MODULE 1

Research, Types and Approaches:

Research is a critical component of academic and professional fields, including social work.
It enables us to systematically explore, analyze, and solve problems while contributing to the
expansion of knowledge. This lecture will delve into the meaning, objectives, and
characteristics of research.

Meaning of Research

Definition:Research is a systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting

information to answer specific questions or solve problems.

Etymology:
The term "research" comes from the French word rechercher, meaning "to search again,"
emphasizing the rigorous and repetitive process of inquiry.

Examples in Social Work:

 Investigating the causes of child labor.

 Evaluating the impact of mental health counseling programs.

Meaning of a Researcher :A researcher is someone who applies systematic methods to

investigate phenomena, generate knowledge, or solve problems.

Examples of Research in Social Work Context:

Investigating issues like poverty, addiction, domestic violence, or community development.

Developing tools and frameworks for effective intervention and evaluation.

Influencing social policies through research evidence.

TYPES OF RESEARCH IN SOCIAL WORK

Types of research relevant to social work:

1. Descriptive Research

 Purpose: To describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon being studied.

 Methods: Surveys, observations, case studies.
 Example: A study describing the demographic profile of homeless individuals in a city.
 Use in Social Work: Helps social workers understand the scope and nature of social issues.

2. Exploratory Research

 Purpose: To explore a new or poorly understood phenomenon.

 Methods: Literature reviews, interviews, focus groups.
 Example: Investigating the experiences of refugees in accessing social services.
 Use in Social Work: Useful for identifying new areas for intervention or policy development.
3. Explanatory Research

 Purpose: To explain the relationships between variables and establish cause-and-effect.

 Methods: Experiments, longitudinal studies, regression analysis.
 Example: Examining the impact of parental involvement on children's academic
achievement.
 Use in Social Work: Helps in understanding the underlying causes of social issues.

4. Evaluative Research

 Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of programs, policies, or interventions.

 Methods: Pre-test and post-test designs, randomized control trials, cost-benefit analysis.
 Example: Evaluating the effectiveness of a job training program for unemployed youth.
 Use in Social Work: Critical for improving service delivery and demonstrating
accountability.

5. Action Research

 Purpose: To solve immediate problems through a cycle of planning, action, and reflection.
 Methods: Participatory methods, collaborative inquiry.
 Example: Social workers and community members collaborating to address substance abuse
in a neighborhood.
 Use in Social Work: Empowers communities and practitioners to implement practical
solutions.

6. Quantitative Research

 Purpose: To quantify data and generalize results from a sample to a population.

 Methods: Surveys, structured interviews, statistical analysis.
 Example: A survey measuring the prevalence of mental health issues among teenagers.
 Use in Social Work: Provides measurable data that can inform policies and programs.

7. Qualitative Research

 Purpose: To gain a deep understanding of human behavior and the reasons that govern such
behavior.
 Methods: In-depth interviews, focus groups, ethnography.
 Example: An ethnographic study of the daily lives of individuals in a rehabilitation center.
 Use in Social Work: Offers rich, detailed insights into clients' experiences and social
contexts.

8. Mixed-Methods Research

 Purpose: To combine both quantitative and qualitative research methods to provide a more
comprehensive understanding.
 Methods: Concurrent or sequential designs integrating both data types.
 Example: A study using surveys to quantify stress levels and interviews to explore coping
strategies among social workers.
 Use in Social Work: Balances the depth of qualitative insights with the breadth of
quantitative data.

9. Cross-Sectional Research
  Purpose: To examine data at a single point in time.
 Methods: Surveys, questionnaires.
 Example: A study assessing the current employment status of recent graduates.
 Use in Social Work: Useful for understanding the state of a phenomenon at a particular time.

10. Longitudinal Research

 Purpose: To study changes over time.

 Methods: Cohort studies, panel studies.
 Example: Tracking the progress of children in foster care over a decade.
 Use in Social Work: Provides insights into long-term outcomes of social interventions.

