SCHOLARLY RESEARCH TERM PAPER GUIDELINES
Social Work 110 – 2019 – C. McCray
Part I: Annotated Bibliography due on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, submitted through
Canvas (5% of final grade).
Part II: Completed Scholarly Research Term Paper due on Thursday, March 7, 2019,
submitted through Canvas (20% of final grade).
The Research Term Paper Assignment
Social Work 110 requires all students to write a 5-6 page scholarly research term paper on a field
of service in the social work profession, in American Psychological Association (APA) format.
I. What are the Objectives of the Assignment (Student Learning Outcomes)?
A. To assure that each student by the end of the semester will be able to demonstrate the ability
to research, interpret, and report information related to a specific field of social work practice, in
grammatically correct APA (American Psychological Association) format. These skills are
essential in social work education.
1. Acquire knowledge and gain insight into a specific field of social work service
2. Gain an understanding of the values and ethics that impact social workers in this field
3. Demonstrate a beginning knowledge of how to consult and utilize research evidence
to inform ongoing policy and practice
4. Demonstrate knowledge and application of APA format
II. Choose One Field of Social Work Service to Write About (pages 21-26 main text)
Child Welfare
Family, Youth and Children
Pregnancy & Parenting
School Social Work
Mental Health
Older Adults
Substance Abuse
Military Social Work
Medical Social Work
Grant Writing
International Social Work
Refugees and/or Immigrants
Disabilities
Crisis and Trauma
Administration
Violence, Victims and
Criminal Justice
Community Organizing
*** You can narrow your focus: For example: If your topic is Criminal Justice and
Corrections, you could focus on the specific area of Juvenile Delinquency ***
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III. What Are The Research Requirements?
A. Begin your research for appropriate and relevant reference materials. Use the topic headings
to help you identify the areas of focus.
B. What are the Literature Requirements?
1. You will need at least one book or e-book
a. Choose a book that focuses mainly on the field of service that you have chosen
(textbooks can be used a supplemental source, but not the main source).
b. The course textbook from Social Work 110 cannot be used as reference.
c. The book should be written by a professional in the field of social work or a
closely related field.
2. You will need three scholarly articles - What is a scholarly article?
a. A scholarly article is written by a professional and is usually contained in a
professional journal.
b. Social work journals and articles written for the National Association of Social
Workers (NASW) are good examples of appropriate references.
c. “Social Work Today” is an online/hard copy magazine that often has scholarly
research articles available; it is available in the Cuyamaca Library.
d. You can also use journal articles from other related professions such as
psychology, psychiatry, nursing, pediatrics, and education.
e. Articles, research, and statistics from the Federal Government are acceptable.
f. You can also use e-scholarly articles.
g. Popular culture magazines, newspaper articles, and websites are not
appropriate for scholarly research (Examples: Wikipedia and about.com).
*Please be sure that all resources include author/s and dates. Undated books, articles or
websites will not be accepted.
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C. Important Research Specifics
1. All resources must be from the United States of America
2. All resources must be no older than 2010. The date must be included!
IV. Locating Your Research
A. The Cuyamaca Library (Library building, LRC/C)
1. The librarians have a copy of the Scholarly Research Term Paper Guidelines. They
are all very skilled in helping students find appropriate resources and materials for this
research assignment. The Cuyamaca Library has also purchased a large number of new
books that will help social work students with this research term paper.
2. For assistance with research contact a librarian in person at the reference desk on the
2nd floor.
3. There is also an extensive online library which includes e-books and e-articles
specifically for the subject of social work.
4. For on-line reference assistance: http://www.cuyamaca.edu/library
B. For Social Work Resources (e-books and e-articles):
http://cuyamaca.libguides.com/socialwork
C. Accessing Resources from San Diego State University (SDSU) Library
1. The Cuyamaca College Librarians can reserve books from the SDSU Library at no
cost to Cuyamaca students. Scholarly articles are also available from SDSU.
V. The Annotated Bibliography
1. What is an Annotated Bibliography?
a. A bibliography is a list of reference materials that you have used for researching a
topic. In APA format it is called “References.” Your bibliography should include
at least one book and three scholarly articles.
