The Practice of Research in Social Work

by Engel, Rafael; Schutt, Russell

• ISBN13: 9781412913850
• ISBN10: 1412913853
• Edition: CD
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-02-15
• Publisher: Sage Publications, Inc

Summary

Congratulations to esteemed author Russell Schutt, 2007 recipient of University of Massachusetts, Boston's Chancellor's Award for Distinguished Service! Based on Russell Schutta??s Investigating the Social World , the most successful and innovative social researchA text A in the last decade, The Practice of Research in Social Work introduces research methods as an integrated set of techniques for investigating social work research and practice problems.A A A Key Features: Integrates substance and method : Each chapter focuses on a substantive research question in areas such as homelessness and domestic violence. The authors use real-life data and integrate the most contemporary treatments of the latest developments in social work research approaches.A Treats specific methods as part of a coherent whole, rather than a disparate collection of techniques : Throughout the text, the authors reveal how students can use a combination of methodsa??both qualitative and quantitativea??to best explore their research question. Presents ethical decision-making as an integral part of the research design process rather than a disconnected step: Foundations of research ethics are introduced in Chapter Two, and each subsequent chapter concludes with a separate section on ethics in data collection, analysis, and reporting. Integrates cultural group differences and similarities in social work research throughout: The authors stress that the diverse populations with which one works should be considered during every step of the research process. Provides students with multiple methods for checking their reading comprehension and preparing for exams: The text comes bundled with Student Resources on a CD-ROM, featuring Interactive Exercises, SPSS datasets, and survey instruments that relate to the datasets. The booka??s Companion Student Study site: http://www.sagepub.com/prsw offers a collection of journal articles, E-flash cards and self-quizzes. Provides instructors with ample materials to support different pedagogical approaches: Instructora??s Resources, which are provided on a CD-ROM, feature lecture outlines, MicrosoftA? PowerPointA? slides, and electronic versions of the artwork from the book to support different presentation styles. This CD also includes a dynamic textbank, suggestions for group projects, and other valuable teaching tools. The Practice of Research in Social Work is an essential text for research methods courses in schools of social work, at both undergraduate and graduate levels, and for research methods courses in graduate counseling programs or in nursing programs.A

Table of Contents

Preface	xvii
Teaching and Learning Goals	xvii
Organization of the Book	xviii
Distinctive Features	xviii
Ancillary Materials	xix
Acknowledgments	xxi
Science, Society, and Social Work Research	1	(26)
Reasoning about the Social World	2	(2)
Everyday Errors in Reasoning	4	(4)
Overgeneralization	5	(1)
Selective or Inaccurate Observation	5	(2)
Illogical Reasoning	7	(1)
Resistance to Change	7	(1)
The Social Scientific Approach	8	(1)
Social Work and the Social World	9	(1)
The Imperative for Social Work Research	10	(1)
Social Work Research in Practice	11	(5)
