The Practice of Research in Social Work – 4th Edition

Description

Bridge the gap between research and clinical practice with The Practice of Research in Social Work, Fourth Edition. Authored by Rafael J. Engel and Russell K. Schutt, this highly accessible text demystifies research methods, presenting them as an integrated set of practical techniques for solving real-world problems encountered in social work. By bringing evidence-based practice to life through illustrations of actual social work research, it empowers students and practitioners to become both critical consumers and competent producers of data.

The Fourth Edition has been comprehensively updated to help readers achieve the 2015 CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) core competencies. It features expanded coverage of qualitative methods, the use of technology in research, and secondary data analysis. Furthermore, the authors explicitly link methodological concepts to the crucial issues of ethics, diversity, and evidence-based practice throughout every chapter. With its clear explanations and contemporary examples, this text ensures that social workers are fully equipped to evaluate their practice and advocate for effective social programs.

Key Features in the Fourth Edition:

• CSWE Alignment: Specifically tailored to meet the 2015 EPAS core competencies essential for modern social work education and practice.

• Evidence-Based Focus: Demonstrates how to effectively locate, evaluate, and apply the best available research evidence to social work interventions.

• Integrated Ethics & Diversity: Consistently weaves the vital considerations of ethical guidelines and social diversity into every stage of the research process.

• Expanded Qualitative Content: Provides deeper insights into qualitative research methods, data analysis, and mixed-methods approaches.

• Practical Application: Includes end-of-chapter action plans, real-world “Research in the News” segments, and student projects that promote hands-on, applied learning.