2. What is the purpose of an Annotated Bibliography?
a. Provides preparation for the research term paper by familiarizing the writer with
the current research, trends, and themes related to the topic. Exposes the writer to
different resources to assist in analysis and critical thinking.
3. Writing an Annotated Bibliography
a. Write an Annotated Bibliography for each of the 4 references; this will include
one book and three scholarly articles.
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Each annotated reference should include these three parts:
1. A Summary of the main arguments and points of the reference
2. An Assessment and Evaluation of the reference – Is this a reliable, objective resource?
Be sure to explain your point of view.
3. A Reflection on how this resource will help you write your research paper (Example:
How will it help you understand the field of service? Does the information help cover the
topic headings on pages 4-5 of this document?)
An instructor sample of an Annotated Bibliography for this assignment is located in
Canvas under “Assignment.”
Resources for Writing an Annotated Bibliography (Owl Purdue)
For definition and purpose of an Annotated Bibliography, click on the link below.
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/614/01/
For a general sample of an Annotated bibliography in APA format, click on this link:
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/614/03/
Annotated Bibliographies will be graded based on the “Summary,” “Assessment and
Evaluation,” and “Reflection:” outlined above.
VI. Part I of the Research Term Paper
The Topic Headings – Content of the Scholarly Research Term Paper
A. Below are the topic headings as provided by San Diego State University for the “Literature
Review” and “Field of Service.”
1. A literature review is a way of organizing, summarizing, and critiquing a topic to
inform the reader about a problem or issue.
2. It allows you to examine the research question, topic, problem, or issue in greater
detail by considering what other people's’ writings and studies have shown.
Topic Headings for the Literature Review
● Define the field of service
● Drawing from the literature, describe in detail the following:
1. What is the target population? (Who are the clients in need of service? Include
information regarding the age ranges, gender, and socioeconomic status)
2. What are the practice methods that social workers use in this field? Indicate
micro and/or macro practice methods.
3. What is the role of the social worker in this field?
Part II of the Research Term Paper
Topic Headings for the Field of Service
1. What are the presenting problems in this field of service?
2. What are the barriers to service for the target population?
3. What are the individual and environmental/societal causes of problems?
4. What are the values and ethical issues for social workers? What ethical and/or value
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dilemmas do social workers face in this field of service?
5. What is the anticipated income for social workers in this field of service?
6. What is your personal assessment of your continued interest in the field of service?
VII. Guidelines for the Research Term Paper Assignment (See “Example Research Paper”
located on Canvas within “Files”).
A. General Information
1. The research term paper should be 5 to 6 pages in length and divided in two parts.
a. Part I - “Literature Review”
b. Part II -“Field of Service”
2. The bibliography and cover page are not included in the length of the paper.
3. The research paper should include an abstract.
4. Content must be accurate and conclusions must be adequately supported by scholarly
research. This is not an opinion paper.
5. Grammar and syntax: Sentences should convey meaning clearly and should be
grammatically correct with appropriate punctuation in place. Spelling should be correct.
B. Use APA Formatting (American Psychological Association)
1. Please consult the APA Style Essentials for general document guidelines such as the
title page, abstract, body of the paper, text citations and quotations, and references
(located in Canvas under “Files”)
2. A sample APA Format paper is available in Canvas under “Files.”
C. The Bibliography or “References” Section
1. There will be one “References” section for both parts of the paper, located at the end
of the paper, in APA format. A sample APA format “References” page is available with
a sample APA format paper located in Canvas under “Files.”
D. Goals of the Research Paper
1. Provide various viewpoints by discussing what others have written or reported about
the topic.
2. Assess the strengths and limitations of the literature, identify and comment on the
major themes found in the literature, and offer a critique of the works.
3. You need to base your own perspective on your research findings and critical analysis
of the literature review.
E. Final Paper is the finished product that includes a college-level discussion of the topic with
accompanying research and supporting evidence.
