Research Techniques for Clinical Social Workers / Edition 2

by M. Elizabeth Vonk , Ph.D., Tony Tripodi DSW, Irwin Epstein , Ph.D.

Overview

This volume has long been an invaluable resource for students and practitioners of social work. It thoroughly and clearly presents research concepts and skills, uniquely organizing them according to assessment and treatment formulation, treatment implementation and monitoring, and evaluation. Also, numerous practice cases and detailed exercises offer a complete grasp of crucial concepts and techniques.

This new edition reflects contemporary developments in practice research, such as an emphasis on empirical or evidence-based practice; the importance of evaluation within the managed-care environment; the role of social work ethics in practice research; the value of qualitative research methodology for particular aspects of monitoring and evaluation; and the role of computer technology and the use of the Internet.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780231133890
Publisher:	Columbia University Press
Publication date:	01/02/2007
Edition description:	second edition
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

M. Elizabeth Vonk is associate professor and former director of the doctoral program at the University of Georgia School of Social Work.

Tony Tripodi is dean and professor emeritus of Ohio State University and the Moses Visiting Professor of Social Work, Hunter College.

Irwin Epstein is the Helen Rehr Professor of Applied Social Work Research and director of research development at the Hunter College School of Social Work, and adjunct professor at the Division of Community Medicine, Mount Sinai Medical School in New York City.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Part 1 Assessment
1. Research Interviewing and Questionnaires
2. Using Available Instruments
3. Systematic Observation
4. Specification and Rating of Problems and Goals
Part 2 Selecting, Implementing, and Monitoring Intervention
5. Selection of Treatment Interventions
6. Content Analysis
7. The Development and Use of Forms for Client Self-Monitoring
8. Qualitative Methods in Practice Research
Part 3 Evaluating Treatment
9. Single-Case Designs
10. Variations and Replications of Single-Case Designs
11. The Use of Sample Surveys in Follow-up Evaluations
12. Simple Group Designs for Use in Evaluation
13. The Use of Data Aggregation and Analysis for Treatment Monitoring
14. Research and Clinical Social Work Practice
Postscript
Index

What People are Saying About This

Lambert Maguire

This is an ideal book for the many social work students and practitioners who are interested in better understanding the rather complex issues involved in clinical research. The book is extremely readable, well organized, current, practical, and interspersed with excellent examples from typical practice. It covers a very wide range of methodologies, but manages to explain each in clear terms that will resonate with practitioners and students alike. It recognizes the practical realities of managed care, the importance of evidence based practice (EBP), and the potential problems inherent in this type of research.

— Lambert Maguire, associate dean, University of Pittsburgh