking information, and
analyzing data.
Describe the purpose of research training in a doctoral program.
Doctoral students receive research training so they can conduct independent research, analyze
data critically, and convey their findings to others. Through this training, students are able to
become competent researchers who can contribute meaningfully to their respective fields. To
summarize, doctoral education is incomplete without research training. Research training in
the doctoral program equips students with the skills and knowledge to conduct independent
research, analyze research data critically, and communicate their results effectively. Future
research career success is strongly influenced by the quality of their research training.
Identify how research guides practice.
A reliable source of evidence-based information, research can help inform treatment, policy,
and procedure decisions. Professionals can use this information to offer more efficient and
effective care, improve existing practices, and develop new interventions based on this
information. Further research and innovation are generated as research identifies areas of need
for more evidence. In order to provide high-quality care, practitioners need to be up-to-date on
the most current evidence and develop a comprehensive understanding of their field through
research. As a result, the research contributes to bettering patient and client outcomes.
Part 2: Dissertation Expectations and Process
Describe the doctoral journey.
As an advanced academic study and research journey, the doctoral journey is rigorous and
challenging. After selecting a research topic and formulating a research question, a
comprehensive review of the existing literature is performed. Following the refinement of the
research question and approval of a research proposal, a candidate can begin collecting and
analyzing data, conducting experiments, and engaging in fieldwork. Collaboration with peers
and other researchers in your field of study is necessary for this process, as well as working
closely with a supervisor or advisor (Walden University, 2023a).
The candidate is expected to demonstrate advanced critical thinking, analysis, and research
methodology skills throughout the course of the doctoral program. As the final step of the
doctoral journey, a dissertation is written. This is a significant and original research paper that
makes a significant contribution to the candidate's field. In recognition of their achievement,
they may be required to defend their research findings before a panel of experts, and
ultimately receive a doctorate (Walden University, 2023a).
Describe timing and rationale for residencies.
The residency component of doctoral degree programs is often an intensive, on-campus
learning experience where candidates are able to engage in advanced coursework, attend
seminars, and collaborate with peers and faculty members. The duration and format of
doctoral residencies vary, but typically they last several days or weeks and are scheduled
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throughout the doctoral program (Doctoral degree coach, 2023).
In order to aid candidates in developing advanced skills and knowledge in their field of study,
doctoral residencies provide focused, immersive learning experiences. During residency,
candidates have the opportunity to interact with peers and faculty members, participate in
discussions and debates, and receive feedback. Candidates can also establish professional
connections and networks as a result of doctoral residencies in addition to facilitating
advanced coursework. Meetings with leading researchers and practitioners may be offered, as
well as workshops and conferences, and collaborations may be facilitated (Doctoral degree
coach, 2023)
In general, doctoral residencies are scheduled at key points in a candidate's doctoral journey,
including the start of their program and the transition from coursework to research. Overall,
doctoral residencies are an essential component of doctoral degree programs, providing
candidates with focused, immersive learning experiences that can help them to develop
advanced skills and knowledge in their field of study, establish professional connections and
networks, and prepare for the next phase of their academic or professional career.
Describe the elements of a completed Capstone.
In their field of study, a capstone project enables students to integrate and apply their academic
knowledge to a real-world issue or problem. Walden University (2023) states that elements of
a completed Capstone project will vary depending on the program requirements and the
specific project, but typically include the following:
The abstract gives a concise overview of the purpose, methodology, findings, and conclusions
of a capstone project. The objective of the summary is to provide readers with a quick
overview of the project's key components without having to read the complete document.
There is a list of tables and a list of figures. The introduction provides a general overview of
the project, including the topic, rationale, and objectives of the project. The literature review
section includes both theoretical and empirical studies as well as relevant policy and practice
documents on the topic. Methodology: (Research Method) Describes the design and
methodology used to conduct the research, including the collection and analysis of data. The
results section contains the study's findings, including the data and analyses used, along with
implications for policy, practice, and theory. An analysis of the results is provided in the
Discussion, Conclusions, and Recommendations section, as well as any limitations of the
project and its implications. Moreover, it offers recommendations for future research, policy,
and practice based on the key findings and implications of the study. There is also a section
called the Appendix in which any additional information supporting the work is included. This
includes data tables, graphs, and other supporting materials. (Walden University, 2023b). It is
essential that students demonstrate their ability to integrate and apply their learning to a real-
world problem or issue and demonstrate their research, analytical, and communication skills.
Part 3: Finding Resources
Resource
Title/Type
Resource Location (URL)
Explain how the
resource will be used to
support development of
the Capstone
Time management
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/academic-
skills-center/success-strategies/time-
management
Will be used to support the
development of the
Capstone project by
providing strategies and
tools to manage time
effectively during the
dissertation process.
Research & Me
https://www.researchandme.com/
Will be helpful in
supporting the development
of the Capstone by
providing a platform for
patient recruitment.