1. All required topics in Parts I & II are covered accurately, with supporting research.
2. There is an analysis of the literature that you reviewed.
3. The paper is written in APA format, including citations and “References” page.
4. Grammar, organization, and writing are at collegiate level.
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5. Please refer to the term paper guidelines in this document for all requirements.
VIII. A Helpful Resource for Writing the Scholarly Research Term Paper
A. The Writing Center at Cuyamaca College
Location: Communication and Arts Building – B167
Telephone: 619-660-4463
1. The Writing Center offers tutoring to assist you with organization, grammar, syntax,
punctuation, proofreading, editing, and APA format. The staff will have a copy of the
research term paper guidelines. They are very familiar with this assignment, and are
skilled in helping students with research papers.
2. Students who utilize the services of the Writing Center on a consistent basis tend to
produce high quality research papers.
3. Be sure to make appointments with the Writing Center well in advance. This is
especially true if you need multiple appointments. It is the job of the Writing Center to
teach writing. As your instructor, I am available to help interpret the assignment.
VIV. Assuring Academic Honesty and Avoiding Plagiarism
A. Always cite your sources in APA format. Failing to cite sources is considered plagiarism,
which is a form of academic dishonesty.
1. What is Plagiarism?
a. Plagiarism is a form of academic dishonesty and will be treated seriously.
b. According to the 2016-2017 Cuyamaca College Catalogue, plagiarism is
defined as “the act of taking ideas, words or specific substantive material of
another and offering them as one’s own without giving credit to
the source” (page 30). Writers give credit to sources by using citations.
c. According to Richard Nordquist, a citation is a source quoted in an essay,
report or book to clarify, illustrate, or substantiate a point (About.com).
d. A detailed description of plagiarism and accompanying consequences are
located on page 30 in the 2016-2017 Cuyamaca College Catalogue under
“Academic Honesty/Dishonesty.
2. Common Examples of Plagiarism
a. Submitting a paper with someone else’s ideas, opinions, or research without
citing the appropriate source
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b. Paraphrasing without citing the appropriate source
c. Submitting the same paper in more than one class
d. Submitting a paper as your own work that was written by another person
e. Submitting a paper that was purchased from the Internet or elsewhere
When in doubt, use a citation. Citations show that you made the effort to do the research for
your essay or term paper. Always provide a list of “References” at the conclusion of your paper.
X. Submit Your Research Paper to VeriCite via Canvas on the due dates indicated on the
first page of this document.
A. Plan Ahead!
1. Allow enough time to submit your paper to VeriCite. Submissions left to the last
minute can result in late papers.
C. Late Papers: As per page 1 of the syllabus, there will be 10% grade reduction for late
papers.
D. The Tech Mall at Cuyamaca College – Assistance with VeriCite
1. The Tech Mall at Cuyamaca College
Building E, East, Room E 121
Telephone: 619-660-4447
On campus extension: 2936
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Saturday/Sunday closed
2. Tech Mall website – http:www.cuyamaca.edu/techmall/
C. The Help Desk – Technical problems and log-in difficulties
1. Telephone: 619-660-4359 E-mail: c-helpdesk@gcccd.edu
Please ask if you have any questions!!
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LGBT Addiction 1
A FOCUS ON LGBT HEALTH
Substance Abuse among the Marginalized LGBT Community: A Social Work Approach
Student Name
Cuyamaca College
Social Work 110 - 0524
Spring 2024
LGBT Addiction 2
Abstract
My research for this paper consists of two books and three scholarly articles that were written to
explore the problem of substance abuse. I have chosen to focus most of my attention on a
specific marginalized population that is at higher risk for substance abuse disorders. People who
identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT), according to my research, face many
challenges from a lifetime of psychological and emotional distress. We have a long history in
this country of legal, religious and societal backlash to this community and the people that make
it up, greatly impacting their lives in the most intimate and profound ways. My research outlines
these impacting factors, discusses their ramifications and explores how the social work field of
practice can be utilized to assist this community.
