ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the dynamic, creative space that is social work research. It examines some of the different forms of research that exist and the power of the underlying beliefs that shape them. The chapter discusses quantitative, qualitative, emancipatory, feminist and postmodern influences on research methods. Social workers are often confronted with government or inter-departmental reports in which research and statistics are quoted. Often practitioners keen to continue a new program are expected to evaluate the program in order that its effectiveness can be demonstrated—to ensure that it is meeting its objectives, that it is developing as intended and that it is producing desired outcomes (a program evaluation). The future development of the program may depend on well-constructed evaluation research. A very important reason for studying research is to aid in the development of social work knowledge and theory.
