Understanding Social Work Research

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 is an ambitious book. It aims at nothing less than a comprehensive account of the state of the art of social work research internationally and an intellectually original statement that will help to define and shape social work research. Those with a serious interest in social work research will agree that this is a major undertaking and one that should put social work research ′on the map′." - Ian Sinclair, University of York, UK "This terrific Handbook provides an essential map for navigating the complex currents of social work research today. It resists polemical and simplistic binaries to chart a course that emphasizes diversity, pluralism and sensitivity to political contexts in many featured exemplars. As key chapters note, inherent tensions at the heart of social work itself are mirrored in current debates about the purposes and methods of social work research. Rather than patch over differences, the volume invites us to understand historical roots of unresolvable tensions, and live with them. The international scope of the volume is unique--scholars from more than a dozen different countries were involved --and its broad scope counters the tendency toward parochialism of much North American literature. The Handbook should be essential reading for students and academics." - Catherine Riessman, Boston University, USA The SAGE Handbook of Social Work Research provides a comprehensive, internationally-focused account of leading social work research, offering an original and defining statement on contemporary theory and practice within the field. The groundbreaking Handbook engages critically with the nature and role of social work research and evaluation in contemporary societies around the globe, and asks four key questions: - What is the role and purpose of social work research? - What contexts shape the practice and purpose of social work research? - How can we maximise the quality of the practice of social work research? - How can the aims of social work in its varied domains be met through social work research? Ranging over local, national and international issues, and exploring questions of theory and practice, this is a diverse and constructively organized overview of the field. It will quickly be recognized as a benchmark in the expanding field of social work research, setting the agenda for future work in the arena.

"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.

Designed to help students develop skills in evaluating research and conducting studies, this brief version of Rafael J. Engel and Russell K. Schutt’s popular, The Practice of Research in Social Work, makes principles of evidence-based practice come alive through illustrations of actual social work research. With integration of the CSWE Competencies, the text addresses issues and concerns common to the discipline and encourages students to address diversity and ethics when planning and evaluating research studies. The Second Edition includes a focus on qualitative research, a new chapter on research ethics, new sections on mixed methods research and community-based participatory research, and more.

Over thirty years of input from instructors and students have gone into this popular research methods text, resulting in a refined ninth edition that is easier to read, understand, and apply than ever before. Using unintimidating language and real-world examples, it introduces students to the key concepts of evidence-based practice that they will use throughout their professional careers. It emphasizes both quantitative and qualitative approaches to research, data collection methods, and data analysis, providing students with the tools they need to become evidence-based practitioners.

Relationship-based research is founded on the idea that human relationships are of paramount importance and should be central to social work research and practice. Drawing on psychodynamic and systemic understandings of research and practice, this book offers practitioners and academics an insight into what constitutes relationship-based approaches to research. These ideas are brought to life by illustrative case studies of research projects carried out in England and Finland, where the concept originated. The authors clearly demonstrate how this approach can be applied across the social work sector and provide a model for practice. This will be a key reference for social work students, practitioners on post-qualifying courses, research students, and consultant and senior practitioner social workers promoting research-informed practice.

Social work professionals must have a deep understanding of research methods to effectively serve their clients and communities. In this comprehensive guide, Christine Marlow emphasizes this link between research and practice. She focuses on the relevance of research methods within agency work, where most social work graduates will be employed, rather than strictly an academic setting. With a focus on generalist social work practice, she offers a clear and concise overview of the research process, including identifying research questions, selecting appropriate research designs, and analyzing data.Using real-world examples and case studies, Marlow helps readers understand how research can be used to inform social work practice and drive positive change in communities. With a strong emphasis on ethics and cultural competence, this text prepares social work students and professionals to conduct research that is both effective and socially responsible.