Researching groupwork

Abstract

The focus of this paper is on providing a frame for developing research designs for groupwork practice. Two designs are described – one referring to the researcher who adopts an ‘outside’ location, and the other for an ‘insider’ or researcher-group-work-practitioner. Issues of epistemology, methodology, ethics and methods are raised, as are considerations of existing gaps in research knowledge. Practitioners and researchers are encouraged to think more creatively about the kinds of methods which could be used when approaching such a dynamic, complex and fascinating subject as the workings and benefits of group participation.