Research Methods in Child Welfare

Amy J. L. Baker and Benjamin J. Charvat

eISBN: 9780231512145

2008 (464 pages )

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Download 1. Introduction to Child Welfare Research
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1. Introduction to Child Welfare Research (pages 17-28)

Download Part I: Planning and Developing Research Studies
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Part I: Planning and Developing Research Studies (pages 29-30)

Download 2. The Philosophy and Logic of Research
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Download 3. Ethical Considerations
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Download 4. Problem Formulation
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Download 5. Sampling Theory
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Download Part II: Design Strategies
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Download 6. Single-System Design
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Download 7. Group Designs
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Download 8. Using Existing Data
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8. Using Existing Data (pages 160-180)

Download Part III: Measurement Strategies
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Download 9. Measurement Theory and Measure Selection
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9. Measurement Theory and Measure Selection (pages 183-202)

Download 10. Surveys
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Download 11. Case Studies
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12. Focus Groups (pages 245-266)

Download 13. In-Depth Interviews
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13. In-Depth Interviews (pages 267-290)

Download Part IV: Data Analysis and Writing Up and Sharing Research Results
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Part IV: Data Analysis and Writing Up and Sharing Research Results (pages 291-292)

Download 14. Data Analysis Techniques
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14. Data Analysis Techniques (pages 293-327)

Download 15. Dissemination of Research Findings
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15. Dissemination of Research Findings (pages 328-348)

Download Part V: Special Topics in Agency Practice
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Part V: Special Topics in Agency Practice (pages 349-350)

Download 16. Continuous Quality Improvement in Agency Practice
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Download Glossary 1: Social Science Research Methods Terms
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Download Glossary 2: Child Welfare Practice and Policy Terms
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Download References
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Index (pages 453-464)

Research Methods in Child Welfare

Social service agencies are facing the same expectations in quality management and outcomes as private companies, compelling staff members and researchers to provide and interpret valid and useful research to stakeholders at all levels in the field. Child welfare agencies are particularly scrutinized. In this textbook, two highly experienced researchers offer the best techniques for conducting sound research in the field. Covering not only the methodological challenges but also the real-life constraints of research in child welfare settings, Amy J. L. Baker and Benjamin J. Charvat present a volume that can be used both for general research methods and as a practical guide for conducting research in the field of child welfare.

Baker and Charvat devote an entire chapter to ethical issues involved in researching children and their families and the limits of confidentiality within this population. They weave a discussion of ethics throughout the book, and each chapter begins with a scenario that presents a question or problem to work through, enabling readers to fully grasp the methods in the context of a specific setting or area of concern. Special sections concentrate on the value of continuous quality-improvement activities, which enable the collection and analysis of data outside of the strictures of publishable research, and the implementation of program evaluations, which can be helpful in obtaining further research and programmatic funding.

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Table of Contents

Research Methods in Child Welfare

Author(s): Baker, Amy J. L.; Charvat, Benjamin J.
Abstract:

Social service agencies are facing the same expectations in quality management and outcomes as private companies, compelling staff members and researchers to provide and interpret valid and useful research to stakeholders at all levels in the field. Child welfare agencies are particularly scrutinized. In this textbook, two highly experienced researchers offer the best techniques for conducting sound research in the field. Covering not only the methodological challenges but also the real-life constraints of research in child welfare settings, Amy J. L. Baker and Benjamin J. Charvat present a volume that can be used both for general research methods and as a practical guide for conducting research in the field of child welfare.

Baker and Charvat devote an entire chapter to ethical issues involved in researching children and their families and the limits of confidentiality within this population. They weave a discussion of ethics throughout the book, and each chapter begins with a scenario that presents a question or problem to work through, enabling readers to fully grasp the methods in the context of a specific setting or area of concern. Special sections concentrate on the value of continuous quality-improvement activities, which enable the collection and analysis of data outside of the strictures of publishable research, and the implementation of program evaluations, which can be helpful in obtaining further research and programmatic funding.