Technology adoption barriers and benefits among child protection caseworkers

¶ … Institutional Review Board

PROPOSAL FORM

Do not change the text in the shaded areas of the form. Your responses to each question/section should be written where it says ; please keep your response in the same blue 10 pt Arial font.

Explain the research project in lay language that can be easily understood by someone who is not an expert in your field. The abstract must include: 1) a brief summary of the research question; and 2) a brief description of the procedure.

Social informatics examines the organizational and social aspects of the computerization of a discipline. Applied to social work, informatics may enable the management and analysis of data, and the conversion of that data to information and knowledge that can inform the field. This research explores the importance of technology to the construction of accessible and insightful data which may serve to improve the practices, research, and policies of child welfare. The research design is based on grounded theory and utilizes mixed methods to identify variables that function as benefits and inhibitors of the use of technology by child protection case workers. Subjects responded to surveys that collected quantitative and qualitative data. A hybrid approach to data collection was justified because of the importance of the topic to child safety and well-being, and to case worker job satisfaction which underscores the management of staff recruitment and retention.

6. Brief rationale and objectives

Maximum 500 words for all three responses.

Required Information

Rationale for study grounded in peer reviewed literature in your discipline:

The field of social work does not embrace high levels of technology utilization in praxis (Edwards & Yankey). Increasingly, state and federal requirements for case management, billing systems, and therapeutic methods are imposing the use of digital technology on social workers. In response, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has adopted guidelines for technology by the profession. Little is known about the origins of resistance and barriers to the use of technology by social workers. For social workers to make sophisticated information management part of their daily practice, and to creatively explore and implement relevant applications of digital technology, more must be learned about the "user experience" and the biases and concerns of the discipline (Camilleria & Humphres, 2002; Lucero, 1992; Parker, et al., 1985).

State your research question and hypotheses

Question 1: What are the benefits and inhibitors in the use of technology in social work and are there any factors associated with a lower tolerance or acceptance of using case management systems/technology for workers in the child protection field?

Hypothesis 1: Benefits and inhibitors will differ based on certain factors such as age, education level, and utilization of computers outside of the workplace.

Question 2: Does the new field of social work informatics assist caseworkers in navigating the usage of computers and databases in child protection?

Hypothesis 2: The case worker will report a need and positive regard for the field of social work informatics.

Explain your research design/approach (e.g., quantitative, qualitative, experimental, survey, focus group, etc.). If applicable, respond to the following questions:

a) How many groups are you collecting data from?

b) Is there random assignment to the groups?

c) Is there an experimental manipulation? If yes, explain why. A description of the stimulus or the manipulation can be explained in the summary of procedures.

A non-probabilistic stratified sampling strategy will be employed. Stratification variables are demographic attributes and the current levels of use of relatively advanced applications of technology. Strong correlation of stratification variables and dependent variables is expected. Sample size will be determined by the number of case workers in the relevant area of study who agree to participate in the research (Creswell, 2009). Neither random assignment nor experimental manipulation are employed.

7. Research Methodology

Detailed description of Procedures

Required Information

Provide a brief summary of procedures in lay language (no more than 500 words):

Description of the location where the research will be conducted

Subjects will be contacted on the Internet and will respond to surveys on their own computers at their workstations.

Research Methods and Tools Place an "X" in the first column to indicate which of the following data collection methods or instruments will be used to conduct the proposed research. Research tools for adults must be written at no higher than an eighth grade reading level without justification. Research tools for children must be written at an age appropriate level.

Check all that apply with an "X." Include in your IRBNet package all questionnaire(s), interview guides, and focus group questions.

Data Collection Methods or Instruments

X

QuestionnairesNote: Copies of questionnaires must be included in your IRBNet submission.

InterviewsNote: An interview script or outline must be included in your IRBNet submission.

Observations Note: A description of the nature of the observations and the researchers role in the activity(ies) being observed must be included in your IRBNet submission.

Focus Groups Note: A script, list of questions, outline, or instructions to the group must be included in your IRBNet submission.

Archival Data/Records Review: If your project utilizes academic, medical, or other records, please describe the data, provide documentation of official permission allowing you access to the data in your IRBNet package.

