UNIT 1 SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH:

MEANING, IMPORTANCE AND

SCOPE
Contents
1.0 Objectives
1.1 ' Introduction
1.2 Meaning of Science
1.3 What is Research?
1.4 Meaning of Social Work Research
1.5 Social Work Research: The Process
1.6 Relevance of Research in Social Work
1.7 Scope of Social Work Research
1.8 Goals and Limitations of Social Work Research
1.9 Let Us Sum Up
1.10 Key Words
1.11 Suggested Readings
1.12 Answers to Check Your Progress

1.0 OBJECTIVES
The aim of this unit is to provide you with an understanding of the basics
of social work research. The unit examines the term social work research.
Suitable examples, wherever necessary, have been given for better understanding
of the concept. The unit also highlights the importance and scope of social
work research. On the completion of this unit, you would be able to :
define the terms research and social work research;
explain other related concepts such as science, scientific research, scientific
method etc;
describe the process of social work research;
discuss the relevance of social work research; and
identify the goal and limitations of social work research.

1 . INTRODUCTION
Man has always been interested in the facts and events that have been taking
place around him. He has been exploring different sources of evidence concerning
the facts and events to acquire reliable knowledge about the various aspects
of human experience. However, it was observed that personal bias influenced
the selection of sources of evidences and that care was not exercised to
examine the authenticity of the evidence provided by these sources. The result
was inconsistency in the explanation of the same facts and events time and
again. Hence, to acquire reliable knowledge, scientists, thinkers and philosophers
have used various methods (La1 Das, 2000).

Among the various methods, the method of science is perhaps the most
commonly used method of knowing or fixing beliefs. This is because more
Basics bf W o r k Research dependable knowledge is attained through science as it ultimately appeals and
evidence and propositions are subjected to empirical tests.

The method of science has one characteristic that no other method of attaining
knowledgehas - objectivity. There is a well-conceived self-control mechanism
all along the way to the scientific knowledge. This mechanism is so designed
that it not only controls and verifies the scientist's activities and conclusions
but it also keeps the scientist away from his personal beliefs, perceptions,
biases, values, attitudes and emotions. Thus the approach helps the scientist
to attain objectivity.

To what extent is the method of science useful in studying the problems of

society? How can we acquire reliable knowledge about the various aspects
of human experience? To be more specific how can the scientific approach
be of value in understanding social phenomena? In response to these questions
our approach would be first, to understand the meaning of science and then
to examine the scientific approach, its assumptions and aims and finally to
take a close look at the approach to find out how it can help social workers
to understand social problems.

1.2 MEANING OF SCIENCE

The word science is derived from the Latin word 'scienta' which means 'to
know'. Throughout history, people have been very keen to acquire knowledge
by using various methods. However, it was felt necessary to evolve a method
by which individual thinking has no effect on the conclusions. In other words,
the method should be such that the ultimate conclusion of every man is the
same. Endeavours to acquire knowledge, which involved such methods, came
to be known as science.

The term 'science' has been defined in different ways. To some, science
means an objective investigation of empirical phenomena, to others, science
denotes an accumulation of systematic knowledge; to still others, it means
all knowledge collected by means of the scientific methodology. Nevertheless,
whatever may be the way of defining, science is united by its methodology.
Hence it would be easier to understand science if we first consider science
as a method of approach, and then discuss its aims and functions.

A method is a system of explicit rules and procedures. Thus methodologically

an approach to acquire knowledge which follows certain explicit rules and
procedures is science. Further the results - the acquired knowledge are
evaluated in the light of the method. The process of study, which involves
these steps, is science.
Aim of Science
The ultimate aim of science is to produce an accumulating body of reliable
knowledge, which enable us to understand the world in which we live and
its ways. First, science describes the various phenomena that interest us, such
as: What was the population growth rate of our country in the last decade?
Description of a phenomenon is followed by explanation. Explanation answers
the question: Why is there a higher rate of population growth in underdeveloped
countries than in developed countries? In other words, a scientist first describes
the situation and then explains it. The explanation of situation brings meaning
 to the description. Finally, science contributes to the body of knowledge by Social Work Research:
Meaning, Importance
way of prediction. Prediction means making inferences from the facts. For and Scope
example, if the present conditions continue, the population of the country will
cross 1000 million by the end of this decade. It is true that the scientists
rarely make absolute predictions, they instead infer in terms of probabilities.
The final step of science prediction has been referred to as one of 'the most
desirable fruits of scientific labour.

Check Your Progress I

Note: a) Use the space given below for your answer
b) Check your answer with those given at the end of this unit
!
1) Why it was felt necessary to evolve the method of science?
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
2) What is the ultimate aim of science?
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................

