Doing Qualitative Research in Social Work
- Ian Shaw - University of York, UK
- Sally Holland - Cardiff University, UK
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.
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 Reader in Social Work at the School of Social Sciences in Cardiff University.
This is an extraordinary book in scope, theoretical sophistication, and practical appeal. The authors incorporate a variety of engaging examples highly relevant to social work practice. They build on and extend the theoretical insights of a diverse array of scholars from various qualitative traditions. I highly recommend the book for adoption in courses on qualitative methods and also for experienced social work researchers who want to work interpretively with text and image.
This excellent text, produced by acknowledged leaders in the field, provides an account of the relevance and rationale for qualitative methods in social work research, placing these methods in the context of historically evolving practices in the US and Britain. The discussion of specific methods will stand as a landmark presentation that will inform research practice for many years to come. Aimed at social work professionals and researchers it will also have a huge appeal to social researchers more widely.
A very clear overview of the qualitative research process with special reference to social work. The book has a strong chapter on qualitative research design which I have used on my reading list. The book has a clear structure and style.
The book provides in depth insight into qualitative research methodology and methods. Although it may prove itself a challenge to weaker students it offers great examples of how to apply QM in practice of social work. I particularly enjoyed reading the chapter showing that the role of the researcher is complimentary to the one of a social worker.
Easy to read and understand. Allows the student to obtain a basic understanding of qualitative research in social work.
This book is highly recommended for any student undergraduate or post graduate who are tasked with undertaking a small piece of research or interested qualitative research as the title suggests.
Each chapter will connect to the reader through the way that it is explained and provides a good grasp on the different areas to consider in undertaking research in this chosen area.
A very helpful book - it will be recommended on all our research methods reading lists.
This is an excellent text for social work students undertaking qualitative research for their dissertations. It is thoughtful and reflective, has plenty of useful case studies which helpfully bring the theoretical ideas alive, and provides fascinating insights into the history and current use of qualitative research in social work. I will certainly be using this text in teaching and recommending it to students.
Useful for Masters and PhD research students