Apparatus/Measuring Equipment or Device

Archival Data/Records Review

e. Explanation of how recruitment is not burdensome or coercive to participants

All study participants are contacted via email so there is no pressure from face-to-face or telephone requests from researchers. The surveys can be completed at times convenient to the participants.

f. Description of plans (if any) to encourage the recruitment of minorities and women

The stratified sampling process will address inclusion of people of color, minorities, and women.

9. Benefits, incentives and compensation, costs, and risks

Note: Consent forms should reflect any risks or compensation described below.

Question

Response

a. Describe potential benefits (e.g., therapeutic or unique self knowledge) that individuals may receive from participating in this research

Some modest reflection on individual social worker's approaches to technology in their work may occur, and some participants may derive benefit from that self-reflection. The most obvious benefit is that participants will approach the use of technology more thoughtfully in their practice -- and potentially change some of their technology-dependent behaviors and resistance to technology.

b. Describe what new information may be learned from this research

The study is designed to explore the barriers and incentives related to the use of technology in the social work practice.

c. Describe incentives to encourage individuals to participate in this research (including monetary or other compensation, thank you gifts, course or other academic credit, lotteries, etc.)

Participants will be sent a thank you gift in the form of a Starbucks gift card.

d. Describe costs (time, monetary or other) for participants in this research

The only expenditure of resources for participants is time.

e. Describe potential harms or discomforts (physical, psychological, social) for participants in this research

No potential harms have been identified for participants in this study, and all responses are to be kept confidential.

f. Describe what you will do to minimize potential harms or discomforts to participants in this research

N/a

g. Describe any potential harms to the culture or society that is the subject of this research

No potential harm to the culture or society has been identified.

h. Describe what you will do to minimize potential harms to the culture or society that is the subject of this research

N/a

10. Participant Consent / Assent

Unless a waiver is requested and granted, all participants should be fully informed about the research (purpose, benefits and potential harms from participation, procedures, duration of participation, and special accommodations for language or comprehension), informed consent shall be documented by a written and signed consent form and the participant shall be given a copy of the signed form. The recommended reading level for consent documents is the 8th grade. Guidelines and examples for consent/assent forms can be found at .

Consent

Description

Describe the process of obtaining consent to participate in this researchNote: The IRB will only consider this if you can demonstrate that obtaining informed consent will impact the quality of the research data; a waiver will not be granted for researcher convenience.

If the participants are minors, describe the process of obtaining assent to participate in this research

N/a

Describe how you will communicate to potential participants that their participation is voluntary and that they may withdraw from the research at any time without penaltyNote: Project documents and assent forms for children must be at an age appropriate level. Documents for general population adults should not exceed an 8th grade reading level. If you are having problems achieving that level, contact the Office of Research Integrity ( -- or x7800) for assistance.

Participants will be informed that they can terminate their participation in the study at any time during the course of the study.

Describe if there was any deception involved in the generation of archival data, or if there is any deception involved in the consent process prior to data collection

N/a No deception occurs in this study.

Place an "X" in the first column if you requesting special accommodations to consent for this research.

Request for Special Consent Procedures

Justification

a. Elements of informed consent are presented orally and documented through a short written consent form; the process shall be documented by a witness

N/a

X

b. Electronic acknowledgement of informed consent (e.g., SurveyMonkey)

< he study is conducted online and consent will be obtained through electronic means in the form of an official consent form, and then again just before responding to the survey questions.

c. Waiver of the requirement for documentation (written, audio or video) of informed consent Note: The IRB will only consider this if you can demonstrate that obtaining informed consent will impact the quality of the research data; a waiver will not be granted for researcher convenience.

N/a

d. Waiver of some or all of the elements of consent Note: The IRB will only consider this in instances where it would culturally inappropriate or if the documentation is the only way to link the participant to the project and disclosure of their involvement may result in harm.

N/a

e. Approval of reading level greater than 8th grade in consent documents Note: Project documents and assent forms for children must be at an age appropriate level. Documents for general population adults should not exceed an 8th grade reading level. If you are having problems achieving that level, contact the Office of Research Integrity ( -- or x7800) for assistance.

N/a

f. Approval for inclusion of participants whose primary language is not EnglishNote: The IRB regularly approves this request, but you must provide an explanation of the translation services that will be provided This may include providing the IRB with both English and non-English versions of consent, assent and other project documents.

N/a

g. Approval for inclusion of adults with diminished cognitive capacityNote: You will need to determine whether or not these individuals are able to give informed consent. If not, you will have to obtain consent from a legal guardian in addition to the individual's assent.

