Ethical and Methodological Challenges of Implementing Social Work Survey Research in Schools: A Perspective from the Suburban United States

Authors

Chrisann Newransky, Adelphi University School of Social WorkFollow
Stavroula Kyriakakis, Adelphi University School of Social WorkFollow
Karishma D. Samaroo, Adelphi University School of Social WorkFollow
Delores D. Owens, Adelphi University School of Social WorkFollow
Azahah Abu Hassan Shaari, Adelphi University School of Social WorkFollow

Keywords

school-based research, survey research, evaluation, research ethics, parental consent, incentives, school partnerships

Abstract

Many researchers view schools as the ideal setting to study social and behavioral interventions with youth. As trusted community-based organizations, schools are natural partners for social work researchers who focus on bridging the needs of the most vulnerable populations. Awareness and consideration of critical issues related to conducting research within the school system enables social work researchers to plan and conduct rigorous studies while developing sustainable partnerships with schools. This article outlines key ethical and methodological challenges of conducting school-based survey research, and shares lessons learned and recommendations from the evaluation of a dating violence prevention curriculum implemented in U.S. suburban high schools.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Newransky, Chrisann; Kyriakakis, Stavroula; Samaroo, Karishma D.; Owens, Delores D.; and Abu Hassan Shaari, Azahah (2020) "Ethical and Methodological Challenges of Implementing Social Work Survey Research in Schools: A Perspective from the Suburban United States," International Journal of School Social Work: Vol. 5: Iss. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/2161-4148.1047