Now in its third edition, completely revised and updated, "Research in Social Work" remains one of the most popular introductory textbooks on research methods in the field. Distinctive in its emphasis on research as a natural corollary to practice, the book takes readers step-by-step through the process of developing a practical agenda for such projects. Fortune and Reid clearly explain how to formulate questions and hypotheses, conduct group and single-system naturalistic and experimental designs, analyze and compile data, and write research reports. Along the way, they present lucid discussions of the critical theoretical considerations, such as how to gauge reliability and validity, sort out qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and more. Throughout, they furnish specific methodological advice for integrating research agendas into everyday practice.

New to the third edition are a complete glossary of terms, additional diagrams, new examples from real-life studies focusing on cultural diversity and oppression, and increased emphasis on themes relevant to practice. Definitions of key concepts set apart in boxes-along with the increased number of illustrations-make this text one of the most readable in its field. And while other books describe methods drawn from related social science fields like sociology and anthropology, Fortune and Reid's is written by and especially for social workers.

"Research in Social Work" is a peerless companion to coursework in basic research methodology and clinical research at all academic levels-indeed, it is one of the few books broad enough in coverage to serve as a primary text for a wide spectrum of classes.

The story is being told by the now old Victor Way. At present he has been chewed by a grizzly bear and is stranded in a cabin in the wilderness with no supplies. While waiting for spring and his wounds to heal, he is reliving his first trip to the untamed west. He knew nothing of survival as he had been in an orphanage until age 14. The year is 1879 when he meets Charlie a shady man, who is in the business of fulfilling jobs in Wyoming. He has no problem lying to find people to sign his contract to fill jobs for mining, cowboys, school teachers and especially whores to keep the single men happy and working. Vick signs a contract along with four whores and a school teacher. Vick befriends an overweight man, Oliver, and decides to be his keeper. Little does he know, he himself will need Oliver to save him time and time again. Oliver keeps to himself as he feels no one likes him. He knows more than he lets on and has his own money. Oliver never forgets Vick for being the only person to ever care for him and will spend the rest of his life hoping to keep him alive. Miss Shelly is a fun loving gal and knows nothing but being a whore. She truly enjoys her life and is afraid she could loose life as she knows it. She has her eye on the innocent Vick. Miss Kelly has been let down by her husband and left him only taking her horse and one eyed dog. The only job available was being a whore. She does her job with a six shooter and takes guff from anyone. Miss Janice is elusive and just goes along doing what is handed her and asks no questions even if she knows it is wrong. No one really knows what is in her heart and she doesn't want to talk about her past. Miss Ella just likes money and swindles men out of all she can put her hands on. Jenny has an education and is the good girl of the bunch, but as life goes all her good intentions don't pan out. She trusts and loves everyone she meets and gives all she has to her friends. She and Vick share a big surprise. Walter is a big fun player and without him the gang would be obligated entirely to Charlie. He has just what they need to lead them down the path of freedom from Charlie. As they travel across Wyoming horse back and in covered wagons they encounter many hard times but manage to make life long friends with one another.

The story is being told by the now old Victor Way. At present he has been chewed by a grizzly bear and is stranded in a cabin in the wilderness with no supplies. While waiting for spring and his wounds to heal, he is reliving his first trip to the untamed west. He knew nothing of survival as he had been in an orphanage until age 14. The year is 1879 when he meets Charlie a shady man, who is in the business of fulfilling jobs in Wyoming. He has no problem lying to find people to sign his contract to fill jobs for mining, cowboys, school teachers and especially whores to keep the single men happy and working. Vick signs a contract along with four whores and a school teacher. Vick befriends an overweight man, Oliver, and decides to be his keeper. Little does he know, he himself will need Oliver to save him time and time again. Oliver keeps to himself as he feels no one likes him. He knows more than he lets on and has his own money. Oliver never forgets Vick for being the only person to ever care for him and will spend the rest of his life hoping to keep him alive. Miss Shelly is a fun loving gal and knows nothing but being a whore. She truly enjoys her life and is afraid she could loose life as she knows it. She has her eye on the innocent Vick. Miss Kelly has been let down by her husband and left him only taking her horse and one eyed dog. The only job available was being a whore. She does her job with a six shooter and takes guff from anyone. Miss Janice is elusive and just goes along doing what is handed her and asks no questions even if she knows it is wrong. No one really knows what is in her heart and she doesn't want to talk about her past. Miss Ella just likes money and swindles men out of all she can put her hands on. Jenny has an education and is the good girl of the bunch, but as life goes all her good intentions don't pan out. She trusts and loves everyone she meets and gives all she has to her friends. She and Vick share a big surprise. Walter is a big fun player and without him the gang would be obligated entirely to Charlie. He has just what they need to lead them down the path of freedom from Charlie. As they travel across Wyoming horse back and in covered wagons they encounter many hard times but manage to make life long friends with one another.

Sets forth a scientific framework for practicing and examining applications of research concepts and techniques for social workers.