what is the importance of social work research in practice

The link between social work research and practice

When thinking about social work, some may consider the field to solely focus on clinical interventions with individuals or groups.

There may be a mistaken impression that research is not a part of the social work profession. This is completely false. Rather, the two have been and will continue to need to be intertwined.

This guide covers why social workers should care about research, how both social work practice and social work research influence and guide each other, how to build research skills both as a student and as a professional working in the field, and the benefits of being a social worker with strong research skills. 

A selection of social work research jobs are also discussed.  

• Social workers and research
• Evidence-based practice
• Practice and research
• Research and practice
• Build research skills
• Social worker as researcher
• Benefits of research skills
• Research jobs

Why should social workers care about research?

Sometimes it may seem as though social work practice and social work research are two separate tracks running parallel to each other – they both seek to improve the lives of clients, families and communities, but they don’t interact. This is not the way it is supposed to work.

Research and practice should be intertwined, with each affecting the other and improving processes on both ends, so that it leads to better outcomes for the population we’re serving.

Section 5 of the NASW Social Work Code of Ethics is focused on social workers’ ethical responsibilities to the social work profession. There are two areas in which research is mentioned in upholding our ethical obligations: for the integrity of the profession (section 5.01) and for evaluation and research (section 5.02). 

Some of the specific guidance provided around research and social work include:

• 5.01(b): …Social workers should protect, enhance, and improve the integrity of the profession through appropriate study and research, active discussion, and responsible criticism of the profession.
• 5.01(d): Social workers should contribute to the knowledge base of social work and share with colleagues their knowledge related to practice, research, and ethics…
• 5.02(a) Social workers should monitor and evaluate policies, the implementation of programs, and practice interventions.
• 5.02(b) Social workers should promote and facilitate evaluation and research to contribute to the development of knowledge.
• 5.02(c) Social workers should critically examine and keep current with emerging knowledge relevant to social work and fully use evaluation and research evidence in their professional practice.
• 5.02(q) Social workers should educate themselves, their students, and their colleagues about responsible research practices.

Evidence-based practice and evidence-based treatment

In order to strengthen the profession and determine that the interventions we are providing are, in fact, effective, we must conduct research. When research and practice are intertwined, this leads practitioners to develop evidence-based practice (EBP) and evidence-based treatment (EBT).

Evidence-based practice is, according to The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) , a process involving creating an answerable question based on a client or organizational need, locating the best available evidence to answer the question, evaluating the quality of the evidence as well as its applicability, applying the evidence, and evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of the solution. 

Evidence-based treatment is any practice that has been established as effective through scientific research according to a set of explicit criteria (Drake et al., 2001). These are interventions that, when applied consistently, routinely produce improved client outcomes. 

For example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) was one of a variety of interventions for those with anxiety disorders. Researchers wondered if CBT was better than other intervention options in producing positive, consistent results for clients.

So research was conducted comparing multiple types of interventions, and the evidence (research results) demonstrated that CBT was the best intervention.

The anecdotal evidence from practice combined with research evidence determined that CBT should become the standard treatment for those diagnosed with anxiety. Now more social workers are getting trained in CBT methods in order to offer this as a treatment option to their clients.

How does social work practice affect research?

Social work practice provides the context and content for research. For example, agency staff was concerned about the lack of nutritional food in their service area, and heard from clients that it was too hard to get to a grocery store with a variety of foods, because they didn’t have transportation, or public transit took too long. 

So the agency applied for and received a grant to start a farmer’s market in their community, an urban area that was considered a food desert. This program accepted their state’s version of food stamps as a payment option for the items sold at the farmer’s market.

The agency used their passenger van to provide free transportation to and from the farmer’s market for those living more than four blocks from the market location.

The local university also had a booth each week at the market with nursing and medical students checking blood pressure and providing referrals to community agencies that could assist with medical needs. The agency was excited to improve the health of its clients by offering this program.

But how does the granting foundation know if this was a good use of their money? This is where research and evaluation comes in. Research could gather data to answer a number of questions. Here is but a small sample:

• How many community members visited each week and purchased fruits and vegetables? 
• How many took advantage of the transportation provided, and how many walked to the market? 
• How many took advantage of the blood pressure checks? Were improvements seen in those numbers for those having repeat blood pressure readings throughout the market season? 
• How much did the self-reported fruit and vegetable intake increase for customers? 
• What barriers did community members report in visiting and buying food from the market (prices too high? Inconvenient hours?)
• Do community members want the program to continue next year?
• Was the program cost-effective, or did it waste money by paying for a driver and for gasoline to offer free transportation that wasn’t utilized? What are areas where money could be saved without compromising the quality of the program?
• What else needs to be included in this program to help improve the health of community members?

How does research affect social work practice?

Research can guide practice to implement proven strategies. It can also ask the ‘what if’ or ‘how about’ questions that can open doors for new, innovative interventions to be developed (and then research the effectiveness of those interventions).

Engel and Schutt (2017) describe four categories of research used in social work:

• Descriptive research is research in which social phenomena are defined and described. A descriptive research question would be ‘How many homeless women with substance use disorder live in the metro area?’
• Exploratory research seeks to find out how people get along in the setting under question, what meanings they give to their actions, and what issues concern them. An example research question would be ‘What are the barriers to homeless women with substance use disorder receiving treatment services?’
• Explanatory research seeks to identify causes and effects of social phenomena. It can be used to rule out other explanations for findings and show how two events are related to each other.  An explanatory research question would be ‘Why do women with substance use disorder become homeless?’
• Evaluation research describes or identifies the impact of social programs and policies. This type of research question could be ‘How effective was XYZ treatment-first program that combined housing and required drug/alcohol abstinence in keeping women with substance use disorder in stable housing 2 years after the program ended?’

