This book is a practical beginner's guide to both conducting and using research within the context of social work practice. A clear and accessible introduction to applied research methods for social work students and practitioners, this text covers the key themes, debates and approaches, including:

- The ethics of social work research

- Conducting interviews and questionnaires

- Focus groups

- Observation and narrative

- The involvement of service users

- Analyzing data

With practical exercises and reflective questions, this is an essential text for undergraduate and postgraduate qualifying social work students.