N/a

11. Data Storage and Retention

Required Information

Description

a. Describe how the data will be collected or recorded (e.g., paper instruments, electronic records, field notes, audio/video recordings, notes, etc.)

Study participants will complete an online survey that they can access once they have agreed to participate and have signed the consent form.

b. Describe who will have access to the data

Only the researcher and the research assistants will have access to the data.

c. Describe how you will maintain confidentiality of the data

Data will only be held in electronic form and be accessible by password. Participants and their responses are identified by number, and no identifiable information will be retained in data, whether in aggregate or disaggregate form.

d. Do you have a federal Certificate of Confidentiality for this research?

No. N/a

e. Describe your plans for retention of data, where it will be stored, how long it will be stored, who will be responsible for maintaining and securing it, how it will be destroyed and when it will be destroyed

Data will be stored in electronic files in a secure cloud in which the researcher and the research analysts can achieve ready access. The data will be stored indefinitely in aggregate form. Disaggregate, individual data responses will be retained for two years following the presentation of the findings at conferences. After the designated time period, the data will be erased by the researcher.

f. Describe your plans for using the data you collect (e.g., published in journal or equivalent, non- published written report, presented at conference or equivalent, archive only)

The study findings will be reported at state and national conferences. Manuscripts of the study will be submitted to juried periodicals.

g. Describe your plans for sharing the data and results with the community or population from whom the data were collected

Study participants will have a complete copy of aggregate data in the format submitted to the professional journals.

h. Describe how you will transfer, communicate and share data among research team members, including description of encryption or security protocols

Because a survey software will be used to collect and analyze the data, the researcher does not anticipate a need for data transfer. The data in the survey software is automatically encrypted, such that, making printed copies of disaggregated data is not possible.

i. Describe where and how consent documents will be stored

12. Special Participants and Data Considerations: Place an "X" in the first column to indicate which of the following groups you are specifically seeking to include as participants in this research.

a. PRINCIPLES for the CONDUCT of RESEARCH in the ARCTIC

In the table below, explain how your research proposal is responsive to the NSF Principles for the Conduct of Research in the Arctic (if applicable -- see http://www.nsf.gov/od/opp/arctic/conduct.jsp).

b. HIPAA

If your research project involves the use of restricted private health information, please view IPAA information at and explain in the table below how your proposal is responsive to these requirements.

c. REQUIRED REPORTING of ABUSE or NEGLECT of CHILDREN and/or VULNERABLE ADULTS

If your research has the potential to uncover actual or suspected cases of abuse or neglect of children or vulnerable adults, please consult the appropriate Alaska statute (47.17 Child Protection) to determine requirements for reporting such information at http://www.legis.state.ak.us. Please indicate in the table below how you will explain those requirements for reporting to potential participants.

d. FERPA

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, FERPA, (Title 34, Part 99 of the CFR). The regulations provide that educational agencies and institutions that receive funding under a program administered by the U.S. Department of Education must provide students with access to their educational records, an opportunity to seek to have the records amended, and some control over the disclosure of information from the records. With several exceptions, schools must have a student's consent prior to the disclosure of educational records. In the table below, explain how your research is responsive to FERPA provisions.

e. SPECIAL PROTECTIONS for VULNERABLE POPULATIONS.

When applicable, researchers must document that additional protections of subpart B (Additional Protections for Pregnant Women, Human Fetuses and Neonates Involved in Research), subpart C (Additional Protections Pertaining to Biomedical and Behavioral Research Involving Prisoners as Subjects), or subpart D (Additional Protections for Children Involved as Subjects in Research) of 45 CFR part 46 have been met.

Place an "X" in the first column to indicate all of the following that are applicable to this research

To Consider

Response

a. Principles for the Conduct of Research in the Arctic

N/a

Please explain how your research proposal is responsive

b. HIPAA

N/a

c. Required reporting of abuse or neglect for children or vulnerable adultsNote: The IRB will only consider this if you can demonstrate that obtaining informed consent will impact the quality of the research data; a waiver will not be granted for researcher convenience.

N/a

d. FERPA Note: The IRB will only consider this in instances where it would culturally inappropriate or if the documentation is the only way to link the participant to the project and disclosure of their involvement may result in harm.

N/a

e. Special protections for vulnerable populations

N/a

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Modified 2/21/2012