Each of the above types of research can answer important questions about the population, setting or intervention being provided. This can help practitioners determine which option is most effective or cost-efficient or that clients are most likely to adhere to. In turn, this data allows social workers to make informed choices on what to keep in their practice, and what needs changing. 

How to build research skills while in school

There are a number of ways to build research skills while a student.  BSW and MSW programs require a research course, but there are other ways to develop these skills beyond a single class:

• Volunteer to help a professor working in an area of interest. Professors are often excited to share their knowledge and receive extra assistance from students with similar interests.
• Participate in student research projects where you’re the subject. These are most often found in psychology departments. You can learn a lot about the informed consent process and how data is collected by volunteering as a research participant.  Many of these studies also pay a small amount, so it’s an easy way to earn a bit of extra money while you’re on campus. 
• Create an independent study research project as an elective and work with a professor who is an expert in an area you’re interested in.  You’d design a research study, collect the data, analyze it, and write a report or possibly even an article you can submit to an academic journal.
• Some practicum programs will have you complete a small evaluation project or assist with a larger research project as part of your field education hours. 
• In MSW programs, some professors hire students to conduct interviews or enter data on their funded research projects. This could be a good part time job while in school.
• Research assistant positions are more common in MSW programs, and these pay for some or all your tuition in exchange for working a set number of hours per week on a funded research project.

How to build research skills while working as a social worker

Social service agencies are often understaffed, with more projects to complete than there are people to complete them.

Taking the initiative to volunteer to survey clients about what they want and need, conduct an evaluation on a program, or seeing if there is data that has been previously collected but not analyzed and review that data and write up a report can help you stand out from your peers, be appreciated by management and other staff, and may even lead to a raise, a promotion, or even new job opportunities because of the skills you’ve developed.

Benefits of being a social worker with strong research skills

Social workers with strong research skills can have the opportunity to work on various projects, and at higher levels of responsibility. 

Many can be promoted into administration level positions after demonstrating they understand how to conduct, interpret and report research findings and apply those findings to improving the agency and their programs.

There’s also a level of confidence knowing you’re implementing proven strategies with your clients. 

Social work research jobs

There are a number of ways in which you can blend interests in social work and research. A quick search on Glassdoor.com and Indeed.com retrieved the following positions related to social work research:

• Research Coordinator on a clinical trial offering psychosocial supportive interventions and non-addictive pain treatments to minimize opioid use for pain.
• Senior Research Associate leading and overseeing research on a suite of projects offered in housing, mental health and corrections.
• Research Fellow in a school of social work
• Project Policy Analyst for large health organization
• Health Educator/Research Specialist to implement and evaluate cancer prevention and screening programs for a health department
• Research Interventionist providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia patients participating in a clinical trial
• Research Associate for Child Care and Early Education
• Social Services Data Researcher for an organization serving adults with disabilities.
• Director of Community Health Equity Research Programs evaluating health disparities.

No matter your population or area of interest, you’d likely be able to find a position that integrated research and social work. 

Social work practice and research are and should remain intertwined. This is the only way we can know what questions to ask about the programs and services we are providing, and ensure our interventions are effective. 

There are many opportunities to develop research skills while in school and while working in the field, and these skills can lead to some interesting positions that can make a real difference to clients, families and communities. 

Drake, R. E., Goldman, H., Leff, H. S., Lehman, A. F., Dixon, L., Mueser, K. T., et al. (2001). Implementing evidence-based practices in routine mental health service settings. Psychiatric Services, 52(2), 179-182. 

Engel, R.J., & Schutt, R.K. (2017). The Practice of Research in Social Work. Sage.

National Association of Social Workers. (n.d). Evidence Based Practice. Retrieved from: https://www.socialworkers.org/News/Research-Data/Social-Work-Policy-Research/Evidence-Based-Practice

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So why is research important to social work?

As social workers, we train to be able to see the multitude of invisible lines within the systems that hold our lives together, or divide us. We learn to recognize the disconnects, and to help our clients figure out how to reconnect the dots. We view the world through a lens of person-in-environment, that is to say, we seek to understand the context in which our clients live.

The social sciences have an inherent obligation not only to keep abreast of current relevant research, but also to be competent enough to apply new treatments and insights within their practice. Social workers are truly dedicated professionals who have to complete a minimum number of continuing education credits to continue practicing. We don’t get to pick and choose the individuals we help, which is why we have to constantly develop our cultural competencies to identify the strengths of those we are helping. So, research is important to social work because it helps us be effective!

According to the NASW, research in social work helps us:

• Assess the needs and resources of people in their environments
• Evaluate the effectiveness of social work services in meeting peoples needs
• Demonstrate relative costs and benefits of social work services
• Advance professional education in light of changing contexts for practice
• Understand the impact of legislation and social policy on the clients and communities we serve (Retrieved from http://www.socialworkpolicy.org/research)

I still do not know what my research question will be for my senior thesis, but I am beginning to pare down some topics that interest me such as:

• Effects of childhood trauma
• The school-to-prison pipeline
• Trauma-informed therapies within prisons
• Effectiveness of prison diversion programs

8 thoughts on “ So why is research important to social work? ”

try explaining in detail

article quite informing for an amateur in research

In doing any of interventions;evidence based is needed. Not intuition,you need to do assessment of the problem before intervention.Then again you need to to evaluation on the service you provided if has positive impact to your client.

