Graduate Social Work Students' Attitudes Toward Research: Problems and Prospects

Abstract

This study examines the attitudes of graduate social work students toward research in the contexts of academic study, professional social work practice, and students' personal lives. The authors collected quantitative and qualitative data from MSW students (n = 102) at a major Canadian school of social work. Findings suggest that MSW students appreciate the value of research for their professional and personal lives. However, they are apprehensive about the process of learning research, and when faced with the prospect of conducting research, feel intimidated and powerless. This report discusses factors associated with positive attitudes toward learning research. Teaching strategies to engage students in discovering their research capacities are also explored.