1 1.3 WHAT IS RESEARCH ?

/I When we observe certain objects or phenomena, often unaware of our biases,
we do not question them and so we attribute our observations entirely to
1 the objects or phenomena being observed. In this process, it is possible to
. arrive at right decision on the basis of wrong reasons or vice versa. This
questions the process of observation. Was the observation error free? Every
method of knowing has certain limitations. While observing are we aware of
, our limitations? Any study to create new knowledge or aims to increase
existing fund of knowledge may it be through observation or by some other
methods, is called research if'it takes into account the biases, the errors and
limitations. As such, research may be described as systematic and critical
investigation of phenomena toward increasing the stream of knowledge.
Scientific Research
Science aims at description, explanation and understanding of various objects
or phenomena in nature and research are special endeavours, which involves
systematic and critical investigation. Thus, towards increasing the stream of
knowledge now it is easier to define scientific research. We may define scientific
research as a systematic and critical investigation about the natural phenomena
to describe, explain and finally to understand the relations among them.
Basics of Social Work Research Scientific Method
It. is obvious that it would be impossible to comprehend the nature and
content of research without an appreciation of a method. The method used
in scientific research is usually designated as scientific method. According to
George Lundberg (1946), scientific method consists of three basic steps,
systematic observation, classification and interpretation of data. Through these
steps, scientific method brings about not only verifiability of the facts, but
also it lays the confidence in the validity of conclusions.

The definition requires some more explanations. First when Lundberg (1946)
says that scientific method is systematic observation, he means in effect, the
scientific investigation is not ordered, it aims only at discovering facts as they
actually are and not as they are desired to be and as such the investigators
can have critical confidence in their conclusions. Second, the scientific method
is concerned with 'classes of objects' not 'individual objects'. Universality
and predictability are other features of scientific method. The method makes
it possible to predict about a phenomenon with sufficient accuracy.
Use of Scientific Method in Social Work
Social work primarily deals with human behaviour, which is, by and large,
complex and dynamic in nature. One cannot, therefore investigate under guided
conditions as in natural and physical sciences. This creates many problems
to the researcher such as the problems of subjectivity and individualistic
generalizations etc.

The problem arising out of the nature and content of social work do not
seriously diminish the importance of scientific method for social workers. Not
withstanding the inherent limitations scientific method can be used for the
study of problems related with social work so far as it helps to arrive at
valid generalisations.

I Check Your Progress I1 I

Note: a) Use the space given below for your answer
b) Check your answer with those given at the end of this unit
1) What is Research?

.....................................................................................................
2) Define scientific research.
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
 Social Work Research:
1.4 MEANING OF SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH Meaning, Importance
and Scope
In a very broad sense, social work research is the application of research
methods to solve problems that social workers confront in the practice of
social work. It provides information that can be taken into consideration by
social workers prior to making decisions, that affect their clients, programmes
or agencies such as use of alternative intervention techniques or change or
modification of programme/client/objectives and so forth.

Following are some of the situations which call for application of social work
research methods and techniques:
A social caseworker is interested in assessing the nature and extent of
the problem of her client who has been facing marital maladjustment. She
may be interested in obtaining information about the actual or potential
effectiveness of the client. She may also be keen to know to what extent
the intervention would be effective.
A group worker wishes to assess the extent to which the technique of
role play is more or less effective than group discussion in increasing
knowledge of drug abuse among school going children.
A community organiser wants to know the views of the community before
he takes a decision to change the programmelobjectives.
A director of special school for mentally retarded children wants to know
whether group therapy is as effective as individual therapy in increasing
adaptability of mentally retarded children.
A social work administrator is concerned about effectiveness of implementation
of new programme launched.
Social Work Research: Definition
Social work research may be defined as systematic investigation into the
probIems in the fielcl of social work. The study of concepts, principles, theories
underlying socia1 work methods and skills are the major areas of social work
research. It involves the study of the relationship of social workers with their
clients; individuals, groups or communities on various levels of interaction or
therapy as well as their natuI-al relationships and functioning within the organisational
structure of social agencies.

While on the theoretical side, social work research re-examines the special
body of knowledge; concepts and theories, where as in the area of social
work practice it tries to evolve a systematic theory and valid concepts, to
know the efficacy of different methodslinterventions of social work as to
search for alternatelinnovative interventions and treatments.

Social work research, therefore, concerns itself with the probIems faced by
social workers. It encompasses those questions which are encountered in
social work practices or in planning or administering social work services
which can be solved through research and which are appropriate for investigation
under socia1 work auspices.

