This new social work research methods text is written by an anthropologist and a social worker who have team-taught social work research methods courses at the University of Connecticut for many years. The book incorporates the lively and interesting ways of teaching research methods developed in that partnership.

The text emphasizes understanding the “big ideas” behind research methods such as reliability and validity, ruling out plausible alternatives, grounded knowledge, and maintenance of epistemic relationships between generalization and data. The authors draw examples from their own research and that of others to illustrate research methods. This approach helps students to understand that research is a vital part of social work practice, and helps them make the direct connection between research knowledge and working with people.