Social Work Research Methods

Social Work Research Methods: Four Alternative Paradigms is the first book that expands social work research methods to include alternative models and integrate these methodologies into general social work practice. In addition to addressing ethics, diversity, and technology, author Teresa Morris also describes research methods for positivism, post-positivism, critical theory, and constructivism.     

Key Features: Integrates research methods into a practice model: A generalist model of social work practice adapts the stages of this model to the stages of research. Step-by-step guidance is given on how to carry out quantitative and qualitative research with illustrative examples from research projects that have used each of the paradigms. Offers choices in research methods: Students are given options about how to build social work practice knowledge. Depending on their worldviews, students are provided with conceptual frameworks to make decisions about which research methods to use in which situation. Not only are the theoretical rationales for such choices discussed, but the tools to carry them out are provided. Addresses contemporary issues: The ethics and politics of research, the researcher′s responsibility to diversity, and the use of technology at each stage of a research project are thoroughly discussed. In addition, materials are provided to comply with the Council on Social Work Education′s new accreditation standards to include detailed qualitative research in research courses.  

Intended Audience: Perfect for undergraduate and graduate students studying Qualitative Research Methods in the field of Social Work