It is a very informative piece of work

try explaining in detail the points listed as to where the nexus between Research and Social work lie

are there means to conduct dual research projects with your institutions?

Akulu muziika zithu zonse ap tisamachiteso kuvutika iyayi 😏😏

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Social Work Research and Evaluation Foundations

Studying social work and its effect on societies is essential to understanding and enhancing human and community well-being. By effectively measuring and evaluating social work outcomes, practitioners can employ evidence-based social work practices and evidence-based treatments (EBTs) to provide structured approaches to addressing client needs. For example, in the case of a client with an anxiety disorder, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and behavioral science can be applied as efficient and ethical frameworks to address communication and collaboration problems. 1

Read on to learn more about the essential role of social work research and evaluation.

The Importance of Research and Evaluation in Social Work Practice

By rigorously assessing and evaluating social work studies, researchers can better identify the most effective strategies to achieve their client’s objectives. 2 Instead of trial and error, a data-driven approach ensures researchers make better use of the resources available to them.

Evidence-based interventions result from analyzing past research findings. After choosing a solution, researchers test it to verify replicability in multiple real-world scenarios before it’s deemed successful. 3 New intervention methods are constantly being standardized across the social work field of study, letting practitioners choose from a wider range of tools and techniques suitable for their study. These are usually taught in more advanced research courses in graduate or master's programs.

For example, at Wurzweiler School of Social Work, students participate in individual research projects and learn the basics of conducting social work research . This includes learning how to use measurement instruments; logic of research design, including sampling and design selection; ethical and legal issues; quantitative and qualitative modes of observation; analysis of data; use of computers and computer programs; and research report writing.

Methodologies and Approaches for Conducting Social Work Research

Conducting social work research requires access to large amounts of data supplied by study participants, which can be historical data or up-to-date surveys. 4 Due to social work’s multifaceted nature, researchers must then use their understanding of how psychosocial factors intersect. They need to develop and adhere to strict research methodologies that are evidence-based instead of preconceived notions of a particular social issue. 5

Action Research and Participatory-Action Research (PAR)

By emphasizing the importance of direct collaboration with communities, researchers can hope to identify and address a demographic’s needs. 6

Empowerment Research

Studies, surveys and experiments aim to increase the feelings of empowerment, equality and social justice among people in communities by having them participate directly in the research process. 7

Constructivist Research

Constructivist research begins with the individual and their social contexts instead of the community as a whole. 8 It highlights the importance of perspective and social standing in shaping communities .

Designing Effective Evaluation Frameworks for Social Programs

Data collected from participants in a target demographic is considered raw data that needs to go through several stages of cleaning and refining before any insights can be extracted. 9 That’s why researchers need to be able to develop robust evaluation frameworks that facilitate access to the data.

Logic Models

Logic models are often used to evaluate a single program or intervention. 10 Logic models are designed to offer:

• Development approaches: Using forward logic to develop models starts from activities to predict outcomes, or vice versa in the case of reverse logic
• Framework utility: Frameworks guide the implementation and reporting of the logic model by clarifying its methodology and expected results
• Visual representation: Graphical depictions of data illustrate the connections between a study’s input, activities and outputs, showcasing the anticipated outcomes
• Components: Key elements include the problem statement, outcomes, outputs, resources and strategies

Theories of Change and Program Theory

Merging theories with logic models adds depth to frameworks by outlining the research process, mechanisms and the logic behind the expected outcomes. 11 Furthermore, theories explain the “how” and “why” the desired changes and outcomes are expected to occur in the program’s context, including factors outside the program’s control.

Furthermore, leveraging resources such as The Kellogg Foundation Logic Model Development Guide and the CDC Framework for Program Evaluation in Social Work can offer guidance and tools for constructing and utilizing robust evaluation frameworks. 12,13

Data Collection and Analysis Techniques in Social Work Research

Researchers can collect relevant data in a variety of ways , such as surveys, in-person focus groups, observations and official census reports. They can then select the suitable social work data analysis technique based on the type of data they have and the nature of the insights they’re looking for. 14 These techniques include:

• Thematic analysis: A qualitative approach that identifies, analyzes and reports patterns and anomalies
• Descriptive statistics: Mean, medians, modes and averages of datasets
• Inferential statistics: Predictive models that provide insights based on patterns

Ethical Considerations in Social Work Research and Evaluation

Ethical considerations determine the efficacy of social work research methods and evaluations. 15 Participants in the study must give informed consent to the data being collected on them without attempts to persuade or influence their answers. 16 Similarly, confidentiality and anonymity, especially when handling socially sensitive topics, are needed to ensure candid responses from study participants.

Utilizing Research Findings to Inform Evidence-Based Practice

In order to use results from past studies to inform future practices, researchers need to translate the studies’ outcomes through systematic reviews and guideline development. 17 The outcomes of earlier implementations often require constant monitoring to detect any underlying biases that can be addressed early on.

Challenges and Limitations in Social Work Research and Evaluation

Research in social work often faces numerous challenges that might impact the quality and efficacy of studies. Some of the most common ones include:

• Time constraints
• Hard-to-reach populations
• Inadequate strategies
• Financial constraints

Case Study of Successful Research and Evaluation Initiative

Despite the many complexities, many research studies can be successfully conducted in the field of social studies. One example is the study of developing new treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients.

