Understanding Social Work Research, Hugh McLaughlin, Sage, London, 2007, pp. 210, ISBN 9781412908481, 19.99

Abstract

Understanding Social Work Research is a guidebook to the opportunities of using various research strategies and techniques for social work. The reader is introduced to the areas which are concerned with the relationship between social work as a profession and applied social science research, and obtains practical information and some of the epistemological research starting points applied to the current context of social work in Great Britain. Mainly the first type of knowledge is usually covered only marginally in the traditional textbooks of research methodology. In the ten thematically focused chapters, the reader is first acquainted with the main arguments supporting research practice in social work. The author further shows with specific examples how research can be used in social work and how it is used in reality. The reader is consequently acquainted with the genuine research environment in Great Britain. The author identifies bodies that carry out research in Great Britain, describes how it is possible to finance research and where the research results can be published or where the research outcomes of other researchers can be read. The main research paradigms and options for their use are also discussed briefly. Ethical research dilemmas in social work are not left aside either. The reader also finds out further details on the organization of research with all practical connotations. The author furthermore addresses evidence-based practice and anti-oppressive practice as important areas of research use in social work. The book is concluded by a discussion on the future use of research in social work.