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Social work practitioners are often ambivalent about the necessity of conducting research. Witkin (1995) suggests that the reason may have little to do with adequate training in research methods and more to do with a lack of an approach to research consistent with the mission of the profession. The purpose of this article is to begin a dialogue that focuses on delineating an approach to social work research that is consistent with the mission and values of the profession. A description of research approaches that share aspects of social work values is provided, followed by a discussion of core elements of each approach that may have implications for social work researchers. The core elements discussed include: (a) research that is shaped, guided, conducted, and even controlled by consumers; (b) research that focuses on communities or local contexts; (c) research that strives for mutual understanding; and (d) research that facilitates social change leading to empowerment, equality, and social justice. Finally, challenges to incorporating these core elements into research practice are discussed.

Cover -- Title -- Copyright -- Contents -- Tables and figures -- Acknowledgements -- Introduction -- Why do we need research based social work practice? -- What is to be done to develop a research base for practice? -- The organization of the text -- Part 1 Context of Social Work Research -- 1 What is research for? -- Introduction -- Social work and social sciences -- What is research? -- Social work research -- Evidence based policy and practice -- Emancipatory and participatory research -- Conclusion -- Recommended reading -- 2 Understanding social research -- Introduction -- Social research -- Social research and social work -- Conclusion -- Recommended reading -- Part 2 Process of Social Work Research -- 3 Ethics and ethical approval -- Introduction -- Research governance -- Principles of codes of ethics -- Implications for developing social work research -- Conclusion -- Recommended reading -- 4 Reviewing the literature -- Introduction -- Traditional literature reviews -- Systematic review -- Critical appraisal -- Conclusion -- Recommended reading -- 5 Methodologies and methods -- Introduction -- Methodologies, methods and design -- Ways of knowing -- The 'paradigm debate' -- Methodological approaches -- Bridging the gap -- Conclusion -- Recommended reading -- 6 Statistics and quantification: how numbers can help -- Introduction -- 'Easing' the distinction between quantitative and qualitative methods -- What do we need to get by? -- Looking for differences in the data -- Looking for similarities -- Conclusion -- Recommended reading -- 7 Samples and surveys -- Introduction -- Asking questions -- Selecting a sample -- Critically appraising a questionnaire -- The growing use of scales and inventories -- The Willingness to Care study: a brief outline of the design of a work in progress -- Conclusion -- Recommended reading -- 8 Talk and discourse.

AbstractA tendency in psychodrama research is the focus on proving effectiveness. This article in the Zeitschrift für Psychodrama und Soziometrie aims to propose arts-based research (ABR) methodology through a theoretical approach by a brief literature review of psychodrama research, a glimpse into discourses in applied theatre research and an introduction to arts-based research (ABR) methodology. How moments of participation and self-identified significant experiences by the participants from a psychodrama group can be investigated through ABR methodology will be exemplified through performative inquiry (Fels 2012), inspired by poetic inquiry (Faulkner 2018). In this way, the article aims to shed light on the question:How might arts-based research methodology in combination with qualitative research methodology contribute to the psychodrama research field?The article also presents empirical and ontological perspectives relating to the pilot study and give a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of applying ABR methodology exemplified in the article. This way, the paper aims to illuminate how ABR methodologies can be applied together with qualitative research methodology to contribute to psychodrama research.

AbstractA growing body of international evidence reflects the increasing recognition of evidence-based policing (EBP) and the co-production of research, yet the extent of which such research is being implemented remains unclear. This study seeks to explore the efficacy of EBP in relation to practical implementation issues and assess the impact research is having on practice, both within and external to a specific Constabulary. Twenty-nine research studies, conducted in association with the Constabulary, were examined using a mixed-method approach. Of the total projects, 52% of projects were found to have generated a change to practice or policy. The key features of research that were associated with impact included: (i) mixed-method data collection, (ii) transferability, and (iii) increased dissemination that engaged practitioner and academic audiences. Practically, these findings suggest that EBP research projects can be designed and disseminated in a way that increases the likelihood of implementing the findings to change practice.

Offering a fresh look to complement the dominant singular voice of developmental psychology, this unique collection of 12 research projects carried out in the UK and USA is essential reading for anyone studying or working with children at play.