Social work practice continues to evolve and research, now an integral part of the practice, is changing along with it. This book is designed for a one-semester or one-quarter course on research methods. It is well suited for either undergraduate or foundation-level graduate social work courses. This book offers a brief conceptual overview of such specialized topics as statistical analyisis and evaluation research, and encourages its readers to seek a more in-depth coverage of them. The focus of the research methods presented is for social workers to become evidence-based practitioners.

From the outset, the ultimate goal of Research Methods for Social Workers has been to serve as a research text that students would be able to understand and read in full. This third edition features important additions and changes to the original text (while maintaining its accessible style). The order of chapters is re-arranged to improve the flow of introducing and developing concepts of the research process, and the authors have included some much-needed information to meet the changing and evolving standards of social work education. At its core, this book is designed to bring complex ideas down to a level that can be grasped by someone with little to no knowledge of research methods - it is an invaluable resource for social work students and anyone who wishes to have a comprehensive introduction to research methods.

THIS BOOK IS FOR BEGINNING SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS as their first introduction to basic social work research methodology. Our philosophy is to provide a very inexpensive, easily accessible, straightforward, "student-friendly" book that promotes the use of the scientific method of inquiry process to create knowledge for our profession-the most commonly used framework to generate relevant, valid, and reliable social work knowledge. A conversational style of writing is used in an effort to provide simple, reader-friendly content.

Research Methods for Social Work: A Problem-Based Approach is a comprehensive introduction to methods instruction that engages students innovatively and interactively. Using a problem-based learning (PBL) approach, authors Antoinette Y. Farmer and G. Lawrence Farmer utilize case examples to achieve a level of application which builds readers’ confidence in methodology and reinforces their understanding of research across all levels of social work practice. These case examples, along with critical thinking questions, research tips, and step-by-step problem-solving methods, will improve student mastery and help them see why research is relevant. With the guidance of this new and noteworthy textbook, readers will transform into both knowledgeable consumers of research and skilled practitioners who can effectively address the needs of their clients through research. Included with this title: The password-protected Instructor Resource Site (formally known as SAGE Edge) offers access to all text-specific resources, including a test bank and editable, chapter-specific PowerPoint® slides.