Doing Qualitative Research in Social Work

Bringing key developments and debates together in a single volume, this book provides an authoritative guide for students and practitioners embarking on qualitative research in social work and related fields. Part one addresses the question, What is Distinctive about Qualitative Social Work Research?, defining the nature of the field, and providing a review of contemporary and historical trends. The second part, Doing Qualitative Social Work Research sets out best thinking and practice in qualitative designs and research ethics and provides detailed accounts of research practice in every main field of qualitative work and analysis. The third and final part, The Purposes of Qualitative Social Work Research, discusses the ways in which qualitative research can provide evidence for outcomes in social work interventions, tackle issues of social justice, support the development of understanding practitioners, and play a central role in wider society. Frequently illustrated with contemporary and classic case examples from the authors' own empirical research and from international published work, and with self-directed learning tasks, the book provides insight into the difficulties and complexities of carrying out research, as well as sharing 'success' stories from the field. Shaw and Holland have long experience of writing for practitioners and students and in making complex concepts accessible and readable, making this an ideal text for those engaging in qualitative social work research at any level. Ian Shaw is a Professor of Social Work at the University of York and at the University of Aalborg. Sally Holland is a R