Practice-Based Research in Social Work: A Guide for Reluctant Researchers

This unique textbook explores practice-based research (PBR), which actively engages students and practitioners to embrace research as a meaningful support for their practice. Whilst evidence-based practice gives practitioners access to information about best practices, it does not enable them to generate knowledge and new research-based interventions relevant to their own practice circumstances as PBR does. This book discusses the evolution of PBR as a distinct social work research approach; describes its principles and methods and presents a range of exemplars illustrating the application of PBR methods in different practice settings. The chapters cover: identifying the research question in a PBR model designing a study and identifying a methodology sampling literature reviews gathering data ethics interpreting results and putting research into practice using research consultants. Viewing the practitioner as central to the research process, and research as a necessary component of practice, this invaluable book emphasizes research done "in" practice. Each chapter includes an overview and introduction, a key concepts summary, discussion questions, practice exercises for students and further reading. Practice-based Researchis suitable for social work students, particularly MSW students, and practitioners.

Sarah-Jane Dodd is an Associate Professor at the Hunter College School of Social Work and the City University of New York Graduate Center, USA. She is also a consulting editor for the Journal of Teaching in Social Work and the Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services. Irwin Epstein occupies the Helen Rehr Chair in Applied Social Work Research in Health and Mental Health at Hunter College School of Social Work of the City University of New York, USA. He is co-author of several books and numerous articles on social worker professionalization, program evaluation, research utilization and practice-based research. Having introduced this latter concept into the social work literature, his current interest is in exploring clinical data-mining as a practice-based research methodology.