These types of research each play a crucial role in advancing social work knowledge,
practice, and policy. Teaching these concepts helps to understand the breadth of research
methodologies they can apply in various social work contexts.

OBJECTIVES OF A RESEARCHER

1. Knowledge Generation: To explore and understand the causes and consequences of

social problems.
2. Problem-Solving: To develop interventions and solutions tailored to specific social
challenges.
3. Validation: To test theories and models in real-world contexts.
4. Advocacy: To inform and influence policies with credible data.
5. Ethical Responsibility: To uphold and contribute to social justice principles.
6. Empowerment: To enable communities to participate in and benefit from research.

Examples

Knowledge Generation: Researching the impact of microfinance on rural women's

empowerment.

Problem-Solving: Designing evidence-based programs to reduce juvenile delinquency.

Validation: Testing the applicability of Maslow's Hierarchy in diverse cultural contexts.

Advocacy: Researching systemic discrimination to support legal reforms.

Ethical Responsibility: Promoting fair representation in studies involving marginalized

groups.

Empowerment: Participatory research that gives a voice to the community.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A RESEARCHER

 Curiosity: A strong desire to explore and ask questions.

 Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret and synthesize information logically.
 Systematic Approach: Following structured methods to ensure reliability and
validity.
 Adaptability: Flexibility to address unexpected challenges or changes.
 Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in data collection, analysis, and reporting.
  Collaborative Spirit: Working effectively with diverse stakeholders, including
communities.
 Persistence: Dedication to overcome obstacles in the research process.

 Practical Examples:
o Curiosity: Identifying gaps in existing social welfare programs.
o Systematic Approach: Using mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) to
study domestic violence trends.
o Adaptability: Adjusting data collection methods when field conditions change
(e.g., during a pandemic).
o Collaborative Spirit: Partnering with NGOs or local leaders to ensure effective
implementation of research.

ETHICS OF A RESEARCHER:

 Informed Consent: Participants must be fully aware of the research purpose and
voluntarily agree to participate.
 Confidentiality: Protecting the privacy and identity of participants.
 Non-Maleficence: Ensuring no harm comes to participants during the research.
 Objectivity: Avoiding bias in design, data collection, and analysis.
 Transparency: Clearly reporting methods, findings, and limitations.
 Respect for Autonomy: Acknowledging participants' rights to withdraw from the
research at any time.
 Cultural Sensitivity: Being respectful of and adapting to cultural and social norms.

Principles and Applications:

1. Informed Consent:
o Use case: Interviewing victims of abuse; ensuring they are aware of how their
information will be used.
2. Confidentiality:
o Example: Using pseudonyms for participants in sensitive studies.
3. Non-Maleficence:
o Example: Avoiding triggering questions when interviewing trauma survivors.
4. Objectivity:
o Example: Avoiding personal biases in analyzing survey results on caste
discrimination.
5. Transparency:
o Example: Publishing limitations alongside findings in social impact
assessments.
6. Respect for Autonomy:
o Example: Allowing participants to exit a study without pressure.
7. Cultural Sensitivity:
o Example: Respecting traditions and languages during research in indigenous
communities.

QUALITIES OF A GOOD RESEARCHER

1. Passion for Learning: A drive to discover and understand.

2. Ethical Integrity: Upholding honesty and fairness in all aspects of research.
 3. Critical Thinking: Evaluating evidence rigorously and avoiding assumptions.
4. Effective Communication: Presenting findings in a clear, compelling manner.
5. Empathy: Understanding and respecting the lived experiences of participants.
6. Time Management: Balancing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines.
7. Technological Proficiency: Utilizing tools and software for data analysis.
8. Open-mindedness: Welcoming diverse perspectives and feedback.
9. Problem-Solving Skills: Tackling research challenges creatively and efficiently.

