Research in Social Work / Edition 2

by Anne Fortune, William J. Reid, Audrey Smith

Overview

Now in its third edition, completely revised and updated, Research in Social Work remains one of the most popular introductory textbooks on research methods in the field. Distinctive in its emphasis on research as a natural corollary to practice, the book takes readers step-by-step through the process of developing a practical agenda for such projects. Fortune and Reid clearly explain how to formulate questions and hypotheses, conduct group and single-system naturalistic and experimental designs, analyze and compile data, and write research reports. Along the way, they present lucid discussions of the critical theoretical considerations, such as how to gauge reliability and validity, sort out qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and more. Throughout, they furnish specific methodological advice for integrating research agendas into everyday practice.

New to the third edition are a complete glossary of terms, additional diagrams, new examples from real-life studies focusing on cultural diversity and oppression, and increased emphasis on themes relevant to practice. Definitions of key concepts set apart in boxes-along with the increased number of illustrations-make this text one of the most readable in its field. And while other books describe methods drawn from related social science fields like sociology and anthropology, Fortune and Reid's is written by and especially for social workers.

Research in Social Work is a peerless companion to coursework in basic research methodology and clinical research at all academic levels-indeed, it is one of the few books broad enough in coverage to serve as a primary text for a wide spectrum of classes.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780231064200
Publisher:	Columbia University Press
Publication date:	03/11/1989
Edition description:	second edition
Pages:	417
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Anne E. Fortune is professor of Social Welfare and director of the undergraduate program at the State University of New York, Albany.

William J. Reid is distinguished professor in the School of Social Welfare and director of the Ph.D. program at the State University of New York, Albany.

Table of Contents

Part I. Social Work and Research
1. Understanding the World
2. The Contribution of the Scientific Approach to Social Work
Part II. Generation of Inquiry Theory
1. Developing a Problem for Research
2. Considerations for a Useful Research Problem
3. Current Knowledge
4. Formulating Hypotheses and Questions
5. Explication of the Problem
Part III. The Social Context of Research
1. The Profession of Social Work
2. Theory as Framework for Research
3. The Site of the Research
4. The Social and Political Context
5. Protection of Human Subjects
Part IV. Dimensions of Research Design
1. The Investigator's Control Over the Phenomena Studied
2. Knowledge-Building Purposes and Functions
3. Methodological Orientation
4. Establishing Causality
5. Threats to Internal Validity
Part V. Naturalistic Designs
1. Designs with Exploratory-Descriptive Functions
2. Designs with Explanatory Functions
Part VI. Single-System Experiments
1. The Case Study
2. The Basic Time Series (ÆMDRVØABÆMDNMØ) Design
3. Withdrawal Reversal Designs
4. The Multiple Baseline Design
5. Generalization (External Validity)
Part VII. Group Experiments
1. Uncontrolled Single Group Experiment
2. Strengthening the Design
3. Equivalent Group Designs
4. Nonequivalent Group Designs
5. The Experimental Intervention
6. Generalization from Group Experiments
7. Laboratory Experiments: Analog Studies of Intervention Effects
Part VIII. Sampling
1. The Nature and Purposes of Sampling
2. Samples and the Research Question
3. Basic Types of Samples
4. Generalization from Probability Samples
5. Size of Sample
Part IX. Measurement
1. Definition of Measurement
2. Role of Measurement
3. Levels of Measurement
4. Criteria for Evaluating Measurement Procedures
Part X. Data Collection
1. Selecting a Data Collection Method
2. Bias in Data Collection Methods
3. Self-Report Methods
4. Observation
5. Available Data
Part XI. Quantitative Data Analysis
1. Quantitative Data
2. Categorization and Coding
3. Univariate Analysis
4. Ivariate Analysis
5. Inferential Statistics
6. Multivariate Analysis
7. Analysis of Time Series Data
8. Meta-Analysis
Part XII. Qualitative Research
1. Modes of Qualitative Research
2. The Methods of Qualitative Research
Part XIII. Assessment
1. Research Procedures in Assessment for Generalist Practice
Part XIV. Evaluating Outcome at Different Levels of Practice
1. Program Levels and Evaluation Designs
2. Outcome Criteria
3. From Criteria to Data
4. Sources and Types of Data
5. Variations in Outcome Measures
Part XV. Study of Intervention Characteristics
1. Data from Practitioners'Reports
2. Data from Clients
3. Direct and Electronic Observation
4. Change Process Research
5. Intervention Analogs
Part XVI. Intervention Design and Development
1.The Design and Development Paradigm (D&D)
Appendix 1. The Library Research Process: Mary Jane Brustman
Appendix 2. Guidelines for Preparing a Research Report

Editorial Reviews

Emphasizing research as a natural corollary to practice, sets out the steps for developing a practical agenda for such projects. Explains how to formulate questions and hypotheses, conduct group and single- system naturalistic and experimental designs, analyze and compile data, and write research reports. Revised from the 1989 edition with a glossary, additional diagrams, and new examples focusing on cultural diversity and oppression. Suitable for undergraduate students of social work. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Booknews