A Multivariate Analysis of Writing Skills in BSW Case Study Papers

Abstract

This study assesses BSW student writing (N=87, 35.2% African American) on a case study writing assignment in a U.S. school of social work. Papers were scored for response to rhetorical situation, organization, grammar, and adherence to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. We then predicted students' scores based on demographic factors using multivariate linear regression. Descriptive statistics showed that students scored lower in response to rhetorical situation (M=2.20, SD=.78, scale of 1–5) than in organization (M=2.60, SD=.82), style (M=2.57, SD=1.03), or grammar (M=2.66, SD=.77). In the multivariate models, grade point average and race were the strongest predictors of scores. Results suggest that baccalaureate social work program directors may consider increasing writing support and process assignments and examining how defining good writing reinforces sociopolitical bias in social work education.