Assignment
Directions: Produce a 1800-2000 word, APA style research paper titled: "Policy Website Evaluation: Implications for HUS Service Workers." The paper should analyze 4 websites that focus on a policy issue of relevance to HUS service workers (e.g., mental health, education, poverty, drugs, etc.). Each website will be described and assessed in detail using the CRAAP method for evaluating websites, and then will be ranked in terms of usefulness to HUS workers. Use the attached worksheet (Worksheet_WebEval.pdf to evaluate and score the sites.
You do NOT need to submit this form, but you may reference the scores in your paper. You will need Adobe Reader to access this file)
The paper will offer reasons for the ranking based on an examination of the Human Services field. The guidelines to follow as you develop this project are below. Please read every one of them carefully.
Research Guidelines and Tips
1. Select one policy area from your textbook. For example, you could select poverty, aging, drugs and addiction, children, health, etc.
2. Use key words from your book to conduct an internet search for websites that deal with that topic. Make a list of those websites.
3. Review chapter 1's discussion of the concept of a social welfare system. See pages 3-10. Note that your book is written from a social work perspective. Although your degree is in Human Services, it is closely related to social work, and the ethical standards of Human Services compare to those of the National Association of Social Workers. Thus, like Social Workers, Human Services workers also promote the well-being of society, and must be aware of programs that meet human needs and advocate for vulnerable populations.
4. Review the major Social Work competencies on the inside cover of your book (front and back cover). These competencies can help you assess relevance and authority for the websites you selected. For example, Competency #4 would imply that Social Workers (and Human Service workers) would need to know about scientific studies on a topic like addiction or poverty.
5. Think about the four parts of a social welfare system as discussed on page 5. These four parts will help you assess the purpose of the websites you review. The websites may have information on one or more of these parts. For example, consider whether the website seems to provide more information on policy analysis (see page 83 in your book), or whether it focuses more on issues and programs (e.g., Medicaid , Social Security, ). Perhaps it is more concerned with advocacy (creating, and changing laws), see pages 391-393; 398-402.
6. Review the CRAAP handout. Be sure that you understand currency, relevance, authority, accuracy and purpose.
7. Examine each website on your list. Be sure to thoroughly explore ALL the tabs on the main page of a website. This step will help you learn about the content of the website. Take notes.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.