Description: Who Are the Homeless?	13	(1)
Exploration: What Is It Like to Live in an Emergency Shelter?	14	(1)
Explanation: Why Do People Become Homeless?	14	(1)
Evaluation: What Services Help the Homeless?	15	(1)
Quantitative and Qualitative Methods	16	(1)
Strengths and Limitations of Social Work Research	17	(1)
Validity: The Goal of Social Work Research	18	(4)
Measurement Validity	19	(1)
Generalizability	19	(3)
Causal (Internal) Validity	22	(1)
Conclusion	22	(5)
Key Terms	24	(1)
Highlights	24	(1)
Discussion Questions	25	(1)
Practice Exercises	25	(1)
Web Exercises	25	(1)
Developing a Research Proposal	26	(1)
The Process and Problems of Social Work Research	27	(36)
Social Work Research Questions	28	(3)
Identifying Social Work Research Questions	28	(1)
Refining Social Work Research Questions	29	(1)
Evaluating Social Work Research Questions	30	(1)
Feasibility	30	(1)
Social Importance	31	(1)
Scientific Relevance	31	(1)
Foundations of Social Work Research	31	(7)
Finding Information	32	(1)
Searching the Literature	32	(3)
Searching the Web	35	(2)
Reviewing Research	37	(1)
Social Work Research Strategies	38	(10)
The Role of Social Theory	38	(2)
The Deductive/Inductive Cycle	40	(1)
Deductive Research	40	(3)
Domestic Violence and the Research Circle	43	(2)
Inductive Research	45	(1)
An Inductive Approach to Explaining Domestic Violence	45	(1)
A Qualitative Exploration of the Response to Domestic Violence	46	(1)
Descriptive Research	47	(1)
Philosophies Guiding Social Work Research	48	(2)
Scientific Guidelines for Social Work Research	50	(3)
Social Work Research and Ethical Guidelines	53	(5)
Honesty and Openness	53	(1)
The Uses of Science	54	(1)
Research on People	54	(4)
Conclusion	58	(5)
Key Terms	59	(1)
Highlights	59	(1)
Discussion Questions	60	(1)
Practice Exercises	60	(1)
Web Exercises	60	(1)
Developing a Research Proposal	61	(2)
Conceptualization and Measurement	63	(38)
Concepts	64	(5)
Conceptualization in Practice	65	(1)
Defining Substance Abuse	66	(1)
Defining Depression	66	(1)
Defining Poverty	67	(1)
Concepts, Constants, and Variables	68	(1)
Operationalization	69	(7)
Indicators	70	(1)
Scales and Indexes	71	(2)
Treatment as a Variable	73	(1)
Gathering Data	74	(1)
Combining Measurement Operations	75	(1)
Measurement in Qualitative Research	76	(1)
Levels of Measurement	76	(7)
Nominal Level of Measurement	77	(1)
Ordinal Level of Measurement	78	(2)
Interval Level of Measurement	80	(1)
Ratio Level of Measurement	80	(2)
The Case of Dichotomies	82	(1)
Comparison of Levels of Measurement	82	(1)
Measurement Error	83	(2)
Evaluating Measures	85	(11)
Reliability	85	(1)
Test-Retest Reliability	86	(1)
Internal Consistency	86	(1)
Alternate-Forms Reliability	87	(1)
Interobserver Reliability	87	(2)
Intraobserver Reliability	89	(1)
Measurement Validity	89	(1)
Face Validity	89	(1)
Content Validity	89	(1)
Criterion Validity	90	(1)
Construct Validity	91	(1)
Screening and Cut-Off Scores	92	(2)
Ways to Improve Reliability and Validity of Existing Measures	94	(2)
Choosing an Instrument for Research, Evaluation, and Practice	96	(2)
Conclusion	98	(3)
Key Terms	98	(1)
Highlights	99	(1)
Discussion Questions	99	(1)
Practice Exercises	100	(1)
Web Exercises	100	(1)
Developing a Research Proposal	100	(1)
Sampling	101	(32)
Sample Planning	102	(8)
Define Sample Components and the Population	103	(2)
Evaluate Generalizability	105	(1)
Assess the Homogeneity of the Population	106	(1)
