An introduction to research methods specifically needed in social work and social welfare, this text outlines the major stages of research projects, covering both quantitative and qualitative methods.
"In the field of social work, qualitative research is starting to gain more prominence as are mixed methods and various issues regarding race, ethnicity and gender. These changes in the field are reflected and updated in "The Handbook of Social Work Research Methods, Second Edition". This text contains meta analysis, designs to evaluate treatment and provides the support to help students harness the power of the Internet. This handbook brings together leading scholars in research methods in social work." --Book Jacket.
Conceptual and Practical Research and Statistics for Social Workers prepares students to intuitively theorize and utilize research and statistics within their social work practice. The book fosters the skills, savvy, and knowledge students need to interpret, apply, and produce studies within the discipline, enhancing their ability to become better consumers and producers of social work research. The book features two main sections, Research and Statistics, and its organization reflects the basic research process. The text begins with coverage of research questions and design and then introduces various data collection methods and instruments. Students then learn how to effectively analyze data and report and disseminate key findings. Throughout, readers build their understanding of methodological, ethical, and logical concepts in research and statistics, become familiar with basic needs assessment and program evaluation, develop the ability to choose appropriate statistics, and more. Employing everyday language, social work examples, metaphors, humor, and visual mapping, Conceptual and Practical Research and Statistics for Social Workers helps students tap into their critical thinking and problem-solving skills to develop key competencies. The text is an ideal resource for both undergraduate and graduate-level programs in social work.
From the outset, the ultimate goal of Research Methods for Social Workers has been to serve as a research text that students would be able to understand and read in full. This third edition features important additions and changes to the original text (while maintaining its accessible style). The order of chapters is re-arranged to improve the flow of introducing and developing concepts of the research process, and the authors have included some much-needed information to meet the changing and evolving standards of social work education. At its core, this book is designed to bring complex ideas down to a level that can be grasped by someone with little to no knowledge of research methods - it is an invaluable resource for social work students and anyone who wishes to have a comprehensive introduction to research methods.
This unique textbook explores practice-based research (PBR), using numerous practice examples to actively encourage and engage students and practitioners to embrace research as a meaningful support for their practice. Whilst evidence-based practice gives practitioners access to information about "universal" best practices, it does not prioritize practitioner-generated knowledge or promote new research-based interventions relevant to their own practice circumstances as PBR does. This book discusses the evolution of PBR as a distinct social work research approach, describes its principles and methods and presents a range of exemplars illustrating the application of PBR within different practice methods in different practice settings. The chapters cover: Identifying the research question in a PBR model Designing a study and identifying a methodology Sampling Literature reviews Gathering data Ethics Analyzing data and interpreting results Putting research into practice Viewing the practitioner as central to the research process, and research as a necessary component of practice, this invaluable book emphasizes the seamless integration of practice and research. It is about research in social work practice rather than research on social work practice. Each chapter includes an overview, an introduction, and a key concepts summary. Practice-Based Research in Social Work is a very accessible text suitable for social work students, particularly MSW students, and practitioners.
This social work research methods text is written in an accessible, reader-friendly style and includes numerous examples of how research can be used to inform social work practice. It is part of the Connecting Core Competencies Series that integrates CSWE's core competencies and practice behaviors throughout.
Social work students need to understand the relationship between research, knowledge and practice to be effective practitioners. In the second edition of this highly regarded book, Hugh McLaughlin shows how a research-minded perspective and an appreciation of evidence-based practice can lead students to achieve the highest level of individual and collective social work practice. Topics covered include: - How to assess, appraise and apply research - The philosophy of research - Improving the use of research in practice - Interdisciplinary contributions to social work and social work research Providing reflexive questions, practice examples and suggested reading throughout, this book is essential reading for all undergraduate students of social work. It will also be valuable reading for postgraduates and qualified social workers wishing to consolidate their understanding of social work research.
This research methods text for social work is accessible to students in level and writing style, and its paperback format makes it less expensive than most texts on the market. The authors are social work instructors who understand the realities of social work practice and have included many social work practice examples. The text is ideal for a one-semester or quarter research methods course for undergraduate or graduate students with little or no prior knowledge of research. In response to reviewers and students, the fourth edition infuses content in three major areas. First, qualitative research methods are discussed and appropriate examples are offered throughout the book, not just in a single chapter. Secondly, research to evaluate practice, while still the focus of the last two chapters, is discussed alongside research for building a professional knowledge base at many points throughout the text. Third, discussion of ethical issues appears in many other places besides Chapter 2. It receives special emphasis in the discussions of program evaluations and single system research.
Research Methods for Social Work: A Problem-Based Approach is a comprehensive introduction to methods instruction that engages students innovatively and interactively. Using a problem-based learning (PBL) approach, authors Antoinette Y. Farmer and G. Lawrence Farmer utilize case examples to achieve a level of application which builds readers’ confidence in methodology and reinforces their understanding of research across all levels of social work practice. These case examples, along with critical thinking questions, research tips, and step-by-step problem-solving methods, will improve student mastery and help them see why research is relevant. With the guidance of this new and noteworthy textbook, readers will transform into both knowledgeable consumers of research and skilled practitioners who can effectively address the needs of their clients through research. Included with this title: The password-protected Instructor Resource Site (formally known as SAGE Edge) offers access to all text-specific resources, including a test bank and editable, chapter-specific PowerPoint® slides.