Qualitative Research in Social Work

`A really fine book... an impressive work that adds much to the development of
the use of qualitative methodology in social work research' - William J Reid,
University at Albany

'The back cover of the book proclaims that "Qualitative Research in Social
Work will be essential reading for all students, practitioners and researchers
undertaking social work research." That just about sums it up for me' -
British Journal of Social Work

`This book is a significant milestone in the development of social work
research. It is characterized by an unparalleled command of the field of
qualitative research in social work, and by a commitment to an understanding
of the demands and potential of day-to-day social work practice' - Mike
Fisher, Director of Research, National Institute for Social Research

`Qualitative Research in Social Work edited by Ian Shaw and Nick Gould,
provides a state-of-the-art exposition and analysis of qualitative inquiry in
relation to social work.... The book has an unusual degree of coherence for
one with several authors. The five chapters by the editors (parts one and
three) do an exceptional job of providing the necessary background information
and setting the context for the six application chapters and of highlighting
and discussing the issues raised in those chapters. The editors are respected
scholars

well-versed in the theory and practice of qualitative research. Similarly, the
contributing authors represent both considerable experience in this field and
a diversity of interests. This combination makes Qualitative Research in
Social Work an excellent text for students, practitioners, and researchers
alike. It is a benchmark for social work progress in this area and points the
way for the continued development of qualitative inquiry' - Professor Stanley
L Witkin, Department of Social Work, University of Vermont

There is a clear need for a book which treats qualitative research as a
substantive theme within social work, setting epistemological and
methodological issues in a context whereby the agenda is set by, and is
relevant to, social work. Qualitative Research in Social Work is just such a
book and will be immensely useful for students, practitioners and researchers
interested in and undertaking social work research.

In the introductory chapters the co-authors set qualitative research within a
context of social work developments and problems. The central section provides
additional topicality and directness through specially commissioned chapters
from leading figures in this field each covering key qualitative methods and
relating them to social work settings, and the final section which reviews
qualitative research in social work, and aims to exemplify ways in which
social work thought and practice can be advanced through research.