Enhance Sample Representativeness in Diverse Populations	107	(3)
Sampling Methods	110	(13)
Probability Sampling	111	(1)
Probability Sampling Methods	112	(2)
Simple Random Sampling	114	(1)
Systematic Random Sampling	115	(1)
Stratified Random Sampling	116	(2)
Cluster Sampling	118	(2)
Nonprobability Sampling Methods	120	(1)
Availability Sampling	120	(1)
Quota Sampling	121	(1)
Purposive Sampling	122	(1)
Snowball Sampling	123	(1)
Lessons about Sample Quality	123	(1)
Sampling Distributions	124	(4)
Estimating Sampling Error	126	(1)
Determining Sample Size	127	(1)
Conclusion	128	(5)
Key Terms	129	(1)
Highlights	129	(1)
Discussion Questions	130	(1)
Practice Exercises	131	(1)
Web Exercises	131	(1)
Developing a Research Proposal	132	(1)
Causation and Research Design	133	(22)
Nomothetic Causal Explanation	134	(1)
Experimental Design and the Criteria for Causal Explanation	134	(4)
Association	135	(1)
Time Order	136	(1)
Nonspuriousness	136	(1)
Mechanism	137	(1)
Context	138	(1)
Nonexperimental Designs and the Criteria for Causal Explanation	138	(8)
Cross-Sectional Designs	138	(2)
Longitudinal Designs	140	(3)
Repeated Cross-Sectional Designs	143	(1)
Fixed-Sample Panel Designs	143	(2)
Event-Based Designs	145	(1)
Units of Analysis and Errors in Causal Reasoning	146	(3)
Individual and Group Units of Analysis	147	(1)
The Ecological Fallacy and Reductionism	147	(2)
Idiographic Causal Explanation	149	(1)
Causation in Qualitative Research	149	(2)
Explanation in Qualitative Research	150	(1)
Single-Subject Design	150	(1)
Conclusion	151	(4)
Key Terms	152	(1)
Highlights	152	(1)
Discussion Questions	153	(1)
Practice Exercises	153	(1)
Web Exercises	153	(1)
Developing a Research Proposal	154	(1)
Group Experimental Designs	155	(30)
Threats to Validity	156	(6)
Internal (Causal) Validity	156	(1)
Selection Bias	157	(1)
Endogenous Change	157	(1)
External Events	158	(1)
Contamination	159	(1)
Treatment Misidentification	159	(1)
Generalizability	160	(1)
Sample Generalizability	160	(1)
External Validity	160	(1)
Reactivity	161	(1)
True Experiments	162	(9)
Experimental and Comparison Groups	162	(1)
Randomization	163	(3)
Pretest and Posttest Measures	166	(1)
Types of True Experimental Designs	166	(4)
Difficulties in True Experiments in Agency-Based Research	170	(1)
The Limits of True Experimental Designs	171	(1)
Quasi-Experiments	171	(6)
Nonequivalent Control Group Designs	172	(2)
Time Series Designs	174	(2)
Ex Post Facto Control Group Designs	176	(1)
Common Group Designs for Program Evaluation and Research	177	(2)
Types of Nonexperimental Designs	177	(2)
Ethical Issues in Experimental Research	179	(1)
Deception	179	(1)
Selective Distribution of Benefits	180	(1)
Conclusion	180	(5)
Key Terms	181	(1)
Highlights	182	(1)
Discussion Questions	183	(1)
Practice Exercises	183	(1)
Web Exercises	183	(1)
Developing a Research Proposal	184	(1)
Single-Subject Design	185	(36)
Foundations of Single-Subject Design	186	(7)
Repeated Measurement	187	(1)
Baseline Phase	187	(1)
Patterns	188	(1)
Internal Validity	189	(4)
Treatment Phase	193	(1)
Graphing	193	(1)
Measuring Targets of Intervention	193	(2)
Analyzing Single-Subject Designs	195	(8)
Visual Analysis	196	(1)
Level	196	(2)
Trend	198	(2)
Variability	200	(1)
Interpreting Visual Patterns	200	(2)
Problems of Interpretation	202	(1)
Types of Single-Subject Designs	203	(13)
Basic Design: A-B	206	(1)
Withdrawal Designs	207	(1)
A-B-A Design	208	(1)
A-B-A-B Design	209	(1)
