Research for Social Workers

Book excerpt: Research for Social Workers has built a strong reputation as an accessible guide to the key research methods and approaches used in the discipline. Ideal for beginners, the book outlines the importance of social work research, its guiding principles and explains how to choose a topic area, develop research questions together with describing the key steps in the research process. The authors outline the principles of sampling, systematic reviews and surveys and interviews, provide guidance on evaluation and statistical analysis and explain how research can influence policy and practice. This new edition includes: • an expanded discussion of rigour in qualitative research • more detailed analysis of systematic reviews • a new section on on-line surveys • enhanced examination of action research including recent examples of action research programs and • an expanded section on evidence-based practice. Featuring practical examples and end-of-chapter exercises and questions, and using non-technical language throughout, this is a vital reference tool for both students and practicing social workers.