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

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.