Distinctive in its emphasis on research as a natural corollary to practice, this book takes readers step-by-step through the process of developing a practical agenda for such projects, explaining clearly how to formulate questions and hypotheses, conduct group and single-system naturalistic and experimental designs, analyze and compile data, and write research reports. 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.

This introductory textbook on research methods in social work places emphasis on research as a natural corollary to practice. The text takes readers step-by-step through the process of developing a practical agenda for such projects. It explains 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, it presents discussions of the critical theoretical considerations, such as how to gauge reliability and validity, sort out qualitative and quantitative data analysis and more. Throughout there is specific methodological advice for integrating research agendas into everyday practice. Included are a glossary of terms, diagrams and examples from real-life studies focusing on cultural diversity and oppression, and increased emphasis on themes relevant to practice.