Multiple Baseline Designs	209	(3)
Multiple Treatment Designs	212	(3)
Designs for Monitoring Subjects	215	(1)
Generalizability	216	(1)
Ethical Issues in Single-Subject Design	217	(1)
Conclusion	218	(3)
Key Terms	219	(1)
Highlights	219	(1)
Discussion Questions	219	(1)
Practice Exercises	220	(1)
Web Exercises	220	(1)
Developing a Research Proposal	220	(1)
Survey Research	221	(52)
Survey Research in Social Work	222	(4)
Attractions of Survey Research	222	(1)
Versatility	222	(1)
Efficiency	223	(1)
Generalizability	223	(1)
The Omnibus Survey	223	(1)
Errors in Survey Research	224	(2)
Constructing Questions	226	(13)
Writing Clear Questions	228	(1)
Avoid Confusing Phrasing	229	(2)
Minimize the Risk of Bias	231	(1)
Use Specific Memory Questions	232	(1)
Take Account of Culture	233	(1)
Closed-Ended Questions and Response Categories	234	(1)
Avoid Making Either Disagreement or Agreement Disagreeable	234	(1)
Avoid Appeals to Social Desirability	234	(1)
Minimize Fence-Sitting and Floating	235	(1)
Use Filter Questions	236	(1)
Sensitive Questions	236	(1)
Single or Multiple Questions	237	(2)
Designing Questionnaires	239	(7)
Maintain Consistent Focus	239	(1)
Build on Existing Instruments	240	(1)
Refine and Test Questions	240	(2)
Add Interpretive Questions	242	(1)
Order the Questions	243	(1)
Consider Matrix Questions	244	(2)
Make the Questionnaire Attractive	246	(1)
Organizing Surveys	246	(20)
Mailed Self-Administered Surveys	248	(4)
Group-Administered Surveys	252	(1)
Telephone Surveys	252	(1)
Reaching Sample Units	252	(1)
Maximizing Response to Phone Surveys	253	(5)
In-Person Interviews	258	(1)
Balancing Rapport and Control	258	(1)
Maximizing Response to Interviews	259	(2)
Electronic Surveys	261	(3)
Mixed-Mode Surveys	264	(1)
A Comparison of Survey Designs	264	(2)
Secondary Data Surveys	266	(2)
Ethical Issues in Survey Research	268	(1)
Conclusion	268	(5)
Key Terms	269	(1)
Highlights	269	(2)
Discussion Questions	271	(1)
Practice Exercises	271	(1)
Web Exercises	271	(1)
Developing a Research Proposal	272	(1)
Qualitative Methods: Observing, Participating, Listening	273	(32)
Fundamentals of Qualitative Methods	274	(5)
Case Study: Making Gray Gold	276	(3)
Participant Observation	279	(14)
Choosing a Role	279	(1)
Complete Observation	279	(2)
Participation and Observation	281	(1)
Covert Participation	282	(1)
Entering the Field	283	(2)
Developing and Maintaining Relationships	285	(1)
Sampling People and Events	286	(3)
Taking Notes	289	(2)
Managing the Personal Dimensions	291	(2)
Systematic Observation	293	(1)
Intensive Interviewing	293	(4)
Establishing and Maintaining a Partnership	295	(1)
Asking Questions and Recording Answers	295	(2)
Focus Groups	297	(1)
Ethical Issues in Qualitative Research	298	(2)
Conclusion	300	(5)
Key Terms	301	(1)
Highlights	301	(1)
Discussion Questions	302	(1)
Practice Exercises	302	(1)
Web Exercises	302	(1)
Developing a Research Proposal	302	(3)
Evaluation Research	305	(30)
History of Evaluation Research	306	(1)
Evaluation Basics	307	(6)
Describing the Program: The Logic Model	310	(3)
Questions for Evaluation Research	313	(10)
Needs Assessment	313	(2)
Process Evaluation	315	(3)
Outcome Evaluation	318	(2)
Efficiency Analysis	320	(3)
Design Alternatives	323	(7)
Black Box or Program Theory?	323	(2)
Researcher or Stakeholder Orientation?	325	(2)
Quantitative or Qualitative Methods?	327	(1)
Simple or Complex Outcomes?	328	(2)
Ethics in Evaluation	330	(2)
Conclusion	332	(3)
