Integrating Research Into Practice: A Model for Effective Social Work

In this breakthrough book, Cynthia Bisman and David Hardcastle present research methods as tools that social workers can use to improve clients. Rather than describing how research is done, they focus on how social work practitioners can use the rigors and methodologies of research in practice. The authors provide students with the skills they will need to evaluate the relevance and effectiveness of their practice--including the ability to articulate what they are doing, monitor their effectiveness, and decide whether to continue the applications with other clients.

"In the final analysis, this is a book about helping clients--the purpose of the social work profession. A brilliant and even-handed treatment that puts the most important thing first--improving client outcomes. I can't overstate the potential importance of this book. I love it!
The voice of this book is the authentic and traditional voice of social work practice with individuals, families, and groups. The book subordinates research and statistics to the social work's mission, and does so elegantly and convincingly. . . The intellectual heritage of this manuscript is rooted in honored forebears like William Gordon, and I imagine that these authors have been trained by the giants of our tradition. The biggest challenge I face in teaching research and statistics is the integration of critical judgement, content, and technical skills with the values and mission of the profession. This book aims squarely at the mark."

"This book is a breath of fresh air. In conceptualizing the linkages between practice theory and research methodology, it provides synthetic, insightful, and practical guidelines for effective assessment and interventions."