Why Do I Need Research and Theory?: A Guide for Social Workers / Edition 1

by Jennifer Anderson-Meger

Overview

This book is based on the idea that social work as a profession can do better with advancing our mission if practitioners are knowledgeable, skilled, critical thinkers that use research to inform practice. This is a user-friendly, student directed book form to help students understand the connection between knowledge, social work research, and social work practice. This short text will support students in their research course by offering insights as to why research is important, how to help students understand how research affects their own future social work practice, how their beliefs impact successful learning, and practical tips for being successful in research.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138833364
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	02/05/2016
Pages:	154
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Dr. Jennifer Anderson-Meger is a professor and ethics fellow at Viterbo University. She has won awards for excellence in teaching and research. Dr. Anderson-Meger serves on the State of Wisconsin MPSW Examining Board and has been a trainer on boundaries and ethics. Her research focus is epistemology in social work.

Table of Contents

1. Why do I have to take a research course, I want to be a social worker! 2. This is so uncomfortable! Research feels like a different language. 3. Learning processes and development- Your beliefs about learning and knowledge. 4. Professionalism and doing better in the practice world 5. Let’s get practical. How to be successful in research and theory classes.

Editorial Reviews

This book is essential reading for social work learners in order to dispel some notions about the social work profession. As the author explains: caring, hard work, and personal experience are not enough. Dr. Anderson-Meger states, "It is a demanding profession that requires a solid knowledge base, critical thinking, and a sophisticated skill set". This book will both guide social work learners in the profession and support the importance of the learning of skills for the professionals.

-Dr. Terry Tirrito, Capella University

Why Do I Need Research and Theory addresses the questions and challenges I face in the course room, daily. Why do I need to take this research class? What is critical thinking? Engaging yet scholarly, this book contains convincing real world arguments for the ethical importance of research knowledge.I no longer have to scramble around for resources to address these issues!

—Zulema Suarez, Capella University

"I see a gap in the curriculum currently that this book addresses. We need an in-depth discussion of these important issues in a class, and most of the courses I know only touch briefly on leadership, critical thinking, and epistemology. I see these issues as the critical element for how students will integrate research into practice."

—Elizabeth Anthony, Arizona State University

"The chapter on Leadership is outstanding! The anecdotes about students help to connect with student readers and help faculty be considerate of the realities facing students. The discussion questions are a great tool. This can be used in the class or in an electronic on-line discussion format."

—Dr. Fredi Giesler, University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh

From the Publisher