This research methods text for social work is accessible to students in level and writing style, and its paperback format makes it less expensive than most texts on the market.

The authors are social work instructors who understand the realities of social work practice and have included many social work practice examples. The text is ideal for a one-semester or quarter research methods course for undergraduate or graduate students with little or no prior knowledge of research.   Qualitative research methods are discussed and appropriate examples are offered throughout the book, not just in a single chapter.

The fifth edition includes new information on needs assessment, how quantitative and qualitative methods can be used together, more information on ethical issues throughout the text and an updated literature review section.