Part I—Literature Review
The Field of Service
LGBT Addiction 3
The field of substance abuse treatment has many different systems, philosophies and
approaches to combating this problem that controls the lives of many people. Substance abuse is
characterized by continued use of any substance despite negative consequences (Fisher &
Harrison, 2013). For example, if a young man was arrested for being under the influence of a
controlled substance, was placed on probation but could not stop his use despite his arrest; this
would qualify him for having a substance abuse problem. With all the different models and
philosophies surrounding addiction and recovery it is almost impossible to say definitively what
will work for a particular person, there are many factors to consider.
Because social workers are so in tuned to working with people and the affects that their
environments places on them, we can be of great assistance to someone suffering from substance
abuse who is trying to navigate their way around treatment services and recovery. This is
especially true when dealing with people that belong to marginalized groups such as the LGBT
(Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community (Silvestre, Beatty & Friedman, 2013).
The purpose of this research paper is to give a detailed overview of addiction, recovery
and the roles that social workers play in combatting and redefining the societal construction
surrounding these matters. I have chosen to focus mainly on the issues facing LGBT persons,
specifically MSM (Men who have Sex with Men). According to my research social work
advocates are desperately needed to advocate for fair and just policies surrounding LGBT health
including substance abuse (Silvestre, Beatty & Friedman, 2013). Because of the increased rate
of HIV/AIDS among this community, paired with the fact that substance abuse is “2 to 3 times
more prevalent” among this group, the need for experienced advocates that are educated with an
emphasis in LGBT health is paramount (Silvestre, Beatty & Friedman, 2013). I will explore the
outlined problems and suggest what roles social workers can play in the following pages.
LGBT Addiction 4
My Interest in this Field of Service
Growing up gay I always knew that I was different than the other boys at school. I had
such a strong desire to fit in but was always very uncomfortable in my own skin. This along
with other factors led me to experiment with drugs. The first time I used drugs I remember
thinking that this is it, this is what I had been missing my whole life. I was finally able to relate
with other kids at school, I finally fit in somewhere. Drugs became my solution. I was a daily
meth user by the time I was 17 years old. After many arrests and two felony convictions, being
infected with HIV and multiple stints in rehab a light finally turned on and I have been in
recovery for the last 6 years. I am grateful every day for the services that were available to me
so that I could find my way out of a very dark addiction to crystal meth. I feel like I am in debt
to my community because they saved my life, so I have a passion for helping others and leading
by example.
The Target Population
The target population for these outlined problems and services are any individual who
suffers from substance abuse of any kind. This problem can affect anyone regardless of age, race,
religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation or any other societal label you can think of
(Fisher & Harrison, 2013). There are groups that are at higher risk, but addiction can sneak its
way into the lives of anyone. Although I will be focusing mostly on the LGBT community,
addiction does not discriminate and affects people from all walks of life.
It is important to note here that when I refer to the LGBT community I am referring to a
very diverse group of individuals. This group includes people from all “races, ethnic groups,
places of residence, physical and mental abilities, social classes, religions and political
LGBT Addiction 5
ideologies” (Silvestre, Beatty & Friedman, 2013). That being said, there are many levels of
marginality within this marginalized group. When gay or bisexual men seek treatment, studies
have shown that their success rates have better outcomes if they receive their treatment in
specialized treatment centers curved to the specific needs of LGBT individuals. However, “only
6% of treatment centers have specialized programs for this population” (Fisher & Harrison,
2013).
Another group that is at a high risk for substance abuse is “young adults in college”.
According to Steiker, Grahovac & White (2013), “binge drinking and prescription abuse rates”
are “rising exponentially” for this population. “Twenty-two percent” of college students that are
enrolled full-time use illegal drugs, “39.1 % are binge drinkers, while 13.6% meet the criteria for
heavy drinkers”. A whopping “25%” of this population “meet diagnostic criteria for substance
use disorders”. While, “37% of college students fear seeking help because of social stigma” (p.
1). With this time period being so influential, literally shaping the direction of their entire lives,
this population too is in great need for experienced social workers.