First developed in the 1980s by Francine Shapiro, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing has been successful in treating emotional distress associated with PTSD. The method’s application was then expanded to include a wide range of issues from trauma and anxiety to addiction.

It’s been supported by over 30 controlled outcomes studies and has since been recognized by the World Health Organization and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as an effective therapeutic method. 18

Deepen Your Impact Through Social Work

The intersection between theoretical research and practical evaluation in the field of social work produces solutions that make a profound impact on the quality of life of communities and individuals. 19 This is a testament to the commitment of researchers to advance the field through progressively available means, particularly technology for data collection and mathematical algorithms for Big Data analytics.

Yeshiva University’s online Master of Social Work focuses on cultural responsiveness, social justice, and human transformation. You will gain hands-on experience in the field of social work and obtain CSWE accreditation that qualifies you for the post-graduate state exam. The expert faculty will equip you with the tools to create positive change in the world. Make an appointment to speak with an admissions outreach advisor today.

• Retrieved on April 10, 2024, from hbr.org/podcast/2021/01/using-behavioral-science-to-improve-well-being-for-social-workers
• Retrieved on April 10, 2024, from researchgate.net/publication/323370072_Evaluating_effectiveness_in_social_work_sharing_dilemmas_in_practice
• Retrieved on April 10, 2024, from ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547524/
• Retrieved on April 10, 2024, from researchgate.net/publication/298697140_Big_data_in_social_work_The_development_of_a_critical_perspective_on_social_work’s_latest_electronic_turn
• Retrieved on April 10, 2024, from https://caseworthy.com/articles/why-is-evidence-based-practice-important-in-social-work/
• Retrieved on April 10, 2024, from nature.com/articles/s43586-023-00214-1
• Retrieved on April 10, 2024, from academic.oup.com/bjsw/article/51/4/1482/6202975
• Retrieved on April 10, 2024, from journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/16094069231186257
• Retrieved on April 10, 2024, from journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/17456916221137350
• Retrieved on April 10, 2024, from sopact.com/guides/theory-of-change-vs-logic-model
• Retrieved on April 10, 2024, from betterevaluation.org/frameworks-guides/rainbow-framework/define/develop-programme-theory-theory-change
• Retrieved on April 10, 2024, from naccho.org/uploads/downloadable-resources/Programs/Public-Health-Infrastructure/KelloggLogicModelGuide_161122_162808.pdffrom-being-a-breeding-ground-for-threats/
• Retrieved on April 10, 2024, from cdc.gov/evaluation/framework/index.htm
• Retrieved on April 10, 2024, from nesta.org.uk/feature/eight-ways-councils-are-using-data-create-better-services/the-data-driven-social-worker/
• Retrieved on April 10, 2024, from cmsindia.org/sites/myfiles/Guidelines-for-Ethical-Considerations-in-Social-Research-Evaluation-In-India_2020.pdf
• Retrieved on April 10, 2024, from researchsupport.admin.ox.ac.uk/governance/ethics/resources/consent
• Retrieved on April 10, 2024, from health-policy-systems.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12961-020-00662-1
• Retrieved on April 10, 2024, from ptsd.va.gov/understand_tx/emdr.asp
• Retrieved on April 10, 2024, from researchgate.net/publication/8480043_Future_directions_in_evaluation_research_People_organizational_and_social_issues

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Focusing on what matters - research and evidence in social work

Published: 15 November 2018

Since I took up the post of the Chief Social Worker for Adults in England, one of my enduring priorities has been to encourage the development and use of research and evidence to inform social work practice and improve life outcomes for the people we serve.

Understanding which approaches and interventions work best and gathering the evidence to support them is essential. Why must we do this? To sustain and improve social work as part of the wider social care and health offer. This is how we will continue to deliver high quality care and support, centred on people's strengths, needs and aspirations.

For social workers and other social care professionals, having access to quality research and evidence is increasingly important. It supports decision making and challenges ingrained thinking and ways of working that are often taken for granted.

I am really pleased that the NIHR is helping raise the profile, and investing in social care and social work research.

The social care sector must be recognised and valued for the difference it makes to people’s lives and be put on an equal footing with health. Only then can we ensure the whole system really does achieve integrated outcomes for people, making the best use of all available approaches and resources.

The sector itself is recognising this imperative. The Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) which underpins all social workers’ professional development has been updated to include greater reference to the importance of research and evidence-informed practice.

However, for people in contact with social care services, decisions made about which areas to research can often seem remote and disconnected from the reality of their lives and the things that matter to them.

That is why I am so pleased to welcome the publication of the  James Lind Alliance (JLA)  report setting out the priorities for adult social work research.

Developed using their tried and tested methods, this is the first time anywhere in the world that this kind of research prioritisation has happened for adult social work and the first time the JLA approach has been used in a non-health related area.

Their approach is unique in fully involving people who use services, their carers and practitioners in identifying the questions that social work research should answer. Over 1150 people were involved in narrowing the field to  a final top 10 , which covers a diverse range of issues and themes for adult social work.

This report is a critical first step in helping us to make sure that future research answers the questions that are important, both to social workers and to those who are - or have been - in contact with them. I would ask all of you to read and share this report and to consider developing the research capability in your organisations and partnerships. More than that, I want you to encourage people and their carers, social workers and academics, to come together to shape and use research to make a real difference to people’s lives.

I look forward to working with you as we start the process of turning these questions into research. This is our opportunity to transform the quality of social work practice and social care support for the many individuals and families we strive to help.

