Explore: Social Service Research Methodology

1Research Methods for Social Work

By Allen Rubin

Part 1: AN INTRODUCTION TO INQUIRY. 1. Scientific Inquiry and Social Work. 2. Philosophy and Theory in Science and Research. 3. The Ethics and Politics of Social Work Research. Part 2: PROBLEM FORMULATION AND MEASUREMENT. 4. Problem Formulation. 5. Conceptualization and Operationalization. 6 . Measurement. 7. Constructing Measurement Instruments. Part 3: SAMPLING AND SURVEYS. 8. Sampling. 9. Survey Research. Part 4: DESIGNS FOR EVALUATING PROGRAMS AND PRACTICE. 10. Group Experiments for Evaluating Programs and Practice. 11. Quasi-Experimental Designs For Evaluating Programs and Practice. 12. Single-Case Evaluation Designs. 13. Issues in Program Evaluation. Part 5: QUALITATIVE, UNOBTRUSIVE AND CULTURALLY COMPETENT RESEARCH METHODS. 14. Qualitative Research Methods. 15. Analyzing Available Records: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods. 16. Culturally Competent Research. Part 6: ANALYSIS OF DATA. 17. Qualitative Data Analysis. 18. Quantitative Data Analysis. 19. Constructing and Interpreting Bivariate and Multivariate Tables. 20. Inferential Data Analysis: Part 1. 21. Inferential Data Analysis: Part 2. Part 7: WRITING RESEARCH PROPOSALS AND REPORTS. 22. Writing Research Proposals And Reports. Appendixes: A. Using the Library. B. Random Numbers. C. Inferential Statistics and Single-Case Designs. D. Proportion Under Normal Curve Exceeded by Effect Size (ES) Values. E. A Guide to SPSS 11.0. Glossary. Bibliography. Index.

2Involuntary Clients in Social Work Practice

A Research-based Approach

By André Marie Ivanoff, Betty J. Blythe and Tony Tripodi

Aimed at both practitioners and graduate students, this book describes social work practice with a challenging client population: those clients who do not voluntarily seek help from social workers. The authors present concepts, principles, and techniques for working effectively with involuntary clients at varying levels of restrictiveness in settings ranging from child protective services to mental health and criminal justice agencies. Dr. Ivanoff and her colleagues describe research-based practice from the viewpoint of the practitioner, and illustrate its application in work with clients in those settings. The framework employed throughout is a phase model of practice, emphasizing key decisions that social workers make in each practice phase, from assessment through planning and implementing interventions to termination and follow-up. Such a model enables the practitioner to solve problems and achieve objectives at each of the interrelated phases. Despite the growing numbers of involuntary clients in recent years, little attention has been paid to developing innovations in working with these client groups. Thus, Involuntary Clients will meet a perceived need in graduate training and practice. It is also hoped that it will stimulate clinical researchers to test the relative efficacy of different approaches for both voluntary and involuntary clients.

3Handbook of Research with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Populations

By William Meezan and James I. Martin

Handbook of Research with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Populations provides a detailed examination of the current methods and theoretical frameworks for conducting research with LGBT populations. Introducing greater nuance in designing and implementing research models for working with these populations, Handbook of Research with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Populations provides guidelines for defining these groups, strategies to obtain more inclusive and representative samples, and methods for engaging these populations to produce consistent and relevant data. Collecting essays by notable researchers and scholars in the field, Handbook of Research with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Populations provides meaningful analyses of the ethics and practical constraints that researchers confront in dealing with LGBT populations--including protection of privacy--which is a special concern for many. For students, teachers, social workers, mental health professionals, and researchers of all backgrounds, this is an invaluable resource and guidebook for anyone seeking a better quality of understanding and engagement with LGBT individuals and communities.

4Research for Social Workers

An Introduction to Methods

By Margaret Alston and Wendy Bowles

An introduction to social research methods designed specifically for social workers

5New Qualitative Methodologies in Health and Social Care Research

By Frances Rapport

"This book covers a range of new qualitative methodologies including discourse analysis, imagework, cut-up technique, minimalist passive interviewing technique and social action research. The histories of these new methodologies are discussed and their applicability to practice outlined. The book also explores recent developments in research and their implications for delivering good practice. The book is illustrated throughout by examples from practice settings." "This book is important for anyone involved in health and social care, including practitioners, primary care professionals, social scientists and researchers. It will also be invaluable for those teaching and studying these topics."--BOOK JACKET.

"This book covers a range of new qualitative methodologies including discourse analysis, imagework, cut-up technique, minimalist passive interviewing technique and social action research. The histories of these new methodologies are discussed and their applicability to practice outlined. The book also explores recent developments in research and their implications for delivering good practice. The book is illustrated throughout by examples from practice settings." "This book is important for anyone involved in health and social care, including practitioners, primary care professionals, social scientists and researchers. It will also be invaluable for those teaching and studying these topics."--BOOK JACKET.

7Qualitative Research in Social Work

By Edmund A. Sherman

Within the last several years, the issue of quantitative vs. qualitative research methods has become an important and controversial subject of debate within the field of social work. While traditional quantitative studies have predominated in social work research, many scholars and practitioners in the field believe that qualitative studies better capture the context, complexity and change processes inherent in social work practice.