Practice Methods
Social workers that work in this field use both the micro and macro practice depending
on what your job title is, but both realms are needed to truly have an impact on the lives of the
individuals suffering from substance abuse. Micro practice methods focus on helping individuals
with their immediate needs, placement in treatment facilities, individual and family counseling,
helping clients build healthy supports groups in the community. A social worker may also help a
client with gaining financial support such as food stamps or assistance with housing if it is
deemed that this is a need that needs to be met (Steiker, Grahovac & White, 2013).
LGBT Addiction 6
In the macro practice social workers focus on shaping public policy and institutional
structures to lessen the barriers in services. For example, because there is very little research in
the area of LGBT health, do to the societal stigma surrounding the issue; a social worker in the
field of education can “integrate LGBT content into their curricula, establish appropriate sites for
students interested in LGBT health, and support students and other staff interested in the issue”
(Silvestre, Beatty & Friedman, 2013). A social worker may advocate for preventative services in
the community that he or she is serving. According to Pomeroy & Steiker, “clients may initially
receive services through prevention efforts” that will then, in turn, lead them to seeking formal
treatment (p. 103). These prevention efforts may include needle-exchange programs that are
aimed prevent the spread of HIV, but also gives medical professionals the opportunity to build
relationships with IV (intravenous) drug users, which according to my research often leads to the
“recipients’ pursuit of substance abuse treatment” (Pomeroy & Steiker, 2012).
The Roles of Social Workers in the Field of Substance Abuse
There are many roles that social works take on when working with the problem of
substance abuse. According to Steiker, Grahovac & White (2013) social workers “facilitate
outreach and community building to lay solid funding foundations, support networks, and
healthy relationships” that are conducive to the overall recovery of addictive individuals (p. 2).
Social work researchers can use their skills to advocate public policy that is more supporting to
their clients that are trying to change their lives. Social workers can make an impact when they
work one on one with their clients to facilitate or refer their clients to individual or family
counseling, different types of education and support groups as well as psychological help and
formalized treatment facilities. A social worker that is working with LGBT individuals should
“advocate within the professional community and their public and private funders; to hire staff
LGBT Addiction 7
that have knowledge” of the LGBT community and the concerns that they face (Silvestre, Beatty
& Friedman, 2013).
Part II—The Social Work Field of Service
The Presenting Problem
The problem of substance abuse in America affects the lives of many millions of people.
This is a condition that does not discriminate, although there are groups of individuals that are at
increased risk for substance use disorders (SUDs). People that identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual
and transgender “experience SUDs at higher rates than non-LGBT people”. Because there is
inadequate funding for research on LGBT issues, other than those related to HIV/AIDS; most of
the research that is done are studies focused on HIV/AIDS in correlation with substance use of
gay and bisexual men (Silvestre, Beatty & Friedman, 2013). According to Silvestre, Beatty &
Friedman, “52% of urban MSM had used drugs in the last 6 months and 85% used alcohol. 10%
of gay or bisexual men used 3 or more drugs regularly each week after the age of 50.
Additionally, rates of club drugs such as Ecstasy, PCP, Ketamine, and inhalants, among gay and
bisexual men are disproportionately higher than among heterosexual men” (p. 369).
David Fawcett, PhD is a psychotherapist that specializes in gay men’s health. He has
worked in the field of addiction and recovery for over 30 years. In his book “Lust, Men and
Meth” he explores the dangerous combination of methamphetamine and drug driven sex. He tells
us that “gay men have found that regularly mixing meth and sex is seductive, powerfully erotic
and frequently very destructive” (p. 12). Because meth produces a large burst of dopamine in the
brain it overwhelms the pleasure sensors causing its users the strong desire to repeat their
experience (Fawcett, 2015). Most gay men, at some point in their life will experience some kind
LGBT Addiction 8
of “internalized homophobia”, or shame about their sexual attraction to other men. Fawcett
suggests that these internalized thoughts are reduced when under the influence of crystal meth,
allowing these men to satisfy their sexual desires without the shame or guilt that would normally
be attached to it (Fawcett, 2015).