• This blog was originally published on  Lyn Romeo's blog on gov.uk .
• The NIHR is running a campaign to raise awareness of social care and social work research. Find out more on the  NIHR website .

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Social Work Research Methods That Drive the Practice

Social workers advocate for the well-being of individuals, families and communities. But how do social workers know what interventions are needed to help an individual? How do they assess whether a treatment plan is working? What do social workers use to write evidence-based policy?

Social work involves research-informed practice and practice-informed research. At every level, social workers need to know objective facts about the populations they serve, the efficacy of their interventions and the likelihood that their policies will improve lives. A variety of social work research methods make that possible.

Data-Driven Work

Data is a collection of facts used for reference and analysis. In a field as broad as social work, data comes in many forms.

Quantitative vs. Qualitative

As with any research, social work research involves both quantitative and qualitative studies.

Quantitative Research

Answers to questions like these can help social workers know about the populations they serve — or hope to serve in the future.

• How many students currently receive reduced-price school lunches in the local school district?
• How many hours per week does a specific individual consume digital media?
• How frequently did community members access a specific medical service last year?

Quantitative data — facts that can be measured and expressed numerically — are crucial for social work.

Quantitative research has advantages for social scientists. Such research can be more generalizable to large populations, as it uses specific sampling methods and lends itself to large datasets. It can provide important descriptive statistics about a specific population. Furthermore, by operationalizing variables, it can help social workers easily compare similar datasets with one another.

Qualitative Research

Qualitative data — facts that cannot be measured or expressed in terms of mere numbers or counts — offer rich insights into individuals, groups and societies. It can be collected via interviews and observations.

• What attitudes do students have toward the reduced-price school lunch program?
• What strategies do individuals use to moderate their weekly digital media consumption?
• What factors made community members more or less likely to access a specific medical service last year?

Qualitative research can thereby provide a textured view of social contexts and systems that may not have been possible with quantitative methods. Plus, it may even suggest new lines of inquiry for social work research.

Mixed Methods Research

Combining quantitative and qualitative methods into a single study is known as mixed methods research. This form of research has gained popularity in the study of social sciences, according to a 2019 report in the academic journal Theory and Society. Since quantitative and qualitative methods answer different questions, merging them into a single study can balance the limitations of each and potentially produce more in-depth findings.

However, mixed methods research is not without its drawbacks. Combining research methods increases the complexity of a study and generally requires a higher level of expertise to collect, analyze and interpret the data. It also requires a greater level of effort, time and often money.

The Importance of Research Design

Data-driven practice plays an essential role in social work. Unlike philanthropists and altruistic volunteers, social workers are obligated to operate from a scientific knowledge base.

To know whether their programs are effective, social workers must conduct research to determine results, aggregate those results into comprehensible data, analyze and interpret their findings, and use evidence to justify next steps.

Employing the proper design ensures that any evidence obtained during research enables social workers to reliably answer their research questions.

Research Methods in Social Work

The various social work research methods have specific benefits and limitations determined by context. Common research methods include surveys, program evaluations, needs assessments, randomized controlled trials, descriptive studies and single-system designs.

Surveys involve a hypothesis and a series of questions in order to test that hypothesis. Social work researchers will send out a survey, receive responses, aggregate the results, analyze the data, and form conclusions based on trends.

Surveys are one of the most common research methods social workers use — and for good reason. They tend to be relatively simple and are usually affordable. However, surveys generally require large participant groups, and self-reports from survey respondents are not always reliable.

Program Evaluations

Social workers ally with all sorts of programs: after-school programs, government initiatives, nonprofit projects and private programs, for example.

Crucially, social workers must evaluate a program’s effectiveness in order to determine whether the program is meeting its goals and what improvements can be made to better serve the program’s target population.

Evidence-based programming helps everyone save money and time, and comparing programs with one another can help social workers make decisions about how to structure new initiatives. Evaluating programs becomes complicated, however, when programs have multiple goal metrics, some of which may be vague or difficult to assess (e.g., “we aim to promote the well-being of our community”).

Needs Assessments

Social workers use needs assessments to identify services and necessities that a population lacks access to.

Common social work populations that researchers may perform needs assessments on include:

• People in a specific income group
• Everyone in a specific geographic region
• A specific ethnic group
• People in a specific age group

In the field, a social worker may use a combination of methods (e.g., surveys and descriptive studies) to learn more about a specific population or program. Social workers look for gaps between the actual context and a population’s or individual’s “wants” or desires.

For example, a social worker could conduct a needs assessment with an individual with cancer trying to navigate the complex medical-industrial system. The social worker may ask the client questions about the number of hours they spend scheduling doctor’s appointments, commuting and managing their many medications. After learning more about the specific client needs, the social worker can identify opportunities for improvements in an updated care plan.

In policy and program development, social workers conduct needs assessments to determine where and how to effect change on a much larger scale. Integral to social work at all levels, needs assessments reveal crucial information about a population’s needs to researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders. Needs assessments may fall short, however, in revealing the root causes of those needs (e.g., structural racism).

Randomized Controlled Trials

Randomized controlled trials are studies in which a randomly selected group is subjected to a variable (e.g., a specific stimulus or treatment) and a control group is not. Social workers then measure and compare the results of the randomized group with the control group in order to glean insights about the effectiveness of a particular intervention or treatment.

Randomized controlled trials are easily reproducible and highly measurable. They’re useful when results are easily quantifiable. However, this method is less helpful when results are not easily quantifiable (i.e., when rich data such as narratives and on-the-ground observations are needed).

