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

Preface
Part 1 – Beginning the Research Process

1. What is Research?
2. Ethical Considerations
3. Literature Review
4. Variables and Measures
5. Sampling

Part 2 - Choosing Your Method of Research

6. Qualitative Research Designs
7. Descriptive Designs
8. Quantitative Research Designs
9. Evaluative Research Designs
10. Single Subject Designs

Part 3 – Overview of Statistics

11. Introduction to Descriptive Statistics
12. Introduction to Inferential Statistics

Part 4 – Completing the Research Proposal

13. Writing the Research Proposal

Appendix A: NASW National Ethics Standards
Appendix B: Further Considerations
Glossary
References

About the Authors
Samuel S. Faulkner (MSW and PhD, University of Texas at Arlington) is the 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 book.  She is a member of the Council on Social Work Education and the Kentucky Association of Social Work Educators.

2008, Paper, 400 pages, 978-1-933478-15-9, Price: $48.95