According to Silvestre, Beatty & Friedman, research has shown that “parental substance
abuse, violent home of origin, and childhood sexual abuse were all related to increased
depression, higher rates of HIV and hepatitis and increased substance use” (p. 369). With higher
rates of HIV infections and the use of crystal meth to engage in sexual behavior, there is an
increased risk to society at large. HIV positive gay and bisexual men who inject drugs report
that they prefer to engage in condomless sex (Fawcett, 2015). These conditions heighten the
need for available treatment services, not only to help people overcome addiction; but also to
fight against the spread of HIV.
Barriers to Service
The first and most obvious barrier to treatment is the availability of services. There are
plenty of treatment centers if you have the money to pay for your stay, but for those who cannot
afford treatment they have to rely public facilities. The problem with this, according to Pomeroy
& Steiker, is “many agencies are challenged with the troublesome economy, increased number in
clientele, and the need to prove to grantors and the government that services are objectively
successful and cost effective” (p. 103). Stigma attached to substance use disorders is also a large
barrier to services. As explained by Steiker, Grahovac & white, students on college campuses
fear reaching out for help because of perceived backlash of societal norms (p. 1). This is
especially true when dealing with LGBT individuals and the enormous amount of stigma that
surrounds the entire community.
LGBT Addiction 9
Individual and Environmental Causes of the Problem
Silvestre, Beatty & Friedman describe a hostile attitude towards academic researchers
and scientists interested in LGBT health when their research is not focused on HIV/AIDS (p.
368). This stems all the way back to 1952 when Senator McCarthy “was vigorously searching
for homosexuals and communists in government, academia, and the arts.” (p. 368). This resulted
is high political pressures that are still relevant to this day. “The authors of this article have all
been warned by colleagues about the dangers of working with these populations and the potential
negative impacts that specializing in LGBT health issues can have on their careers” (p. 373). The
ramifications of these sanctions have made it very difficult to gather scientific data and produce
solid research on LGBT health, placing an unnecessary burden on individuals and creating
environmental conditions that do not fully support LGBT people seeking recovery.
Values and Ethical Issues for Social Workers
There can be a potential dilemma with regards to a social worker's desire to see his or her
client succeed in recovery, and the ethical responsibility of self-determination they have to the
client. If a client decides they are not ready to stop using drugs or alcohol, according to the
NASW’s code of ethics; if there clients “actions or potential actions” do not pose a “serious,
foreseeable, and imminent risk to themselves or others” the social worker needs to let that go
(NASW Code of Ethics, Revised 2008). I could see how working in this field that might become
a little emotionally draining on the social worker. I believe that a social worker that is working
in the LGBT community should use the value of social justice to advocate for fair and just
policies and services that can help their client be successful in recovery. It is absolutely
necessary for the social worker to make this value a priority in their profession.
LGBT Addiction 10
Anticipated Income
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the median annual salary for Mental Health
and Substance Abuse Social Workers is $42,700, with a range from $26,730—$74,650.
Final Assessment of the Field of Service
After doing my research in this field of service I am even more concerned with the need
for strong advocates for LGBT individuals, and the services required to meet their needs in the
recovery community. I was actually shocked to learn that there is still exponential amounts of
stigma attached to even doing research on the topic. Our Colleges and Universities also need
educators to integrate LGBT issues into their curriculum to better prepare incoming social
workers to deal with the sensitive issues surrounding this population. We need researchers in the
field to bring in more variables surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity so that we can
get a better understanding of how to better serve this population. My commitment to this cause
has been reinforced and I look forward to the work I will get to do as a social worker serving this
community.
LGBT Addiction 11
References
Fawcett, D., & King, M. S. (2015). Lust, Men, and Meth: A Gay Man's Guide to Sex and
Recovery. Wilton Manors, FL: Healing Path Press.
Fisher, G. L., & Harrison, T. C. (2013). Substance Abuse: Information for School Counselors,
Social Workers, Therapists, and Counselors (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Holleran Steiker, L. K., Grahovac, I., & White, W. L. (2014). Social Work and Collegiate
Recovery Programs. Social Work, 59(2), 177-180. doi:sw/swu012
Pomeroy, E. C., & Steiker, L. H. (2012). Prevention and Intervention on the Care Continuum.
Social Work, 57(2), 102-105. doi:10.1093/sw/sws028
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