Innovations in Social Work Research ─ Using Methods Creatively

A valuable reference to help practising researchers not only to understand but also to apply innovative approaches to social work research. Featuring extended case studies of actual research projects, the book provides an overview of a number of central features and qualities of social work research. It incorporates both distinctive methodological features, such as approaches to participatory inquiry, and provides accounts of researcher strategies to address particular challenges, such as carrying out studies with hard to reach populations. This book combines important methodological insights with pragmatic guidance on commonly experienced problems and how these challenges can be overcome. This is a key resource for social work and social care students, social work practitioners and academics engaged in research.

Louise Hardwick works in Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology at the University of Liverpool. She originally practised as a social worker before moving into academia. As well as research interests in critical pedagogical approaches and the impact of welfare reform on differing social groups, she is also Chair of the registered charity Interchange that links student researchers and voluntary organisations in participatory action research projects.Roger Smith BA, MA, MPhil, PhD is Deputy Head of School (Research) and Professor of Social Work in the School of Applied Social Sciences at Durham University. He qualified as a social worker and practised as a probation officer, specialising in youth justice. He was head of policy with The Children's Society, before taking up an academic role as a social work educator and researcher. During his academic career he has developed an interest in research methods in social work, particularly participatory approaches.Aidan Worsley BA, MA, MPhil, FRSA is a Professor of Social Work and Executive Dean of the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences at the University of Central Lancashire and. He is a qualified, registered social worker, with a background in criminal justice work and wide experience as an academic manager, external examiner and active researcher in areas of social work education, social work and service user led research, practice learning and interprofessional learning and teaching. He has provided training and consultancy to a wide range of organisations across the health and social care sectors.