Illustrating Qualities in social work practice:

1. Passion for Learning:Staying updated on global research trends in social work.

2. Ethical Integrity:Adhering to institutional ethical review board (IRB) standards.
3. Critical Thinking:Analyzing why certain policies fail despite good intentions.
4. Effective Communication:Writing clear, actionable reports for NGOs or government
bodies.
5. Empathy:Building trust with vulnerable populations to gain accurate insights.
6. Time Management:Balancing fieldwork, data analysis, and report writing.
7. Technological Proficiency:Using software like SPSS, NVivo etc for data analysis.
8. Open-mindedness:Listening to alternative interpretations of findings.
9. Problem-Solving Skills:Designing alternative methods when faced with
uncooperative respondents.

OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH

Research serves various purposes depending on the context and field. In social work, the
objectives often align with understanding, addressing, and solving social issues.

Key Objectives:

1. Exploration: Discover new insights into an issue or phenomenon.

 Example: Exploring the experiences of foster care youth transitioning to independent

living.

2. Description:Provide a detailed account of social phenomena.

 Example: Describing patterns of domestic violence in rural areas.

3. Explanation:Analyze the causes and relationships of social problems.

 Example: Studying the relationship between unemployment and crime rates.

4. Prediction:Forecast trends or outcomes based on existing data.

 Example: Predicting dropout rates in schools based on socio-economic conditions.

5. Problem-Solving:Develop practical solutions to address identified issues.

 Example: Designing a community program to improve sanitation in urban slums.

6. Theory Building and Validation:Develop new theories or validate existing ones.

 Example: Testing Maslow's hierarchy of needs in the context of refugee camps.

7. Evaluation:Assess the effectiveness of programs, policies, or interventions.

 Example: Evaluating the outcomes of a de-addiction program for adolescents.

8. Advocacy and Empowerment:Use research findings to advocate for policy changes or

empower marginalized groups.

 Example: Conducting participatory research with women’s self-help groups to

address microfinance challenges.

CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH

Research is defined by several key features that ensure its reliability, validity, and ethical
rigor.

1. Systematic:Follows a structured process with clear steps: problem identification, data

collection, analysis, and reporting.

 Example: Using a step-by-step approach to study the effects of poverty on education.

2. Logical:Based on reasoning and coherent planning.

 Example: Establishing clear hypotheses before testing them.

3. Empirical:Relies on observable and measurable evidence.

 Example: Collecting data through interviews or surveys rather than relying on

assumptions.

4. Replicable:Can be repeated by other researchers to verify findings.

 Example: Publishing detailed methodologies for other researchers to follow.

5. Objective:Minimizes personal biases and focuses on facts.

 Example: Using random sampling to ensure neutrality.

6. Analytical:Breaks down complex problems into manageable components.

 Example: Analyzing the factors contributing to school absenteeism separately, such

as family income, health, and distance.

7. Ethical:Respects participants’ rights, confidentiality, and consent.

 Example: Ensuring anonymity in studies involving sensitive issues like HIV.

8. Interdisciplinary:Integrates methods and knowledge from multiple disciplines.

 Example: Combining psychology and sociology to study family dynamics.

9. Creative:Seeks innovative solutions and new perspectives.

 Example: Using storytelling methods to capture children’s experiences in research.

10. Progressive:Builds on previous knowledge and continuously evolves.

 Example: Expanding earlier research on homelessness to include new variables like

technology access.

Examples of Research in Social Work

1. Community Assessment: Researching the availability of public health services in

low-income areas.
2. Policy Advocacy: Using findings to propose changes in child welfare laws.
3. Program Evaluation: Measuring the success of skill-development workshops for
unemployed youth.

SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Meaning of the Scientific Method

 Definition:The scientific method is a systematic and logical approach to discovering

how things work, solving problems, and validating knowledge through observation,
experimentation, and evidence-based analysis.It ensures that research findings are
objective, reproducible, and unbiased.
 Relevance to Social Work:
 Provides a rigorous foundation for studying complex social issues (e.g., poverty,
inequality).
 Ensures interventions and policies are grounded in empirical evidence.
 Helps advocate for changes in social systems with credible data.

