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From understanding the concepts of research and gathering data, to writing it all up and sharing knowledge, this book will guide your students to become researchers by giving them:
- a confident start with clarity on core concepts and getting it right ethically
- step-by-step guidance at each point in the research process, showing them diversity in approaches, the impact of context and how to overcome problems
- case studies of how real researchers embrace the challenges, surprises and successes of research
- an emphasis on the person in context, so their research is reflective of the realities of social work and social care practice
- a guide to writing it up and achieving impact and positive change with research.
List of contents
Introduction
PART ONE: PREPARING FOR RESEARCH
Research in the professional practice context
Frameworks underpinning research
Researching ethically: 'What you do is important but how you do it is more important'
Arriving at a research question: Building on existing knowledge
PART TWO: DOING RESEARCH
Research design: Shaping your study
Selecting and accessing data sources: Ensuring rigour
Speaking and listening: Interviews, focus groups and community forums
Counting and measuring: Questionnaires, scales and secondary analyses
Looking and seeing: Visual methods
'Toolkit'
PART THREE: MAKING USE OF RESEARCH
Making meaning from data: Qualitative analysis
Making meaning from data: Quantitative analysis
Writing and sharing your findings: Creating knowledge for practice
About the author
Catherine Flynn is an Associate Professor of social work at Monash University.Fiona McDermott is adjunct Associate Professor and has researched and taught in social work courses at Monash University and The University of Melbourne.
Summary
A step-by-step guide to understanding the concepts of research and gathering data to writing it all up and sharing knowledge, this book enables readers to learn the research process with confidence, build practical knowledge and make the necessary connections between research and professional practice.
Report
An ideal resource for students and practitioners in social work and social care which provides detailed guidance on doing research in an easy-to-understand, engaging manner. Interesting examples of research from the field really bring the text to life.
Jennifer Boddy, Griffith University, Australia Jennifer Boddy 20160721