Research & Me is an online
platform that connects
researchers with potential
study participants.
Structure of Research
https://conjointly.com/kb/structure-of-research/
Can support the
development of the
Capstone by providing a
comprehensive overview of
the various components that
make up a research study,
including the research
question, hypothesis,
literature review,
methodology, data
collection and analysis, and
conclusion. This resource
can help me in organizing
and structuring my research
project effectively and
efficiently.
Academic guides:
Capstone documents:
Doctoral capstone
and project resources.
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/research-
center/program-documents
Will be used to support the
development of the
Capstone by providing a
comprehensive overview of
the entire Capstone process,
from initial concept to final
document submission.
Library guide to
capstone literature
reviews: Role of the
literature review
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library
/ doctoral/literaturereview/role
will be used to support the
development of the
Capstone by providing
guidance on the role of the
literature review in the
research process. The
resource explains how to
conduct a thorough review
of the literature, including
how to search for relevant
sources, evaluate their
credibility and relevance,
and synthesize the
information in a coherent
and organized manner.
Kits: Personal
Responsibility and
Support from Peers.
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/
formandstyle/ kits/
multilingual/responsibility#s-lg-box-
18341844
provide guidance on
various aspects of writing
and formatting the doctoral
capstone project.
The
resource
can be used to
support the development of
the Capstone by providing
guidance on managing
personal responsibilities
and engaging with peers for
support throughout the
process
Scholarly Writing:
Overview
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/
writingcenter/scholarly
This resource will help
me understand the
expectations of scholarly
writing and how to
effectively communicate
my ideas and research
findings in a clear and
concise manner.
This
resource will also help
me to understand how to
use sources appropriately
and how to avoid
plagiarism, which is
critical to producing a
high-quality Capstone
project.
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Part 4: Managing the Doctoral Journey
How do you plan to manage your dissertation journey so you can avoid procrastination and
maintain work/life balance?
Setting smaller goals and setting deadlines will allow me to set achievable goals for my
dissertation. I will be able to stay motivated and focused throughout my journey if I do this.
Utilizing a scheduler or a calendar as a means to plan out my daily, weekly, and monthly tasks.
Staying organized and avoiding procrastination will help me stay on track. Determine what is
the most important task that I need to accomplish each day and prioritize it accordingly. In this
way, I'll avoid becoming overwhelmed and remain on track. In order to keep myself refreshed
and rejuvenated; I will make sure to take breaks. Incorporating regular breaks into my
schedule will prevent burnout and maintain my mental and physical well-being. My friends,
family, or academic advisors can provide me with support. I can receive valuable feedback and
be held accountable by them. When working, minimize distractions by turning off my phone's
notifications or finding a quiet spot. Lastly, I will stay flexible and keep in mind that things do
not always go as planned. Therefore, I must be flexible with my schedule or goals.
Based on your program of study and using the Doctoral Degree Coach, develop a
preliminary plan of study and timeline. Summarize the result of your plan.
Based on my program of study this is my preliminary plan and timeline for completing a
dissertation in social work:
1.
Topic selection and proposal defense (Months 1-6):
Identify a research topic and narrow down the research questions.
Conduct a thorough literature review to identify gaps in the research.
Develop a research proposal and submit it to the committee for review and approval.
Defend the research proposal before the committee.
2.
Data collection and analysis (Months 7-18):
Obtain approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for the research project.
Collect data through interviews, surveys, or other relevant methods.
Analyze the collected data using appropriate statistical methods and software.
Discuss the findings with the committee and make necessary adjustments to the
research questions and methodology.
3.
Writing and editing (Months 19-30):
Write the dissertation based on the research findings and analysis.
Review and edit the dissertation with the guidance of the committee.
Submit drafts of the dissertation to the committee for feedback and revision.
Finalize the dissertation and submit it for review and approval.
4.
Defense and graduation (Months 31-36):
Schedule and defend the dissertation before the committee.
Make any necessary revisions to the dissertation based on committee feedback.
Submit the final dissertation to the graduate school for review and approval.
Complete any additional requirements for graduation.
It is duly noted that the timeline is a rough estimate and may vary depending on my
circumstances and the scope of the research project. It is important for me to communicate
regularly with the committee and stay on track with deadlines in order to successfully
complete the dissertation process.
Part 5: Research Topics
Describe a research topic that interests you and is important to the discipline.
Mental illness is a major public health issue affecting individuals, families, and communities
worldwide. The role of social workers in addressing mental illness, providing support, and
advocating for those with mental health conditions is vital. Various aspects of mental illness
can be explored in this area, including its prevalence, causes, and effects on individuals. A
social work intervention or treatment approach that is effective for people with mental health
conditions can also be investigated using this method. Social work research in this area is
critical for forming evidence-based practice and influencing policy (Pritchard, 2006). Social
workers can better meet the needs of their clients and promote positive outcomes when they
understand the most effective interventions for mental health conditions. Furthermore,
research in this area can contribute to overcoming stigma and discrimination for individuals
with mental illness. Social workers can decrease stigma and discrimination towards mental
illness by shedding light on the complexities of mental illness and its various factors.