Descriptive Studies

Descriptive studies immerse the researcher in another context or culture to study specific participant practices or ways of living. Descriptive studies, including descriptive ethnographic studies, may overlap with and include other research methods:

• Informant interviews
• Census data
• Observation

By using descriptive studies, researchers may glean a richer, deeper understanding of a nuanced culture or group on-site. The main limitations of this research method are that it tends to be time-consuming and expensive.

Single-System Designs

Unlike most medical studies, which involve testing a drug or treatment on two groups — an experimental group that receives the drug/treatment and a control group that does not — single-system designs allow researchers to study just one group (e.g., an individual or family).

Single-system designs typically entail studying a single group over a long period of time and may involve assessing the group’s response to multiple variables.

For example, consider a study on how media consumption affects a person’s mood. One way to test a hypothesis that consuming media correlates with low mood would be to observe two groups: a control group (no media) and an experimental group (two hours of media per day). When employing a single-system design, however, researchers would observe a single participant as they watch two hours of media per day for one week and then four hours per day of media the next week.

These designs allow researchers to test multiple variables over a longer period of time. However, similar to descriptive studies, single-system designs can be fairly time-consuming and costly.

Learn More About Social Work Research Methods

Social workers have the opportunity to improve the social environment by advocating for the vulnerable — including children, older adults and people with disabilities — and facilitating and developing resources and programs.

Learn more about how you can earn your  Master of Social Work online at Virginia Commonwealth University . The highest-ranking school of social work in Virginia, VCU has a wide range of courses online. That means students can earn their degrees with the flexibility of learning at home. Learn more about how you can take your career in social work further with VCU.

From M.S.W. to LCSW: Understanding Your Career Path as a Social Worker

How Palliative Care Social Workers Support Patients With Terminal Illnesses

How to Become a Social Worker in Health Care

Gov.uk, Mixed Methods Study

MVS Open Press, Foundations of Social Work Research

Open Social Work Education, Scientific Inquiry in Social Work

Open Social Work, Graduate Research Methods in Social Work: A Project-Based Approach

Routledge, Research for Social Workers: An Introduction to Methods

SAGE Publications, Research Methods for Social Work: A Problem-Based Approach

Theory and Society, Mixed Methods Research: What It Is and What It Could Be

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What is Practice Research in Social Work - Definitions, Barriers and Possibilities

• Lars Uggerhøj Aalborg University

Practice is subject to increasing pressure to demonstrate its ability to achieve outcomes required by public policy makers.  As part of this process social work practice has to engage with issues around advancing knowledge-based learning processes in a close collaboration with education and research based perspectives. This has given rise to approaches seeking to combine research methodology, field research and practical experience. Practice research is connected to both “the science of the concrete” – a field of research oriented towards subjects more than objects and “mode 2 knowledge production” – an application-oriented research where frameworks and findings are discussed by a number of partners. Practice research is defined into two approaches: practice research – collaboration between practice and research – and practitioner research – processes controlled and accomplished by practitioners. The basic stakeholders in practice research are social workers, service users, administrators, management, organisations, politicians and researchers. Accordingly, practice research is necessarily collaborative, involving a meeting point for different views, interests and needs, where complexity and dilemmas are inherent. Instead of attempting to balance or reconcile these differences, it is important to respect the differences if collaboration is to be established. The strength of both practice and research in practice research is to address these difficult challenges. The danger for both fields is to avoid and reject them.

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1 What Is Practice Research and Why Is It Important

• Published: April 2020
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Chapter 1 of Practice Research in the Human Services: A University-Agency Partnership Model discusses the evolving definition of practice research. It highlights the need to identify ways to improve practice in the complex situations that characterize human services, by developing knowledge that emerges directly from everyday practice. Practice research often focuses on the relationships between service providers and service users, between service providers and their managers, between agency-based service providers and community advocacy and support groups, and between agency managers and policymakers. The chapter outlines the “practice” and “research” components of practice research, the role of theory, and the importance of local context in shaping specific approaches to practice research. It provides an overview of the university-agency partnership that provided the platform for carrying out the studies described in the volume, and offers perspectives on the related phenomena associated with learning organizations and evidence-informed practice.

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Best Social Work Degrees & Career Options

The Role of Research in Social Work Degree Curricula

Key takeaways .

• Research in social work education is essential for developing evidence-based practice and effective advocacy skills.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills, fostered by research, are integral to successful social work interventions.
• Proficiency in research can expand career opportunities and lead to advanced roles within the social work field.

The Importance of Research in Social Work

To understand social work research’s importance, we must first understand that social work is both a practice-based academic discipline and a profession that promotes people empowerment, social change, and social advocacy. Practice and research are intertwined in a wide range of ways, such as research influencing the adoption of new practices and current practices promoting research into causes, effects, and innovations. 

Indeed, social workers become more effective and efficient in their evidence-based practice (EBP) and evidence-based treatment (EBT) when their strategies are supported by research.

Roles Research Plays in the Foundational Knowledge of Social Work Practices and Policies

When social workers use research in their practice, their programs and plans are backed by empirical evidence that increases their effectiveness, efficiency, and responsiveness in addressing current and emerging social issues. The empirical evidence that research provides can either challenge or support their current policies and practices, too. 

• Field Placement Opportunities in Social Work Degree Programs

Furthermore, by providing evidence based on observation, experimentation, and experience, research shapes, changes, and influences our current understanding of the theories, principles, and practices of social work. 

