Research in Social Work

1. Social Work and Research1.Understanding the World2.The Contribution of the Scientific Approach to Social Work2. Generation of Inquiry Theory1.Developing a Problem for Research2.Considerations for a Useful Research Problem3.Current Knowledge4.Formulating Hypotheses and Questions5.Explication of the Problem3. The Social Context of Research1. The Profession of Social Work2. Theory as Framework for Research3. The Site of the Research4. The Social and Political Context5. Protection of Human Subjects4. Dimensions of Research Design1. The Investigator's Control Over the Phenomena Studied2. Knowledge-Building Purposes and Functions3. Methodological Orientation4. Establishing Causality5. Threats to Internal ValidityPART 5. Naturalistic Designs 1. Designs with Exploratory-Descriptive Functions2. Designs with Explanatory Functions6. Single-System Experiments1. The Case Study2. The Basic Time Series (AMDRVOABAMDNMO) Design3. Withdrawal Reversal Designs4. The Multiple Baseline Design5. Generalization (External Validity)7. Group Experiments1.Uncontrolled Single Group Experiment2.Strengthening the Design3.Equivalent Group Designs4.Nonequivalent Group Designs5.The Experimental Intervention6.Generalization from Group Experiments7.Laboratory Experiments: Analog Studies of Intervention Effects8. Sampling1.The Nature and Purposes of Sampling2.Samples and the Research Question3.Basic Types of Samples4.Generalization from Probability Samples5.Size of Sample9. Measurement1. Definition of Measurement2.Role of Measurement3. Levels of Measurement4. Criteria for Evaluating Measurement Procedures10. Data Collection1.Selecting a Data Collection Method2.Bias in Data Collection Methods3.Self-Report Methods4.Observation5. Available Data11. Quantitative Data Analysis1. Quantitative Data2. Categorization and Coding3. Univariate Analysis4. Ivariate Analysis5. Inferential Statistics6. Multivariate Analysis7. Analysis of Time Series Data8. Meta-Analysis12. Qualitative Research1. Modes of Qualitative Research2. The Methods of Qualitative Research13. Assessment1. Research Procedures in Assessment for Generalist Practice14. Evaluating Outcome at Different Levels of Practice1. Program Levels and Evaluation Designs2. Outcome Criteria3. From Criteria to Data4. Sources and Types of Data5. Variations in Outcome Measures15. Study of Intervention Characteristics1. Data from Practitioners'Reports2. Data from Clients3. Direct and Electronic Observation4. Change Process Research5. Intervention Analogs16. Intervention Design and Development1.The Design and Development Paradigm (D&D)Appendix 1. The Library Research Process: Mary Jane BrustmanAppendix 2. Guidelines for Preparing a Research Report