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RESEARCH METHODS FOR SOCIAL WORKERS
A Practice-Based Approach

Samuel S. Faulkner and Cynthia A. Faulkner, Morehead State University

Social work students may question the real world value of research methods and statistical analysis as they anticipate helping clients directly. Research Methods for Social Workers dispels this notion, demonstrating that research is an important tool for evidence-based agency practice. From the beginning of the research process to methods for evaluating practice, this book connects abstract theory with practical application, providing students the tools they need to become effective practitioners.

Features

• Employs practice examples and illustrations that address complex material in an accessible fashion
• Provides a step-by-step application of the research process—from an overview of how research is used to the steps to create a research proposal
• Includes suggested learning activities, a comprehensive glossary, and a current literature review

Contents

1. What is Research?  
            Importance of Social Work Research
            Defining Research
            Ways of Knowing
            Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed-Method Research
            Developing Your Research Questions
            What is a Hypothesis?
            Research Designs
            Strengths and Limitations of Research
            Applied Learning Activities
            Key Points
            Additional Resources
2. Ethical Considerations  
            Historical Overview
            Respect for Individuals
            Beneficence
            Justice
            Other Ethical Considerations
            Applied Learning Activities
            Key Points
            Additional Resources
3. Literature Review
            What is a Literature Review?
            Step 1: Conducting Your Search for Research Articles
            Step 2: Choosing Your Articles
            Step 3: Reviewing Your Articles
            Step 4: Organizing Your Search Results
            Step 5: Developing a Problem Statement or Hypothesis
            Step 6: Compiling Your Reference Page
            Applied Learning Activities
            Key Points
            Additional Resources
4. Variables and Measures
            Variables in Research Design
            Viewing and using Variables
            Types of Variables
            What is a Measure?
            Defining and Operationalizing Measures           
            Levels of Measure
            Standardized Measures
            Reliability and Validity in Measurement
            Applied Learning Activities
            Key Points
            Additional Resources
5. Sampling
            What is Sampling?
            Random Selection and Random Assignment
            Sample Size --  How Many is Enough?
            External Validity and Internal Validity
            Probability Sampling
            Probability Sampling Techniques
            Sampling Error
            Non-probability Sampling
            Limitations of Non-probability Sampling
            Applied Learning Activities
            Key Points
            Additional Resources
6. Qualitative Research Designs
            How is Qualitative Research Used?
            Descriptive Inquiry
            Speculative Inquiry
            Qualitative Research Methods
            Data Collection
            An Example Qualitative Study
            Applied Learning Activities
            Key Points
            Additional Resources
7. Quantitative Research Designs  
            Getting Started
            Developing a Testable Hypothesis
            What is Descriptive Research?
            Correlation v. Causation
            Data Collection
            Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Designs
            Group Research Designs
            Applied Learning Activities
            Key Points
            Additional Resources
8. Evaluative Research Designs
            Program Evaluation
            Process Evaluation
            Outcome Evaluation
            Strengths and Weaknesses of Program Evaluation
            Practical Considerations and Common Problems
            Applied Learning Activities
            Key Points
            Additional Resources
9. Single-Subject Designs
            What is a Single-Subject Design?
            Elements of Single-Subject Design Research
            Types of Single-Subject Designs
            Strengths and Limitations of Single-Subject Designs
            Applied Learning Activities
            Key Points
            Additional Resources
10. Introduction to Descriptive Statistics
            What is Data Analysis?
            The First Step of Data Analysis
            Descriptive Analysis
            Strengths and Limitations of Descriptive Analysis
            Applied Learning Activities
            Key Points
            Additional Resources
11. Introduction to Inferential Statistics
            What are Inferential Statistics?
            Four Types of Correlation
            Determining the Strength of the Correlation
            Probability Values and Confidence Intervals
            Parametric Statistics
            Nonparametric Statistics
            Strengths and Limitations of Inferential Statistics
            What Statistical Program is Right for Me?
            Applied Learning Activities
            Key Points
            Additional Resources
12. Now What? Practicing Your Research Skills
            Additional Resources

Appendices
Glossary
References
Index

About the Authors
Samuel S. Faulkner (MSW and PhD, University of Texas at Arlington) is  program director of Morehead State University’s social work department.  His teaching interests include research, data analysis and chemical dependency. He has recently published in Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly and Journal of Poverty.

Cynthia Faulkner (MSW, University of Kansas at Lawrence, PhD, University of Texas at Arlington) is associate professor at Morehead State University.  She teaches BSW and MSW-level courses dealing with social work practice, field experience, human behavior, and policy.  She has published in the Journal of Poverty and the College Student Journal, and has several upcoming books.  She is a member of the Council on Social Work Education and the Kentucky Association of Social Work Educators.