Express your initial ideas for a potential capstone.
Here are some of my initial ideas for a potential capstone project on understanding barriers to
treatment, perception, and stigma associated with mental illness:
1.
Conduct a literature review of research studies on barriers to treatment, perception, and
stigma associated with mental illness: This literature review can identify common
themes across studies and provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors that
contribute to these barriers.
2.
Develop and administer a survey to individuals with mental illness and mental health
professionals to identify barriers to treatment, perception, and stigma: This survey can
gather quantitative and qualitative data to identify the most significant barriers to
treatment, perception, and stigma and how they impact individuals with mental illness.
3.
Conduct focus groups with individuals with mental illness to explore their experiences
of stigma and barriers to treatment: Focus groups can provide a safe space for
individuals with mental illness to share their experiences and perspectives on the
barriers they face. The data can inform the development of interventions to address
these barriers.
4.
Analyze social media content related to mental illness to identify common themes and
attitudes towards mental illness: This analysis can provide insights into how mental
illness is perceived in society and how stigma and misconceptions are perpetuated.
5.
Develop and implement an intervention aimed at reducing stigma and improving
perceptions of mental illness among the general public: This intervention can be
designed to address the most significant barriers identified in the literature review,
survey, and focus groups. The effectiveness of the intervention can be evaluated using
pre and post-intervention measures.
Identify academic and professional communities that will help you find a place in the
discipline and pursue your research goals.
There are many academic and professional communities that can help me find a place in the
discipline of social work and pursue my research goals. A few suggestions would be:
1.
Walden University School of Social Work: Walden's School of Social Work is an
excellent place to start my social work journey. Walden University provides a range of
resources, including academic advisors, faculty mentors, and research centers, to
support my academic and research goals.
2.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW): NASW is the largest professional
organization for social workers in the United States. NASW provides networking
opportunities, professional development resources, and advocacy efforts to support the
social work profession.
3.
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE): CSWE is the national accrediting body
for social work education programs in the United States. CSWE provides resources for
social work educators and students, including research opportunities and conferences.
4.
Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR): SSWR is a professional organization
for social work researchers. The organization promotes research on social problems,
social welfare policy, and social work practice, and provides opportunities for
networking and professional development.
5.
Social Work and Social Sciences Research Network (SSRN): SSRN is an online
repository of research papers, articles, and book chapters in the social sciences,
including social work. The network provides access to cutting-edge research and
opportunities to connect with other researchers in the field.
6.
Social Work Research: An International Journal: This peer-reviewed journal publishes
original research on social work practice, policy, and education. The journal provides a
platform for researchers to share their work and contribute to the advancement of the
social work profession.
By connecting with these academic and professional communities, I can gain access to
resources, support, and networking opportunities to pursue my research goals and find a place
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in the discipline of social work.
References:
Doctoral degree coach (2023).
Doctoral degree coach: Walden University
.
https://coach.waldenu.edu/student/#/doctoral-home
Howard, S. (2020). The Black perspective in clinical social Work.
Clinical Social Work
Journal
,
48
(4), 335–342.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10615-018-0663-8
Pritchard, C. (2006).
Mental health social work: Evidence-based practice
. Routledge & CRC
Press.
https://www.routledge.com/Mental-Health-Social-Work-Evidence-Based-
Practice/Pritchard/p/book/9780415319027
Research & Me. (2023).
Patient recruitment: Research recruitment management: Research &
me
. Patient Research Recruitment Management | Research & Me.
https://www.researchandme.com/
Trochim, P. W. M. K. (2023).
Structure of research
. Research methods knowledge base.
https://conjointly.com/kb/structure-of-research/
Walden University. (2023a).
Academic guides: Residencies: Home
. Home - Residencies -
Academic Guides at Walden University.
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/residencies
Walden University. (2023b).
Academic guides: programs: Phd dissertation
.
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/formandstyle/programs/phd
Walden University. (2023c).
Academic guides: Capstone documents: Doctoral capstone and
project resources
. Doctoral capstone and project resources - Capstone documents -
Academic guides at Walden University.
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/research-
center/program-documents
Walden University. (n.d.). Library guide to capstone literature reviews: Role of the literature
review.
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library/doctoral/literaturereview/role
Walden University Academic Skills Center (n.d.).
Time Management.
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/academic-skills-center/success-strategies/time-
management
Walden University Doctoral Capstone Form and Style (n.d.).
Kits: Personal Responsibility and
Support from Peers.
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/formandstyle/kits/multilingual/responsibility#s-lg-
box-18341844
Walden University Writing Center. (n.d.).
Scholarly Writing: Overview.
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/scholarly