This course is designed to provide MSW students with an advanced understanding of social work research. The course helps students integrate knowledge gained in other social work courses and understand the application of research methods to practice. Critical thinking skills will be augmented in order to determine selection, development, and employment of knowledge that fosters the use of best practices, with clients, based on current research. Steps in advanced levels of conducting social work research and variations in these steps through the use of quantitative and qualitative approaches are emphasized. Data analysis is a component of this course. The course draws on knowledge of statistical procedures; thus, students are expected to have completed a statistics course before enrolling in this course. SPSS will be utilized and brief tutorials will take place in the computer lab.