Measuring trainee comprehension of casework relationship in a public welfare orientation program

• Main Authors: Berweger, Margaret, Dugger, Glen R., Florendo, Dennis C., Harmony, Patricia, Juve, Jerry L., Plant, Sherien E., Schiessl, Richard C., Singer, Oma W.
• Format: Others
• Published: PDXScholar 1969
• Subjects: Social work education > Oregon; Social case work
• Online Access: https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/868; https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1867&context=open_access_etds

This study was undertaken as a first step in measuring effectiveness of the Oregon State Public Welfare Orientation Center program in teaching principles of the casework relationship as conceptualized by Felix P. Biestek. This anticipated the development of a reasonably reliable instrument, improvement and validation of which would be undertaken in a subsequent study. The population tested was made up of male and female college graduates, newly hired by the State, who were then entering a four week orientation program for caseworkers. Their education and experience varied, but all had passed the State Civil Service examination for this position. Learning was tested on concepts of purposeful expression of feelings, controlled emotional involvement, acceptance, individualization, .non-judgmental attitude, client self-determination, and confidentiality. From constructed test questions, two tests were formulated and administered in a pretest. Following evaluation of the pretest, the questions were revised and used for two versions of the test which were administered to two orientation classes before and after training. Internal and inter-test reliability, item analysis, and sensitivity were determined for the instrument. Pre-training and post-training differences within and between groups were estimated statistically. Statistical analysis of the data indicated that the tests were moderately reliable both internally and with each other. The testing instruments were able to discriminate between before and after scores. There was significant learning in that scores were higher after completion of the training session beyond chance.