Characteristics of the Scientific Method

The scientific method has distinct characteristics that set it apart from other forms of inquiry:

1. Empirical: Based on observable and measurable evidence.

 Example: Collecting data on the impact of community health programs through

surveys.

2. Systematic:Follows a structured and organized process to ensure reliability.

 Example: Step-by-step planning for a study on substance abuse among teenagers.

3. Objective:Aims to eliminate personal biases or preconceived notions.

  Example: Using random sampling to avoid favoritism in selecting study participants.

4. Logical:Follows reasoning and deductive/inductive logic.

 Example: Developing a hypothesis based on existing theories of human behavior.

5. Verifiable:Results can be replicated and validated by other researchers.

 Example: Peer-reviewing studies on domestic violence to ensure accuracy.

6. Hypothesis-Driven: Begins with a clear question or hypothesis(assumption) to test.

 Example: “Does vocational training reduce re offending rates among released

prisoners?”

7. Ethical:Adheres to moral principles such as consent, confidentiality, and non-

maleficence.

 Example: Protecting participant identities in research on marginalized groups.

8. Progressive:Builds on existing knowledge to generate new insights.

 Example: Enhancing an intervention model based on past research findings.

9. Quantitative and Qualitative:Incorporates both numerical data and subjective

experiences as deemed.

 Example: Combining statistical data on poverty rates with interviews of affected

families.

STEPS IN THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Explain the key steps with examples relevant to social work:

1. Identify a Problem:

 Example: High dropout rates among adolescent girls in rural areas.

2. Review Literature:Understand existing studies and gaps.

 Example: Examining previous research on barriers to education for girls.

3. Formulate a Hypothesis: Begins with a clear question or hypothesis(assumption) to

test.

 Example: “There exists significant difference in self esteem among students based on
gender

4. Design the Research:Choose a method (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed).

  Example: Conduct surveys, interviews, or focus groups with affected families.

5. Collect Data:

 Example: Survey 500 households to gather data on education and hygiene.

6. Analyze Data:

 Use statistical tools or thematic analysis.

 Example: Use SPSS to determine correlations between self esteem and gender of
respondents.

7. Draw Conclusions:

 Example: Conclude that

 There exists significant difference in self esteem among students based on gender
 or There exists NO significant difference in self esteem among students based on
gender

8. Report Findings:

 Share results in journals or policy briefs.

 Example: Publish the study or resent recommendations to NGOs and policymakers.

9. Repeat for Verification:

 Example: Collaborate with another researcher to replicate findings in a different

region

SOCIAL RESEARCH AND SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH

Social research and social work research are interconnected yet distinct disciplines that focus
on understanding and addressing social phenomena.

Social Research

Social Research : Social research is a systematic, methodical, and empirical process of

inquiry aimed at understanding, explaining, and sometimes predicting social phenomena. It is
rooted in the principles of the scientific method and seeks to gather knowledge about human
behavior, social structures, and societal changes.

A systematic method of exploring, analyzing, and understanding social phenomena,

interactions, and structures.It seeks to generate new knowledge about human behavior,
societal norms, institutions, and the factors influencing them.

Definition:"Social research is a scientific method of investigating social problems,

phenomena, and processes to develop a better understanding of society and its
dynamics."(Young)

SOCIAL RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Knowledge Generation: Understand and explain social phenomena and interactions.

Theory Building: Develop and validate theories about human behavior and society.

Prediction: Forecast social trends and changes.

Problem Analysis: Explore causes and impacts of social issues.

Policy Formulation: Provide evidence for policy-making and governance.

NATURE OF SOCIAL RESEARCH:

The nature of social research includes the following characteristics:

Empirical: Social research relies on observable and measurable evidence, gathered through
various data collection methods.

Systematic: It follows a structured process involving clearly defined steps to ensure the
reliability and validity of the findings.

Objective: Researchers strive to minimize bias and subjectivity, aiming to present findings
based on data rather than personal beliefs or opinions.

Theoretical: It often aims to develop or test theories that explain social phenomena.

Interdisciplinary: Social research draws on methods and theories from various disciplines,
such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, and economics.

