A social worker develops a research project focusing on a support group and its members. What is the MOST likely level of analysis?

The most likely level of analysis in this scenario is focused on the meso level because it involves examining the dynamics of a support group and its members. The meso level is concerned with the interactions and relationships between groups or communities, rather than just individuals or entire systems. In the context of social work, this may include exploring how the support group functions, the social interactions among its members, the communal resources available, and how the collective experiences of the group influence individual members.

This level of analysis allows the social worker to gain insights into group behaviors, social support mechanisms, and the impacts of peer relationships within the support group context. Understanding these dynamics can be crucial for assessing the effectiveness of the support group and for implementing interventions that enhance its benefits. The focus is not solely on individual members (which would align with the micro level) or broader social systems and policies (which would relate to the macro level), nor does it involve a comprehensive evaluation of many studies (related to the meta level). Therefore, the meso level is the most appropriate choice for this research focus.