Social work research utilizes the same scientific methods and techniques, as
does social research. No doubt. when some (research designs) procedures
of social research are not suitable to social work research it would be necessary
t n r l n x ~ n l n ntho tnnlc- ~ x r h i Lo
~ xh r n x ~ l r l qnn~n-vioto tn nnni-1 ~ ~ r n v v
l n
r nnnvnh
Basics of Social Work Research
Check Your Progress I11
Note: a) Use the space given below for your answer
b) Check your answer with those given at the end of this unit
1) Why it is not possible to use scientific method under guided conditions
in social work as in natural and physical sciences?
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
......................................................................................................
2) Define the concept of Social work research.
......................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................

1.5 SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH: THE PROCESS

It must be borne in mind that the process of social work research is not
completely identical to social research. In fact, there are many similarities
between this process and the traditional research process. The process however,
has some additional steps designed to suit the objectives of social work
research. By following the process social work researchers are in a position
to know precisely what intervention was applied and how much effect was
produced. The process also links research and practice.

Social work research starts with problem identification and setting up of

goals. This is followed by the process of assessment (or need assessment)
of the client's problems. During these initial stages, the researcher strives to
obtain a clear and specific understanding of the problem, using assessment
tools such as interviewing (Monette, et. al., 1986).

After the problem is identified and needs are assessed, the next step is to
set up goals to be achieved. The goals are required to be specific, precisely
defined and measurable in some way. The third step in the process is to have
a pre-intervention measurement, that is, measurement prior to intervention;
the pre-intervention measurement is used as basis from which to compare
the client's condition after the intervention is introduced.

Next stage in the process is to introduce intervention. It is important here

to note that only a single, coherent intervention be applied during any intervention
phase. In the last stage, we assess the effects of intervention by comparing
the two measurements, that is, pre-intervention measurement and measurements
during intervention.
 I
Social Work Research:
Identification of Problems Meaning, Importance
and Scope

Assess the Intervention

Inter1

Y
Effects (Data Collection)
Collecnon) Need Assessment

Introduce Selection of Social Work

Intervention Research Design

Pre-Intervention
Measurement (Data Collection)

Figure 1: The Social Work Research Process

1.6 RELEVANCE OF RESEARCH IN SOCIAL

WORK
Social work is a practice profession. As such, the major objective of social
work research is to search for answers to questions raised regarding interventions
or practice effectiveness. In other words social work research attempts to
provide knowledge about what interventions or treatments really help or hinder
the attainment of social work goals. In adqition, it also helps in searching
for answers to problems or difficulties faced by social work practitioners in
the practice of their profession. Ultimately it helps building knowledge base
for social work theory and practice.

Social work research also deals with problems faced by professional social
workers, social work agencies and community in its concern with social work
functions. In other words in social work research the problems to be investigated
are always found in the course of doing social work or planning to do it
(Dasgupta, 1968).

It is obvious that in social work research the study of a problem is from

the point of view of social work and that of professional social work. The
designing of research problems, data collection and its interpretation will have
to be attempted in a manner as would be useful to professional social work
which would add new knowledge to the social work theory and practice and
improve the efficiency of professional social workers.

Social work research is regarded as the systematic use of research concepts,

methods, techniques and strategies to provide information related to the objectives
of social work programmes and practices. Thus the unit of analysis of social
work research could be individuals, groups, families or programme of the
agency. That is, social work research, typically focuses on assessment of
practitioner's work with individuals, groups, families, communities or appraisal
of agencies or programmes that involve the continued efforts of practitioners
Basics of Social Work Research with many clients. As such, the research design, data collection and analytic
strategies in social work research vary as a function of unit of analysis and
programme of agencies of social work practitioner.

Social work research is the use of the scientific method in the search of
knowledge, including knowledge of alternate practice and intervention techniques,
which would be of direct use to the social work profession and thus enhance
the practice of social work methods. Social work research focuses on or
confines itself to select aspects of behaviour and alternate models of behaviour
modifications. Social work research helps to find ways and means to enhance
social functioning at the individual, group, community and societal levels.
i
Social work research lays special emphasis on evaluation. This is one of the I
reasons that social work research is also understood as evaluative research.
Under social work research, varieties of evaluative researches are undertaken.
i
Some of the researches are on impacts or effects, efficacy and effectiveness.
Evaluation of agencies and its projects and programmes are some of the
specialized areas of social work research.