Ethical: It adheres to ethical guidelines to ensure the dignity, rights, and welfare of research
participants.

Scientific: Adheres to systematic and empirical methods.

Dynamic: Adapts to evolving societal needs and complexities.

Descriptive and Analytical: Explains phenomena and explores causal relationships.

Quantitative and Qualitative: Combines numerical data and subjective experiences.

PROCESS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH:

The process of social research generally follows several key steps:

1. Identifying the Research Problem:

o The process begins with identifying a specific issue or problem to investigate.
This step involves narrowing down a broad topic to a manageable and focused
research question.
2. Literature Review:
 o Reviewing existing research and theories relevant to the problem helps to
frame the research question and identify gaps in knowledge that the current
study can address.
3. Formulating Hypotheses (if applicable):
o In quantitative research, hypotheses are formulated based on the literature
review. These are testable statements about the relationship between variables.
4. Research Design:
o A detailed plan outlining the methods for data collection and analysis is
developed. This may involve choosing between qualitative or quantitative
methods, deciding on sample size, and selecting tools or instruments for data
collection.
5. Data Collection:
o Data is gathered using various methods such as surveys, interviews,
observations, or experiments. The choice of method depends on the research
question and design.
6. Data Analysis:
o Collected data is analyzed to identify patterns, trends, or relationships.
Quantitative data may involve statistical analysis, while qualitative data may
require thematic analysis or content analysis.
7. Interpreting Results:
o The findings are interpreted in the context of the research question, literature
review, and theoretical framework. This step involves explaining what the data
means and how it answers the research question.
8. Reporting and Dissemination:
o The final step involves presenting the research findings in a structured format,
such as a research paper, report, or presentation. It includes discussing the
implications of the findings and suggesting areas for future research.
9. Ethical Considerations:
o Throughout the research process, ethical issues such as informed consent,
confidentiality, and the protection of participants' rights are addressed.

PROCESS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH

1. Problem Identification:
o Define the research problem clearly and establish its relevance.
o Example: Investigating factors contributing to unemployment in urban areas.

2. Review of Literature:
o Study existing research to identify gaps and frame hypotheses.

3. Hypothesis Formulation:
o Propose testable statements based on observed patterns.

4. Research Design:
o Choose appropriate methods (e.g., survey, experiment, case study).

5. Data Collection:
o Use tools like questionnaires, interviews, or observations.

6. Data Analysis:
 o Apply statistical or thematic analysis to interpret findings.

7. Conclusion and Reporting:

o Summarize findings, validate hypotheses, and report insights.

LIMITATIONS OF SOCIAL RESEARCH

Subjectivity: Human behavior is complex and unpredictable.

Ethical Constraints: Challenges in maintaining confidentiality and informed consent.

Cultural Bias: Difficulty in generalizing findings across diverse cultures.

Resource Constraints: Limited funding, time, or access to participants.

Changing Social Dynamics: Research may become outdated quickly due to societal
changes.

SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH

Meaning :A specialized branch of social research focused on developing and testing

solutions to social problems, with the ultimate goal of improving human well-being and
social functioning.

Definition:"Social work research refers to the systematic investigation of social work

practices, policies, and interventions to assess their effectiveness and suggest
improvements."(Rubin and Babbie)

SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

Improving Practice: Develop evidence-based interventions for individuals and communities.

1. Policy Advocacy: Influence social policies to address systemic issues.

Program Evaluation: Assess the effectiveness of social work programs.

Empowerment: Enable marginalized communities to participate in solutions.

Theory Application: Apply social theories to practical problems in diverse contexts

LIMITATIONS OF SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH

Common limitations of Social work research are:

1. Ethical Constraints

 Challenge: Social work research often involves vulnerable populations, making it

necessary to prioritize ethical considerations such as informed consent,
confidentiality, and protection from harm.
  Impact: These ethical constraints can limit the depth of inquiry and restrict access to
certain data or populations.

