Review

"This book is an essential resource for those involved in building research awareness and skills amongst social work students and practitioners." Ann Davis, Department of Social Policy and Social Work, University of Birmingham. "Becker and Bryman have successfully combined the virtues of a strong core text with a multi-authored handbook, providing a comprehensive and accessible overview for students, researchers and users of research. The main text is peppered with expert short case studies, which make the issues come alive, often introducing original and critical reflections. While being realistic about the political limitations on the impact of policy research, it demonstrates repeatedly its value and importance in promoting social justice and welfare." Professor Norman Ginsburg, Department of Applied Social Sciences, London Metropolitan University. "This exciting new series will be essential reading for students across a range of subjects and courses who need to gain a comprehensive understanding of welfare issues. It is evidence of the continuing commitment of the Social Policy Association to support the development of learning and teaching in Social Policy and related fields." Pete Alcock, Professor of Social Policy and Administration, University of Birmingham

Product Description

It is vital for students, policy makers and practitioners engaged in social policy related fields to understand the importance and place of research and how to interpret and use research findings. They also need to know how to effectively carry out and report good quality research of their own. This landmark book, the first of its kind, will enable them to meet all of these challenges. Comprehensive in scope, and written by experts in a thoroughly accessible and engaging style, the book combines theoretical and applied discussions to provide the essential one-stop guide to research for social policy and practice. Understanding research for social policy and practice: conveys the excitement, importance and methodological diversity of social policy research; provides readers with appropriate knowledge to help them interpret and assess the research of others and to conduct high quality research; combines lively and informed discussion of key issues, methods and approaches with practical hands-on guidance and advice; shows how and why social policy research should form a key foundation for future policy and practice. This book is essential reading for students of social policy, social work, sociology, criminology, nursing and other applied social sciences; their teachers; and policy makers and practitioners who would like to improve their use of research evidence and conduct research of their own.