This book explores how research can improve the quality of social work. It provides an overview of the core theoretical concepts and the processes and practices in undertaking research.

Locating the place of social work research within the social sciences, this innovative book promotes critical debate to strengthen both the research base and day-to-day practice. It is designed to encourage 'reflective research practitioners' - professionals who are both critically reflective and research aware - and does so by:

- Presenting a range of approaches within research
- Highlighting distinctive aspects of social work research, such as emancipatory
- Research and researching sensitive topics
- Reflecting on the strengths of research and identifying how to utilise findings
- Introducing beginning researchers to the rationales for undertaking research

Highlighting the importance of how research informs practice, this book is essential reading for students on qualifying and post-qualifying courses, practitioners, managers and policy makers.

JOAN ORME is Emeritus Professor of Social Work in the Glasgow School of Social Work (GSSW), UK, where she was founder Head of School. She contributed to the development of social work research capacity by her involvement in the steering group that developed the JUC SWEC Research Strategy and in the steering group for the Research and Development Strategy for Social Services in Scotland. She also coordinated the first Researcher Development Initiative for social work. She is co-author of Social Work Practice and has published extensively in the areas of feminist social work, social work education and research.

DAVID SHEMMINGS is Professor of Social Work at the University of Kent, where he is both Chair of Social Work and Deputy Head of the School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Research. David has taught research methods to social workers for over 20 years in three different UK universities. Until recently, he was Project Coordinator for a UK-wide initiative to increase the confidence and capacity of social work researchers and academics to undertake publicly-funded medium- and large-scale research.
JOAN ORME is Emeritus Professor of Social Work in the Glasgow School of Social Work (GSSW), UK, where she was founder Head of School. She contributed to the development of social work research capacity by her involvement in the steering group that developed the JUC SWEC Research Strategy and in the steering group for the Research and Development Strategy for Social Services in Scotland. She also coordinated the first Researcher Development Initiative for social work. She is co-author of Social Work Practice and has published extensively in the areas of feminist social work, social work education and research.

DAVID SHEMMINGS is Professor of Social Work at the University of Kent, where he is both Chair of Social Work and Deputy Head of the School of Sociology, Social Policy and Social Research. David has taught research methods to social workers for over 20 years in three different UK universities. Until recently, he was Project Coordinator for a UK-wide initiative to increase the confidence and capacity of social work researchers and academics to undertake publicly-funded medium- and large-scale research.