Population and Sampling
Research question is “Would trauma-informed practices used in schools help improve the mental health of children of abuse and neglect?” The population being studied would be children in schools that use trauma informed practices to get a variety of children in different areas within a district. The sample would be elementary-aged children (10 and under). The sampling technique that would be best used is snowball sampling, which is “sampling that is compiled as the research progresses”(Yegidis, 2017). Since the identified population of children of abuse and neglect is ever growing, and sometimes not even identified right away. As the study progresses, there will be students evaluated for trauma and mental health screenings. Trauma informed practices will continue to be used in schools as a response to students with known or unknown trauma.
With children being the population being studied, it is important to consider the vulnerability of children, and ensure that their needs, dignity, and well-being are not being compromised in this study. Vulnerability should be understood in research; some individuals can be put at greater risk of being used in ethically inappropriate ways in research (Gordon, 2020). Children are considered more vulnerable in case, especially ones coming from abuse and neglect. Early consultation is used during the proposal writing process in order to obtain ethics guidance, which is incorporated into proposal drafts and research planning( Walden University Office of Research, n.d.). This can prevent harm to a participant by considering all the possible outcomes of a study before it even begins, keeping the participant’s best interest in mind.
According to the NASW Code of Ethics, one of its values is Dignity and worth of a person that “social workers treat each person in a caring and respectful way, windful of differences” (NASW, 2017). Even though the outcomes of the study can greatly benefit the population in the process, it must take into consideration the well being of children and the families involved in the process. Children will need an adult consent to have them participate in a study, which can be sensitive asking family members or guardians of the child for their involvement. Some families may not want to be involved or may fear further incrimination or violating their privacy. Social workers must present themselves in a caring and empathetic way that does cause further pain or trauma for the family or children involved.