Includes bibliographical references and index.

Science, research, and social work practice -- Purposes and processes of social work research -- Ethics and cultural competence in social work research -- Evidence-based practice -- Conducting research that employs social surveys -- Conducting research that describes people (what are the traits of the good manager?) -- Conducting research that explains things (does stress and social support explain life satisfaction?) -- Conducting research that evaluates services -- Conducting qualitative research that explores the unknown -- Conducting program evaluations -- Developing your knowledge base and intervention -- Drawing your study sample -- Measuring your study variables -- Selecting a design for a group evaluation study -- Selecting a research design for a single client -- Analyzing data and drawing conclusions -- Analyzing qualitative data.

'Social Work Research Methods' is a step-by-step journey through the process of conducting research. With over 30 years of teaching experience, author Reginald O. York helps readers discover how research can enable them to better serve clients in the field. Each chapter features a hands-on approach to producing research, with practical chapter exercises that reinforce methods mastery. Using their own data, students engage in realistic research activities and gain an appreciation for science-informed practice as a means of evaluating client outcomes.