The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, encouraged social workers to change many of their practices in addressing child protection given social distancing measures. Many research studies highlighted these changes and their causes and effects that subsequently influenced child protection practices in post-pandemic times. 

Furthermore, research influences and informs the creation, implementation, and evaluation of our government’s social welfare policies affecting poverty, systemic racism, child and family welfare, and mental health, among others. In turn, these social welfare policies influence the curriculum in social work education and the foundational knowledge and skills that students gain. 

Such is the importance of research that the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has highlighted the importance of research in its Social Work Code of Ethics . 

The bottom line: Research builds on and expands the current body of knowledge in social work, including its history and trends, theories, principles, and practices. Both current and aspiring social workers have the technologies, tools, and strategies to challenge their practices, improve their services and delivery, and introduce innovations. 

Ways Research Informs Evidence-based Practice and Contributes to Effective Decision-making 

We must first understand the basics of the five-step process in evidence-based practice social work, namely: 

• Ask. Create an answerable and focused question 
• Acquire . Find research that will provide the best evidence to answer your question 
• Appraise. Use critical evaluation strategies in the examination of the evidence and its suitability. 
• Apply. Integrate suitable and useful evidence in addressing the issue based on your clinical expertise and your client’s specific needs. 
• Assess. Evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention and its results. 

Every step in the process uses research and its evidence. Social workers use research to build their knowledge and skills, ask questions challenging the norm, and choose the best interventions for their clients based on evidence-based assessment, treatment, and evaluation strategies. 

Their decisions are informed by scientific research and its evidence, not just by their own experiences and anecdotal evidence. The result: Better decisions that serve the best interests of their clients. 

Integrating Research into Social Work Education

With the crucial importance of research and research skills in social work as a profession, students must anticipate research education as an integral part of their social work education. 

Overview of Integration of Research Education in Social Work Education 

Social work degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels integrate research education in their respective curriculum in several ways. 

• Courses in research methods 

These courses usually cover topics in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, including the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data. The specific course titles vary, with common titles being Introduction to Social Work Research, Advanced Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods, and Clinical Research Methods in Social Work Practice. 

• Fieldwork and practice-based group research projects 

Students apply their research knowledge and skills during their practice-based research projects and fieldwork placements. Their research projects, for example, can be in community needs assessment, client satisfaction and outcome surveys, and midterm program reviews. Many degree programs also encourage students to participate in research internships or practicums with faculty members, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. 

• Thesis or capstone project 

Research knowledge and skills are also put to the test in the final academic requirement – a thesis or a capstone project. In a thesis, students ask a theoretical question or add to the body of knowledge. A capstone project is about recommending a solution to a current social issue. 

Core courses in social work education also integrate the acquisition of research competencies. Social Welfare Policy and Services, Human Behavior and the Social Environment, and Community Organizing and Development are the best examples. 

Achieving Balance Between Theoretical Research Methodologies and Applied Research in Addressing Social Issues

Both theoretical research and applied research are valuable in finding solutions for current and emerging social issues. Striking the right balance can be tricky, but it’s possible. 

On the one hand, theoretical research methodologies are useful in understanding the causes and effects of social issues, in creating theories and hypotheses, and in asking what-if questions. On the other hand, applied research methodologies are valuable in finding viable solutions for practical issues, determining the effectiveness of past and current interventions, and practicing evidence-based social work. 

For social workers to address social issues, a balance must be achieved. The best ways are: 

• Use data from theoretical research to inform practical solutions 
• Apply data from theoretical research to create actionable strategies 
• Let theoretical research and applied research influence each other through a continuous feedback loop 

For example, research into trauma among young children enables social workers to create better trauma-informed care for youth populations in homes, schools, hospitals, and shelters. In turn, the professional observations and experiences of social workers in trauma settings can be noted in research studies – and the continuous feedback loop starts.   

Developing Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills

Students involved in social work degree research are engaged in productive work that develops their critical thinking and analytical thinking skills. These are crucial soft skills in evidence-based social work practice because of their impact on the decision-making and problem-solving processes. 

Roles of Research in the Development of These Soft Skills for Social Work Assessment and Intervention

Students engaged in research gain an understanding of the principles and practices in evidence-based social work. You will learn to make critical evaluations of evidence from research, including the credibility of information and suitability of application for the interventions you’re considering. The ability to challenge findings, question the orthodoxy, and ask difficult questions as part of the research are integral to critical thinking skills development. 

Research is also crucial in social work analytical skills development because you must analyze data, interpret findings, and make conclusions from the available evidence. These activities are directly related to the assessment of the needs of individuals, groups, and communities and the determination of the best possible interventions. 

Case Studies and Research Projects as Tools in Skills Development 

Case studies are usually lifted from real-life scenarios where social work issues are filled with gray areas, multiple variables, and complex personalities. Students develop their critical thinking and analytical skills when they evaluate the information presented, make conclusions about the core issues presented, and recommend possible solutions to these issues. 

Research projects develop critical thinking and analytical skills, too, when students interpret data, identify the core problem, and review the existing literature. These activities demand critical evaluation and objective analysis of the data presented. 

If you’re planning on pursuing social work education, you must be prepared for the challenging intensity of case studies and research projects. You will likely encounter them in many, if not most, of your core courses, including research methodologies courses. Case studies are in child welfare and protection, community organizing, and family dynamics, among others.  

Research as a Tool for Advocacy and Social Justice

The NASW’s Code of Ethics upholds social work advocacy research as among the profession’s core pillars. This isn’t surprising since advocacy for social justice, human dignity, and social equality has been and continues to be an integral part of being a social worker. The use of research as an advocacy tool comes naturally for social workers, too. 

