The Social Work Dissertation

"This excellently timed book is invaluable for social work students contemplating, or in the process of completing a modest qualitative study for a dissertation. Many barriers exist for students intending to embark on empirical work; this book, detailed but accessible, takes a theoretically informed approach to guide their path- it is much more than a pragmatic handbook." Professor Steven M Shardlow, Chair of Social Work, The University of Salford, UK"A trustworthy guide to the dissertation process from beginning to end. The advice offered is extremely sound, it is hard to disagree with anything Carey suggests, and if students choose to follow it they should considerably improve the quality of their submitted work." Carolyn Taylor,Department of Applied Social Studies, University of Lancaster"Most social work research dissertations use qualitative methodology - sometimes thinly so. Malcolm Carey's book answers the numerous questions students repeatedly ask, and in ways which will enrich the doing and teaching of dissertation work at both qualifying and postqualifying levels. It is written accessibly and with numerous helpfully worked examples. 'Have you read Carey?' may soon become a frequently heard question on social work courses. This book will definitely be near the top of my reading lists for dissertation skills courses." Ian Shaw, Professor of Social Work, University of York"Malcolm Carey is to be congratulated on this book. He has produced an accessible, user friendly, step by step guide to writing a dissertation which is packed with useful examples relevant to social work students. He has accomplished this without over-simplifying the concepts and theoretical perspectives he describes, thus ensuring that the reader can build upon what they have learned. The book will be helpful not only to qualifying the post-qualifying social work students, but to practitioners and managers who wish to undertake a piece of research, but feel a little daunted by the task." Sue White, Professor of Social Work, Lancaster University, UKThis comprehensive book provides a clear and accessible guide for students undertaking small-scale qualitative research for a social work dissertation. Using jargon free, practical language, the book explains the research process and each of the key stages involved. Also included are: Case examples of real student experiences Descriptions of key qualitative research concepts Examples used to explain theoretical models and research methodologies The book offers advice on how to get the most from supervision and explains the importance of ethics and political context within the research process. Use of social theory within research is explored, with suggestions of ways in which different theories can influence and help to contextualise social research. Acknowledging the limited time and resources typically available to students, the book prioritises small-scale qualitative research. Literature based social work dissertations are discussed alongside key sources of information such as relevant journals and websites. The Social Work Dissertation offers detailed yet concise explanations and is ideal for social work students at all levels, as well as social work practitioners.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements Chapter 1: Social Work Research and the Dissertation Introduction How to use this book and structure The nature of research The benefits of research for social work students and practitioners The social work dissertation Bachelor, Masters and post qualification courses Research Ethics Summary Suggested reading Chapter 2: The Research Process for a Social Work Dissertation Introduction Select an appropriate topic Possible topics Critically review the literature Create a research proposal Research committee applications Choose or construct a research methodology Apply select method(s) Analyse data and findings Write up your data Disseminate findings Case examples Supervision Summary Suggested reading Chapter 3: Key Concepts in Social Work Research Introduction Research concepts Qualitative research Applied and pure research Qualitative data, evidence and triangulation Research concepts, issues and context Sampling Reliability, validity and rigour Inductive and deductive reasoning Summary Suggested reading Chapter 4: Theory and Social Work Research Introduction Theory and the social work dissertation Epistemology and social research theory Positivism and post-positivism Interpetivism Critical Theory Post-Modernism Recent developments in social work theory and practice Ontology and ontological approaches Ontology, epistemology, methodology and method Summary Suggested reading Chapter 5: The Literature Review and Literature –Based Dissertations Introduction The literature review Primary and secondary sources Key sources of secondary information Keeping records and taking notes The literature review process and critical analysis Literature based dissertations Structure Summary Suggested reading Chapter 6: Social Work Methodology Introduction Social work methodology Case Study Research Criticism of Case Study Research Evaluation research Feminist methodology Grounded theory Critiques of methodology and methodological pluralism Summary Suggested reading Chapter 7: Traditional Methods: Interviews, Questionnaires and Focus Groups Introduction The interview Interview formats Interview questions Core interview skills: approach and rapport Taping or note taking during interviews Potential problems Analysis Interview checklist Questionnaires Focus groups Summary Suggested reading Chapter 8: Alternative Methodology: Narrative Research, Discourse Analysis and Life History Research Introduction Narrative research Potential problems and criticism of the narrative approach Discourse analysis Criticism of discourse analysis Life history research Criticism of life history research Summary Suggested reading Chapter 9: Qualitative Analysis Introduction Qualitative analysis Analysis for a social work dissertation Analysing documents Basic thematic analysis Comparative analysis Critical analysis Summary Further reading Chapter 10: Writing Up and Dissemination Introduction When to write Style and critical engagement Structure Key sections – an empirical based dissertation Key sections – a literature based dissertation Possible ways to improve your dissertation Dissemination Further reading References

About the Author :
Malcolm Carey has worked as a social worker with older people and people with a disability for many years. He has also worked extensively in social work education, both as a teacher and active researcher. His research and teaching interests include qualitative social research, critical and labour process theory, and contingency and ideological social work.