1.7 SCOPE OF SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH

-

Social work profession has a scientific base, which consists of a special body
of knowledge; tested knowledge, hypothetical knowledge and assumptive
knowledge. Assumptive knowledge requires transformation into hypothetical
knowledge, which in turn needs transformation into testeci knowledge. Social
work research has significant role in transforming the hypothetical and assumptive
knowledge to tested knowledge (Khinduka,l965).

Not all concepts or theories that are used by professional social workers
have been tested and validated. Concerted efforts through social work research
are very much required to conceptually articulate and validate the concepts
and theories, which will in turn strengthen the scientific base of professional
social work.

Identification of social work needs and resources, evaluation of programmes

and services of social work agencies are some of the areas in which social
work researches are undertaken. Social work research may be conducted
to know the problems faced by professional social workers in social work
agencies and communities in its concern with social work functions. Thus,
social work research embraces the entire gamut of social work profession;
concepts, theories, methods, programmes, services and the problems faced
by social workers in their practice.

The areas of social work research may be broadly categorized as follows:

1) Studies to establish, identify and measure the need for service.
2) To measure the services offered as they relate to needs.
3) To test, gauge and evaluate results of social work intervention.
4) To list the efficacy of specific techniques of offering services.
5) Studies in methodology of social work.
 Social Work Research:
Social work is a diverse profession, possible broad research areas could be: Meaning, Importance
i) Community Development and Scope

ii) Community Health (Including Mental Health)

iii) Child Welfare
iv) Women Welfare
v) Youth Welfare
vi) Aged Welfare
vii) Welfare of SC & ST Groups
viii) Poverty Alleviation
ix) Physical and Mental Disabilities
X) Juvenile Delinquency
xi) Crime and Correction etc.
xii) Management of Social Welfare Department and Organisation
xiii) Disaster Management
xiv) Industrial Social Work
xv) Issues concerning Advocacy and Networking

The list is not exhaustive, it's only an exemplary list which enlists broad areas
which is very frequently studied by social workers. Again, within one or more
problem areas research might focus on individuals, families, groups, community
organisations or broad social systems.

It might deal with characteristics of a larger population, and the services

available to them.
I

1.8 GOALS AND LIMITATIONS OF SOCIAL

WORK RESEARCH
Social work research offers an opportunity for all social workers to make
differences in their practice. There is no doubt about the fact that social
worker will be more effective practitioner guided by the findings of social
work research. Thus, social work research seeks to accomplish the same-
humanistic goals, as does a social work method. Social work research deals
with those methods and issues, which are useful in evaluating social work
programmes and practices. It explains the methodology of social research
and illustrates its applications in social work settings.

A substantive part of social work practice is concerned with the micro-level

practice, such as working with individuals, groups, or a community. Social
work research has to take into consideration the limitations of micro level
design of study and techniques.

Social work research is basically a practice based research ivhich mostly

draws its inferences through inductive reasoning. That is, inferring something
about a whole group or a class of objects from the facts or knowledge of
one or few members of that group/class. Thus, in practice based research
inductive reasoning carries us from observation to theory through intervention/
assessment. Practitioners, for example, may observe that delinquents tend to
come from familv with low socio-economic status. Based on the assumntion
Basics of Work Research that the parent-child bond is weaker in low socio-economic families and
that such parents, therefore, have less control over their children, the
practitioners may inductively conclude that a weak parent-child bond leads
to delinquency.

A substantive part of social work practice is concerned with the micro-level

practice, such as working with individuals, groups, or a community. Practice
based research has to take into consideration the limitations of micro level
practice. Accordingly, practice based research has to have special design of
study and techniques.

Check Your Progress IV

Note: a) Use the space given below for your answer.
b) Check your answer with those given at the end of this unit.
1) What is the advantage of following the process of social work research?
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
2 ) What is the relevance of research in social work?
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
3) List out some areas of social work research.
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
4) What are the goals of social work research?
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................
 Social 'Work Research:
1.9 LET US SUM UP Meaning, Importance
and Scope
Man has always been exploring different sources of evidence concerning the
facts and events to acquire reliable knowledge about the various aspects of
human experience. To acquire reliable knowledge, the method of science is
perhaps the most commonly used methods. Objectivity is the characteristic
of scientific approach, which keeps the scientist away from his personal beliefs,
perceptions, biases, values, attitudes and emotions. Not withstanding the limitations,
scientific method can be used for the study of social work problems because
it helps to arrive at valid generalizations.

Social work research is the application of research methods to solve problems

that social workers confront in the practice of social work. The study of
concepts, principles, theories underlying social work methods and skills are
the major areas of social work research. It also includes the study of the
relationship of social workers with their clients; individuals, groups or communities
on various levels of interaction or therapy.

