Handbook of Research Methods in Social Work (Elgar Handbooks on Social Work)

This insightful Handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the unique and varied methods of social work research, drawing on examples of research projects undertaken in a variety of countries, cultures and social work settings.

International in scope, the Handbook outlines the foundational concepts and ethical constructs of social work research methods before analysing them through a variety of theoretical lenses, including feminism, queer theory, social justice and radicalism. It assesses effective methods and methodologies in practice, examining quantitative, mixed methods, documentary and active participatory approaches. Contributing authors consider social work research in complex situations and discuss the compound ethical challenges facing such projects, proposing key areas for development in this field such as the use of critical reflection, greater understanding of the ever-present power imbalance, and the social worker as a practical researcher.

The Handbook of Research Methods in Social Work is a vital resource for students and academics specialising in qualitative and quantitative research methods in social work, sociology and social policy. Its assessment of real-life social work projects makes it an invaluable reference for professionals and policymakers operating in the social work setting.

Edited by Margaret Alston, Professor of Social Work, Penny Buykx, Associate Professor, Wendy Foote, Associate Professor of Social Work and David Betts, Lecturer in Social Work, School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia