Research in Social Work (Hardcover, third edition)

Now in its third edition, completely revised and updated, "Research in Social Work" remains one of the most popular introductory textbooks on research methods in the field. Distinctive in its emphasis on research as a natural corollary to practice, the book takes readers step-by-step through the process of developing a practical agenda for such projects. Fortune and Reid clearly explain 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, they present lucid discussions of the critical theoretical considerations, such as how to gauge reliability and validity, sort out qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and more. Throughout, they furnish specific methodological advice for integrating research agendas into everyday practice.

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. Definitions of key concepts set apart in boxes-along with the increased number of illustrations-make this text one of the most readable in its field. And while other books describe methods drawn from related social science fields like sociology and anthropology, Fortune and Reid's is written by and especially for social workers.

"Research in Social Work" is a peerless companion to coursework in basic research methodology and clinical research at all academic levels-indeed, it is one of the few books broad enough in coverage to serve as a primary text for a wide spectrum of classes.