2. Complexity of Social Issues

 Challenge: Social work deals with complex, multifaceted social problems that are
influenced by numerous variables, making it difficult to isolate causes and effects.
 Impact: This complexity can make it challenging to develop clear, generalizable
conclusions or to apply findings universally.

3. Subjectivity and Bias

 Challenge: Social work research often involves qualitative methods that are subject
to researcher and participant biases.
 Impact: Subjectivity can affect the interpretation of data and lead to less reliable or
reproducible results.

4. Resource Constraints

 Challenge: Limited funding, time, and access to resources can hinder the scope and
depth of research.
 Impact: Researchers may have to compromise on sample sizes, duration of studies, or
the comprehensiveness of data collection and analysis.

5. Generalizability

 Challenge: Social work research often focuses on specific communities, groups, or

contexts, which may not be representative of broader populations.
 Impact: Findings from localized or small-scale studies may not be easily
generalizable to other settings or populations.

6. Rapid Social Changes

 Challenge: Social work operates in environments that are subject to rapid changes
due to policy shifts, economic fluctuations, and societal trends.
 Impact: Research findings can quickly become outdated, limiting their relevance and
application over time.

7. Measurement Challenges

 Challenge: Many social work outcomes, such as well-being or quality of life, are
difficult to measure accurately and objectively.
 Impact: This can lead to challenges in establishing reliable and valid measures for
research purposes.

8. Intervention Complexity

 Challenge: Social work interventions often involve multiple components and are
tailored to individual needs, complicating the evaluation of their effectiveness.
  Impact: It can be difficult to determine which aspects of an intervention are most
effective or to replicate successful interventions in different contexts.

9. Influence of Power Dynamics

 Challenge: Power imbalances between researchers and participants can affect the
data collection process, especially in marginalized communities.
 Impact: Participants may be reluctant to share truthful or complete information,
leading to biased or incomplete data.

Despite these limitations, social work research remains crucial for advancing the field,
improving practices, and addressing social issues. Researchers must navigate these challenges
carefully to produce valuable and ethical research outcomes.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOCIAL RESEARCH AND SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH

Aspect Social Research Social Work Research
To understand and explain social To solve social problems and improve
Purpose
phenomena. practice.
Broad, covering all aspects of Narrower, focused on social work
Scope
society. practices.
Knowledge generation and theory Evidence-based interventions and
Focus
building. program evaluation.
Academic theories and societal Practical solutions and improved
Outcome
insights. policies.
Target Academics, policymakers, and Social workers, NGOs, and policy
Audience general researchers. advocates.
Methods Used Primarily descriptive and analytical. Primarily applied and evaluative.
RESEARCH PARADIGMS

Understanding research paradigms and approaches is essential for postgraduate students to

effectively conduct social work research. These concepts guide how research is
conceptualized, designed, and executed.

Research Paradigms
Definition :A research paradigm is a framework or set of beliefs about how knowledge is
constructed and interpreted. It influences every aspect of the research process, including the
selection of methods and interpretation of findings.

TYPES OF RESEARCH PARADIGMS

Positivism

 Focus: Objective reality and observable phenomena.

 Methods: Quantitative research such as surveys, experiments, and statistical analysis.
 Use in Social Work: Useful for evaluating the effectiveness of social programs and
interventions through measurable outcomes.

Interpretivism
  Focus: Subjective experiences and the social construction of reality.
 Methods: Qualitative methods such as interviews, focus groups, and case studies.
 Use in Social Work: Helps in understanding the lived experiences of clients,
communities, and the meaning they attach to their situations.

Critical Theory

 Focus: Power structures, social justice, and the role of social, political, and economic
factors.
 Methods: Qualitative research, critical discourse analysis, participatory action
research.
 Use in Social Work: Aims to identify and challenge inequalities, empowering
marginalized groups.

Constructivism

 Focus: The construction of knowledge through social interaction and experiences.

 Methods: Qualitative research, narrative inquiry, ethnography.
 Use in Social Work: Enhances understanding of diverse perspectives and social
contexts in client interactions.

