Making a Difference in Families Research That Creates Change

by Munford, Robyn; Sanders, Jackie

• ISBN13: 9781865089096
• ISBN10: 1865089095
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-09-01
• Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Summary

This resource for social work professionals and students explores the challenges of doing research with families and the key methods used. Discussed are critical approaches to research with families, including action research, focus groups, and participant observation, with special attention paid to the vulnerable position these families are often in as clients of social services and as research subjects. Qualitative and quantitative research methods and ways researchers can involve participants in the process are explored. Detailed case studies of research in a variety of settings, and with different kinds of family situations, are provided.

Author Biography

Robyn Munford is a professor in the School of Sociology, Social Policy, and Social Work at Massey University, in Palmerston North, New Zealand. She is the author of Making a Difference. Jackie Sanders is the director of the Children, Youth and Families Research Project in the School of Sociology, Social Policy, and Social Work at Massey University in Palmerston North, New Zealand.

Table of Contents

Contributors
Dedication and acknowledgements
Figures
Introduction: Making a difference	p. 1
Empowerment-based evaluation: Research and social change	p. 15
Optimising the relationships between research, policy and practice: A systemic model	p. 35
A model for Maori research: Te whakaeke i te ao rangahau o te Maori	p. 55
Disabled people and research: Putting families first	p. 74
Action research with families/whanau and communities	p. 93
Clients as researchers: The benefits of strengths-based research	p. 113
Mandatory social work: Research with vulnerable families	p. 130
Strengthening practice through research: Research in organisations	p. 151
Evaluation research in social programmes: The centrality of families	p. 171
Comparative family policy research	p. 193
Endnotes	p. 211
Index	p. 229
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