Graduate Students' Semantic Judgments of Practice Methods Both before and after Their First Academic Year in Social Work

Abstract

32 social work students were tested before and after their first year of graduate training, using a Semantic Differential to rate Caseworker, Group Worker, Research Social Worker, Social Worker, and Me-As-A-Student. Ratings from 23 faculty and field instructors were obtained (excluding Me-As-A-Student). Students rated less like their mentors at the end of one academic year. They rated Me-As-A-Student similarly to all concepts ( P < .01), except Caseworkers, at the end of one year. The Semantic Differential is considered a useful instrument for assessing students' judgments.