Doing Social Work Research
- Louise Hardwick - University of Liverpool, UK
- Aidan Worsley - University of Central Lancashire, UK
Research Methods in Social Work
This book is a practical beginner's guide to both conducting and using research within the context of social work practice. A clear and accessible introduction to applied research methods for social work students and practitioners, this text covers the key themes, debates and approaches, including:
- The ethics of social work research
- Conducting interviews and questionnaires
- Focus groups
- Observation and narrative
- The involvement of service users
- Analyzing data
With practical exercises and reflective questions, this is an essential text for undergraduate and graduate qualifying social work students.
“Doing Social Work Research” provides a useful practical tool which demystifies the research process and the presumption that only academics undertake and contribute to research. Any budding social work researcher will appreciate the significant links the text makes to their practice, with the examples for inclusion of service users in research proving particularly welcome. The clear guidance, hints and key points on issues to consider and dilemma’s faced offer a useful foundation, while undertaking and developing a research project is supported in identifying skills and knowledge required for the research process as well as underlying and contextual theory. A usable text which appreciates the complex nature of social work role, the need for interdisciplinary working and social workers potential in contributing to evidence based practice.
This is a useful book for Year 3/Level 6 students in the undergraduate programme who are doing a dissertation involving promary research. The usefulness of the book is that it targets social work research specifically. The chapter on ethics I have recommended as essential reading.
A useful, social work specific text.
This is a really good basic text for final level students and newly qualified practitioners. I have no hesitation in recommending it to all third year students on research methods module. The chapters give useful guidance to different research methods while keeping the values and principles of social work central to the discussion.
This text has some excellent practical examples that students can apply to their everyday practice
A fascinating book full of ideas for students and researchers wishing to conduct research respectfully. Concepts and ideas well covered
This book is a very simple and concise introductory text for social work students.
very current , and practice centred -- usefully outlines WHY social work research matters rather than just focussing on HOW to do it
A really useful book for both undergraduates and postqualifying student.
Clear style that is easily understood and a very good addition to my reading list.
This text offers a clear and comprehensive overview of social work research and will be helpful for students in putting together research proposals.
