Module 5 Introduction

In our final module we learn how data and evidence about diverse populations, social phenomena, and social work problems are prepared for presentation to various audiences. As social work professionals you will be called on to help different types of audiences understand complex social work problems, social phenomena, and diverse populations. In this module, some powerful tools are explored for their communication potential. We not only emphasize the ways investigators present evidence, we also address how professional reports and presentations can help our audiences identify or recognize social justice issues and can help advocate for change. In this module we learn to construct tables, figures, graphs, and graphic materials using commonly accessed software like Word®, PowerPoint®, and Excel®. We continue to practice the American Psychological Association (APA) style guidelines for professional writing.

READING OBJECTIVES

After engaging with these reading materials and learning resources, you should be able to:

• Describe parts of an empirical manuscript or report;
• Use the American Psychological Association (APA) style guidelines for professional writing;
• Create a strong presentation for various audiences;
• Develop graphs and charts of different types for different communication purposes;
• Design an infographic communication tool;
• Summarize what was learned in this first course in the 2-course research and evidence sequence;
• Define key terms related to communicating social work evidence to varied audiences.