Question 1

There is only one acceptable operational definition for any given variable in social work research.

Accepted Answer

There may be multiple operational definitions for a variable in social work research, depending on the research question and methodology used. However, it is important to clearly define and communicate the chosen operational definition in order to ensure consistency and accuracy in the research results.

Question 2

If we hypothesize that a school social work intervention will prevent students from dropping out of school through the mechanism of increasing their level of self esteem,then level of self esteem would be viewed as a mediating variable.

Accepted Answer

A mediating variable is one that explains the relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable. In this case, the independent variable is the school social work intervention, the dependent variable is dropping out of school, and the mediating variable is level of self esteem. The hypothesis suggests that the intervention will increase self esteem, which in turn will prevent students from dropping out of school. Therefore, level of self esteem is a mediating variable.

Question 3

The same concept can be a variable in one study and a constant in another study.

Accepted Answer

This is true. The same variable can have different roles in different studies or contexts. In one study, it might be manipulated or measured as a variable of interest, while in another study, it might be treated as a constant and held constant across conditions to control for its effects.

Question 4

Number of children is an example of a variable at the ratio level of measurement.

Accepted Answer

The ratio level of measurement has a true zero point, meaning that values at this level can be compared using ratios. The number of children is an example of a variable at the ratio level of measurement since it can be measured in whole numbers and has a true zero point.

Question 5

Develop a properly worded hypothesis that would be relevant to evaluating the effectiveness of some aspect of social work practice.Identify a moderating variable and a mediating variable pertinent to that hypothesis and explain why it would be important to control for them in testing the hypothesis

Accepted Answer

The answer of Develop a properly worded hypothesis that would...

Question 6

A relationship between two variables that are no longer related when a third variable is controlled is called a spurious relationship.

Accepted Answer

This is a correct statement. A spurious relationship occurs when two variables appear to be related, but their relationship disappears or weakens when a third variable is taken into account. This third variable is called a "confounding" variable, as it can influence the relationship between the two other variables.

Question 7

Although there are important differences in conceptualization between qualitative and quantitative studies,both approaches are apt to operationally define variables in advance and in the same way.

Accepted Answer

While both qualitative and quantitative studies may operationally define variables in advance, the approach may not be the same. Quantitative studies usually involve more precise and specific operationalization of variables, while qualitative studies may have more flexible and exploratory operationalization.

Question 8

Operationally define the concept child's school adjustment in three ways: once by using self-report,once by using direct observation,and once by using available records.Identify the advantages and disadvantages of each definition.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Operationally define the concept child's school adjustment...

Question 9

Give an example of a relationship that you think might be spurious,and discuss how you would attempt to ascertain whether it is indeed spurious.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Give an example of a relationship that...

Question 10

Discuss how the quantitative and qualitative perspectives on operational definitions differ.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss how the quantitative and qualitative perspectives...

Question 11

Moderating variables influence the strength or direction of relationships between independent and dependent variables.

Accepted Answer

Moderating variables can have an impact on the strength or direction of relationships between independent and dependent variables. They can either enhance or suppress the effects of the independent variable on the dependent variable.

Question 12

Construct three hypotheses of interest to social workers.One should predict a positive relationship,another a negative relationship,and a third a curvilinear relationship.Identify the independent and dependent variables in each hypothesis.Discuss your reasoning for predicting the curvilinear relationship.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Construct three hypotheses of interest to social...

Question 13

Give an example of how gender could be a variable in one study and a constant in another.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Give an example of how gender could...

Question 14

The terms attributes and categories mean the same thing when researchers are mentioning them in reference to their variables.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The terms attributes and categories mean the...

Quiz 7: Problem Formulation