Research as an Empowering Tool for Future Social Workers 

If you’re an aspiring social worker, you can use research as an effective and efficient tool in your advocacy for social justice and policy change. You shouldn’t be afraid either to become an advocate, even as a student, because great things start from small things. 

Here are the ways that research empowers you and your advocacy in social work. 

• Promote evidence-based advocacy.

Research provides strong evidence that will inform your strategies for addressing issues in social policy and social justice. You can either conduct your research or use the research of others as evidence. 

• Identify the best practices in advocacy. 

By studying the evidence, you can identify the best practices that experienced social workers have used in their successful programs, including treatments and interventions. Think of it as learning from the best and learning from their mistakes. 

• Understand the cause and effect of issues. 

Many research studies conducted on social policy and social justice focus on the identification of their root causes and effects. You can use their conclusions and evidence in informing your advocacy strategies. 

Impact of Student-led Research on Highlighting Community Needs and Influencing Policy

Social work students engage in research throughout their studies, from case studies to capstone projects and thesis papers. Their impact on shaping social policy and highlighting community needs is significant in the following ways. 

• Putting the spotlight on grassroots issues that have a direct impact on community welfare 
• Increasing awareness among social workers, policymakers, and nonprofit organizations about pressing issues faced by underrepresented populations, remote areas, and at-risk groups 
• Generating useful data for in-depth analysis in subsequent studies 
• Mobilizing support from the community and stakeholders through evidence of urgent need 

Student-led social work research is a treasure trove, thanks to a wide range of topics, including teenage homelessness, food insecurity among college students, and domestic violence in the LGBTQ+ community. 

Career Advancement Through Research Expertise

Students in social work degree programs are strongly encouraged to take advantage of every research opportunity available. With every research experience, their research competencies increase. This comes with several benefits after graduation, particularly in competitive job markets. 

Advantages of Research Experience in the Job Market

The projected growth of overall employment of social workers is 7% (2022-2032) , or 63,800 openings, on average, every year. Even with the high demand, there will always be competition. 

You and thousands of social workers will likely possess similar academic credentials and a state-issued license. Your competitive edge can be your extensive research experience and the knowledge, skills, and competencies that come with it. 

Among the soft skills and competencies that employers find desirable among social workers are: 

• Enhanced critical thinking and analytical thinking skills 
• Improved ability for evidence-based practice 
• Advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills 
• Effective presentation and public speaking skills 
• Efficient collaboration, teamwork, and communication skills 

When you can demonstrate these skills in your resume, personal statement, and interview, you’re one step closer to being hired. 

Opportunities for Advanced Roles

Social workers with extensive research experience from their undergraduate years and professional work experience have excellent competitiveness for leadership roles, too. The wide range of possible work settings include: 

• Colleges and universities as professors, scholars, and researchers 
• Government agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services
• Social service agencies
• Policy and advocacy organizations 
• Nonprofit organizations
• Healthcare facilities, including medical clinics, hospitals, mental health clinics, hospices, and nursing homes
• Community development organizations 
• Think tanks and research centers 
• Consulting firms 

In these organizations, social workers can assume leadership roles like director of social services, executive director, and program manager.

Social Work

• Background Info
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• EndNote / APA Style
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• Clinical Social Work
• Systematic Reviews (DSW & PhD)
• Publishing in Social Work Journals

Finding Journals to Publish In

Evaluating Journal Quality

• Think. Check. Submit. Think. Check. Submit. helps researchers identify trusted journals for their research. Through a range of tools and practical resources, this international, cross-sector initiative aims to educate researchers, promote integrity, and build trust in credible research and publications

Research on Social Work Journals

Hodge, D. R., Yu, M., & Kim, A. (2020). Assessing the Quality and Prestige of Disciplinary Social Work Journals: A National Study of Faculty Perceptions. Research on Social Work Practice, 30 (4), 451–459. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731519890402  

Epstein, W. M. (2004). Confirmational Response Bias and the Quality of the Editorial Processes Among American Social Work Journals. Research on Social Work Practice, 14 (6), 450–458. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049731504265838  

Bender, K., & Windsor, L. C. (2010). The Four P s of Publishing: Demystifying Publishing in Peer-Reviewed Journals for Social Work Doctoral Students.  Journal of Teaching in Social Work ,  30 (2), 147-158.  https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08841231003697999

Guides to Publishing Journals

• Publishing Journal Articles [eBook] | SAGE Research Methods When, what, and where to publish. Working with publishers and journal editors. Getting the style right. Recovering from rejection.
• How do I publish a journal article? [eVideo] | SAGE Research Methods
• Discrimination in Research and Scholarly Publishing [eVideo] | SAGE Research Methods Unconscious and conscious bias and discrimination in scholarly publishing, peer review and editorial decision making.
• Writing for Publication [eBook] | SAGE Research Methods Writing for publication in journals and books.

Author Rights

Section 106 of the Copyright Act states that only the owner of a copyright has the authority to:

• Reproduce the work (i.e. make physical or digital copies)
• Create derivative works (i.e. subsequent articles, book chapters, etc.)
• Distribute copies of the work 
• Publicly perform the work (i.e. show video at a conference)
• Publicly display the work (i.e. show photos, tables, and figures from your works)
• Publicly perform sound recordings via a digital audio transmission
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eBooks about Publishing

• Last Updated: Apr 30, 2024 12:12 PM
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