Key Terms	332	(1)
Highlights	333	(1)
Discussion Questions	333	(1)
Practice Exercises	333	(1)
Web Exercises	334	(1)
Developing a Research Proposal	334	(1)
Quantitative Data Analysis	335	(44)
Introducing Statistics	336	(1)
Preparing Data for Analysis	337	(5)
Identification Numbers	337	(1)
Reviewing the Forms	337	(2)
Coding Open-Ended Questions	339	(1)
Creating a Codebook	340	(1)
Data Entry	340	(1)
Data Cleaning	340	(2)
Displaying Univariate Distributions	342	(10)
Graphs	343	(4)
Frequency Distributions	347	(1)
Ungrouped Data	348	(1)
Grouped Data	348	(2)
Combined and Compressed Distributions	350	(2)
Summarizing Univariate Distributions	352	(9)
Measures of Central Tendency	352	(1)
Mode	352	(1)
Median	353	(1)
Mean	354	(1)
Median or Mean?	354	(3)
Measures of Variation	357	(1)
Range	357	(1)
Interquartile Range	358	(1)
Variance	359	(1)
Standard Deviation	359	(2)
Analyzing Data Ethically: How Not to Lie with Statistics	361	(1)
Crosstabulating Variables	361	(13)
Graphing Association	364	(1)
Describing Association	364	(2)
Evaluating Association	366	(3)
Controlling for a Third Variable	369	(1)
Case Study: Perceived Health	369	(1)
Intervening Variables	370	(1)
Extraneous Variables	371	(1)
Specification	372	(2)
Analyzing Data Ethically: How Not to Lie about Relationships	374	(1)
Conclusion	375	(4)
Key Terms	375	(1)
Highlights	376	(1)
Discussion Questions	376	(1)
Practice Exercises	377	(1)
Web Exercises	377	(1)
Developing a Research Proposal	378	(1)
Qualitative Data Analysis and Content Analysis	379	(30)
Features of Qualitative Data Analysis	380	(6)
Qualitative Data Analysis as an Art	381	(2)
Research Questions for Qualitative Data Analysis	383	(2)
The Case Study	385	(1)
Techniques of Qualitative Data Analysis	386	(8)
Documentation	386	(1)
Conceptualization, Coding, and Categorizing	387	(2)
Examining Relationships and Displaying Data	389	(2)
Authenticating Conclusions	391	(2)
Reflexivity	393	(1)
Alternatives in Qualitative Data Analysis	394	(5)
Traditional Ethnography	394	(1)
Qualitative Comparative Analysis	395	(2)
Narrative Analysis	397	(1)
Grounded Theory	398	(1)
Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis	399	(3)
Content Analysis	402	(4)
Ethics in Qualitative Data Analysis	406	(1)
Conclusion	406	(3)
Key Terms	407	(1)
Highlights	407	(1)
Discussion Questions	407	(1)
Practice Exercises	408	(1)
Web Exercises	408	(1)
Developing a Research Proposal	408	(1)
Reporting Research	409	(22)
Social Work Research Proposals	409	(7)
Case Study: Treating Substance Abuse	412	(4)
Comparing Research Designs	416	(5)
Performing Meta-Analyses	419	(1)
Case Study: Is Social Work Practice Effective?	420	(1)
Writing Research	421	(2)
Reporting Research	423	(4)
Journal Articles	423	(1)
Applied Research Reports	424	(3)
Ethics, Politics, and Research Reports	427	(1)
Conclusion	428	(3)
Key Terms	429	(1)
Highlights	429	(1)
Discussion Questions	430	(1)
Practice Exercises	430	(1)
Web Exercises	430	(1)
Developing a Research Proposal	430	(1)
Appendix A: Summaries of Frequently Cited Research Articles	431	(10)
Appendix B: Questions to Ask about a Research Article	441	(3)
Appendix C: How to Read a Research Article	444	(19)
Appendix D: Finding Information	463	(4)
Appendix E: Table of Random Numbers	467	(4)
Appendix F: Annotated List of Web Sites	471	(7)
Appendix G: Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers	478	(21)
References	499	(18)
Glossary/Index	517	(37)
About the Authors	554