Pragmatism

 Focus: Practical solutions and what works best in specific contexts.

 Methods: Mixed methods, action research.
 Use in Social Work: Combines different methods to find practical solutions to
complex social issues.

Others

Feminist Paradigm

 Focus: Gender inequalities and the role of gender in social structures.

 Methods: Qualitative research, participatory methods.
 Use in Social Work: Addresses issues of gender inequality, providing insights into
the experiences of women and other marginalized genders.

Anti-Oppressive Paradigm

 Focus: Challenging oppression and promoting social justice.

 Methods: Participatory action research, qualitative methods.
 Use in Social Work: Aims to create practices that address and dismantle systemic
oppression in various forms.

Each of these paradigms offers a unique lens through which social work students can conduct
research that is relevant to their field, enabling them to address complex social issues
effectively.
COMPARISON OF RESEARCH PARADIGMS

Aspect Positivism Interpretivism Critical Pragmatism

Objective and Subjective and Shaped by power Flexible and
Reality
measurable contextual dynamics problem-oriented
Qualitative,
Methods Quantitative Qualitative Mixed methods
participatory
Explain and Understand and Empower and Solve practical
Goal
predict interpret transform problems

Constructivism:

Reality:Knowledge is constructed through interactions.

Methods: Qualitative methods, narrative inquiry.

Goals: To explore how individuals construct knowledge.

APPLICATION OF RESEARCH PARADIGMS IN SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH

Positivism:Use when studying large-scale trends like poverty rates or health outcomes.

Interpretivism:Apply for understanding individual or community narratives.

Critical Paradigm:Adopt for research aimed at challenging inequality, such as systemic

discrimination.

Pragmatism:Combine methods for evaluating and refining interventions or programs.

Constructivism: Used in educational and social contexts.

LIMITATIONS OF RESEARCH PARADIGMS
Positivism: Fails to capture the complexity of human emotions and social contexts.

Interpretivism: May lack generalizability and face challenges in replicability.

Critical Paradigm: Can be seen as subjective and activist in nature.

Pragmatism :Focuses on practical outcomes over theoretical development, which can result
in a superficial understanding of underlying phenomena.Combines qualitative and
quantitative methods, which can lead to methodological inconsistencies and challenges in
integrating findings.
Constructivism: deals with abstract concepts such as meaning, perception, and social
constructs, which are difficult to measure quantitatively. Constructivism focuses on
understanding rather than predicting behaviors or outcomes.
RESEARCH APPROACHES

Research approach Definition: A research approach is the overall strategy or plan for
conducting research. It determines the methods, data collection, and analysis techniques used.

Types of Research Approaches

1. Quantitative Approach:

 Definition: Focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis to understand patterns

and relationships.
 Characteristics:
o Deductive reasoning.
o Objective and measurable.
o Generalizable findings.
 Methods: Surveys, experiments, structured observations.
 Example in Social Work: Studying the effectiveness of a job-training program on
employment rates.

2. Qualitative Approach:

 Definition: Explores subjective experiences and meanings behind social phenomena.

 Characteristics:
o Inductive reasoning.
o Context-specific and non-generalizable.
o Rich, detailed data.
 Methods: Interviews, case studies, participant observations.
 Example in Social Work: Understanding the lived experiences of foster care children

3. Mixed-Methods Approach:

 Definition: Combines quantitative and qualitative approaches to address complex

research questions.
 Characteristics:
o Integrative and complementary.
o Provides both breadth and depth of understanding.

Methods: Sequential or concurrent designs using both qualitative and quantitative

tools.Example in Social Work: Assessing the outcomes of a community health initiative
with surveys (quantitative) and focus groups (qualitative).

COMPARISON OF RESEARCH APPROACHES

Aspect Quantitative Qualitative Mixed-Methods
Both quantitative and
Focus Numbers, trends Words, meanings
qualitative
Reasoning Deductive Inductive Combination
Flexibility Structured Flexible Hybrid
Output Generalizable findings Contextual understanding Holistic insights