The process of social work research has'some additional steps which helps
social work researchers to know precisely what intervention was applied and
how much effect was produced. The process also links research and practice.

Thus, social work research embraces the entire gamut of social work profession;
concepts, theories, methods, programmes, services and the problems faced
by social workers in their practice.

Social work research seeks to accomplish the same humanistic goals, as does
a social work method. It offers an opportunity for all social workers to make
differences in their practice. There is no doubt about the fact that social
worker will be more effective practitioner guided by the findings of social
work research.

1 . 1 KEY WORDS
Reliable Knowledge : The knowledge which is based on evidence
of facts.
Science : A method of accumulating systeinatic
knowledge
Method : A system of explicit rules and procedures
Research : Any study to create new knowledge or aims
to increase existing fund of knowledge is
called research if it takes into account the
biases, the errors and limitations.
Scientific Research : A systematic and critical investigation about
the natural phenomena to describe, explain
and finally to understand the relations among
them.
Scientific Method : The method used in scientific research is
usually designated as scientific method.
Social Work Research : The application of research methods to solve
problems that social workers confront in the
practice of social work.
Basics of Social Work Research
1.11 SUGGESTED READINGS - - -

La1 Das, D.K. (2000), Practice of Social Research :A Social Work Perspective,
Rawat, Jaipur.
Herlekar, A. (1964), Research in Social Work, The IJSW Bombay.
Jacob, K.K. (1965), Methods and Fields of Social Work in India, Asia
Publishing, Bombay.
Polansky, N.A. (1975), (ed.) Social Work Research, The University of Chicago
Press, Chicago.
Rubin, Allen & Babbie E. (1989), Research Methodology for Social Work,
Belmont, Wadsworth, California.
Ramachandran. P. (1968), "Social Work Research and Statistics" in History
& Philosophy of Social Work in India, Allied Publishers, Bombay.
Ramchandran, P. (1987) "Research in Social Work" in A.B. Bose (ed.)
Encyclopaedia of Social Work in India, Govt. of India, New Delhi.
Reid, William J. (1987) "Research in Social Work" in Encyclopaedia of
Social Work, Silver Spring, Maryland.

1.12 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

Check Your Progress I

1) Man ha\ always been exploring different sources of evidence concerning

the facts and events to acquire reliable knowledge about the various
aspects of human experience. However, it was observed that personal
bias influenced the selection of sources of evidences. The result was
inconsistency in the explanation of the same facts and events time and
again. Hence, to acquire reliable knowledge, scientists, thinkers and
philosophers evolved the method of science.
2) The ultimate aim of science is to produce an accumulating body of reliable
knowledge, which would enable us to understand the world in which we
live.
Check Your Progress I1

1) Any study to create new knowledge or aims to increase existing fund

of knowledge, may it be through observation or by some other methods
is called research if it takes into account the biases, the errors and
limitations. As such, research may be described as systematic and critical
investigation of phenomena toward increasing the stream of knowledge.
2) Scientific research may be defined as a systematic and critical investigation
about the natural phenomena to describe, explain and finally to understand
the relations among them.
Check Your Progress I11

1) Social work primarily deals with human behaviour, which is, by and
large, complex and dynamic in nature. One cannot, therefore investigate
under guided conditions as in natural and physical sciences. This creates
many problems to the researcher such as the problems of subjectivity
and individualistic generalizations.
 Social Work Research:
2) Social work research may be defined as systematic investigation into the Meaning, Importance
problems in the field of social work. The study of concepts, principles, and Scope
theories underlying social work methods and skills are the major areas
of social work research.
While on the theoretical side, social work research re-examines the special
body of knowledge; concepts and theories, where as in the area of social
work practice it tries to evolve a systematic theory and valid concepts,
to know the efficacy of different methodslinterventions of social work
as to search for alternatelinnovative interventions and treatments.,
1

Check Your Progress IV

1) By following the process social work researchers are in a position to
'

1! know precisely what intervention was applied and how much effect was
I
produced. The process also links research and practice.
Social work is a practice profession. Social work research is to search
for answers to questions raised regarding interventions or practice effectiveness
and provides knowledge about what interventions or treatments really
help or hinder the attainment of social work goals. In addition, it also
helps in searching for answers to problems or difficulties faced by social
work practitioners in the practice of their profession. Ultimately it helps
building knowledge base for social work theory and practice.
Life satisfaction of elderly people
Problems of unmarried mothers
Children of single parents
Problems of children in difficult situations
Social work research seeks to accomplish the same humanistic goals, as
does a social work method. Social work research deals with those methods
and issues, which are useful in evaluating social work programmes and
practices.