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Social Research – Definition, Types and Methods

Social Research: Definition

Social Research is a method used by social scientists and researchers to learn about people and societies so that they can design products/services that cater to various needs of the people. Different socio-economic groups belonging to different parts of a county think differently. Various aspects of human behavior need to be addressed to understand their thoughts and feedback about the social world, which can be done using Social Research. Any topic can trigger social research – new feature, new market trend or an upgrade in old technology.

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Social Research is conducted by following a systematic plan of action which includes qualitative and quantitative observation methods.

• Qualitative methods rely on direct communication with members of a market, observation, text analysis. The results of this method are focused more on being accurate rather than generalizing to the entire population.
• Quantitative methods use statistical analysis techniques to evaluate data collected via surveys, polls or questionnaires.

LEARN ABOUT: Research Process Steps

Social Research contains elements of both these methods to analyze a range of social occurrences such as an investigation of historical sites, census of the country, detailed analysis of research conducted to understand reasons for increased reports of molestation in the country etc.

A survey to monitor happiness in a respondent population is one of the most widely used applications of social research. The  happiness survey template  can be used by researchers an organizations to gauge how happy a respondent is and the things that can be done to increase happiness in that respondent.

Learn more: Public Library Survey Questions + Sample Questionnaire Template 

Types of Social Research

There are four main types of Social Research: Qualitative and Quantitative Research, Primary and Secondary Research.

Qualitative Research: Qualitative Research is defined as a method to collect data via open-ended and conversational discussions, There are five main qualitative research methods-  ethnographic research, focus groups, one-on-one online interview, content analysis and case study research. Usually, participants are not taken out of their ecosystem for qualitative data collection to gather information in real-time which helps in building trust. Researchers depend on multiple methods to gather qualitative data for complex issues.

Quantitative Research: Quantitative Research is an extremely informative source of data collection conducted via mediums such as surveys, polls, and questionnaires. The gathered data can be analyzed to conclude numerical or statistical results. There are four distinct quantitative research methods: survey research , correlational research , causal research and experimental research . This research is carried out on a sample that is representative of the target market usually using close-ended questions and data is presented in tables, charts, graphs etc.

For example, A survey can be conducted to understand Climate change awareness among the general population. Such a survey will give in-depth information about people’s perception about climate change and also the behaviors that impact positive behavior. Such a questionnaire will enable the researcher to understand what needs to be done to create more awareness among the public.

Learn More:  Climate Change Awareness Survey Template

Primary Research: Primary Research is conducted by the researchers themselves. There are a list of questions that a researcher intends to ask which need to be customized according to the target market. These questions are sent to the respondents via surveys, polls or questionnaires so that analyzing them becomes convenient for the researcher. Since data is collected first-hand, it’s highly accurate according to the requirement of research.

For example: There are tens of thousands of deaths and injuries related to gun violence in the United States. We keep hearing about people carrying weapons attacking general public in the news. There is quite a debate in the American public as to understand if possession of guns is the cause to this. Institutions related to public health or governmental organizations are carrying out studies to find the cause. A lot of policies are also influenced by the opinion of the general population and gun control policies are no different. Hence a gun control questionnaire can be carried out to gather data to understand what people think about gun violence, gun control, factors and effects of possession of firearms. Such a survey can help these institutions to make valid reforms on the basis of the data gathered.

Learn more:  Wi-Fi Security Survey Questions + Sample Questionnaire Template

Secondary Research: Secondary Research is a method where information has already been collected by research organizations or marketers. Newspapers, online communities, reports, audio-visual evidence etc. fall under the category of secondary data. After identifying the topic of research and research sources, a researcher can collect existing information available from the noted sources. They can then combine all the information to compare and analyze it to derive conclusions.

LEARN ABOUT: Qualitative Research Questions and Questionnaires   

Social Research Methods

Surveys: A survey is conducted by sending a set of pre-decided questions to a sample of individuals from a target market. This will lead to a collection of information and feedback from individuals that belong to various backgrounds, ethnicities, age-groups etc. Surveys can be conducted via online and offline mediums. Due to the improvement in technological mediums and their reach, online mediums have flourished and there is an increase in the number of people depending on online survey software to conduct regular surveys and polls.

There are various types of social research surveys: Longitudinal , Cross-sectional , Correlational Research . Longitudinal and Cross-sectional social research surveys are observational methods while Correlational is a non-experimental research method. Longitudinal social research surveys are conducted with the same sample over a course of time while Cross-sectional surveys are conducted with different samples.  

For example: It has been observed in recent times, that there is an increase in the number of divorces, or failed relationships. The number of couples visiting marriage counselors or psychiatrists is increasing. Sometimes it gets tricky to understand what is the cause for a relationship falling apart. A screening process to understand an overview of the relationship can be an easy method. A marriage counselor can use a relationship survey to understand the chemistry in a relationship, the factors that influence the health of a relationship, the challenges faced in a relationship and expectations in a relationship. Such a survey can be very useful to deduce various findings in a patient and treatment can be done accordingly.

Another example for the use of surveys can be  to gather information on the awareness of disasters and disaster management programs. A lot of institutions like the UN or the local disaster management team try to keep their communities prepared for disasters. Possessing knowledge about this is crucial in disaster prone areas and is a good type of knowledge that can help everyone. In such a case, a survey can enable these institutions to understand what are the areas that can be promoted more and what regions need what kind of training. Hence a disaster management survey  can be conducted to understand public’s knowledge about the impact of disasters on communities, and the measures they undertake to respond to disasters and how can the risk be reduced.

Learn more:  NBA Survey Questions + Sample Questionnaire Template

Experiments: An experimental research is conducted by researchers to observe the change in one variable on another, i.e. to establish the cause and effects of a variable. In experiments, there is a theory which needs to be proved or disproved by careful observation and analysis. An efficient experiment will be successful in building a cause-effect relationship while proving, rejecting or disproving a theory. Laboratory and field experiments are preferred by researchers.

Interviews: The technique of garnering opinions and feedback by asking selected questions face-to-face, via telephone or online mediums is called interview research. There are formal and informal interviews – formal interviews are the ones which are organized by the researcher with structured open-ended and closed-ended questions and format while informal interviews are the ones which are more of conversations with the participants and are extremely flexible to collect as much information as possible.

LEARN ABOUT: 12 Best Tools for Researchers

Examples of interviews in social research are sociological studies that are conducted to understand how religious people are. To this effect, a Church survey can be used by a pastor or priest to understand from the laity the reasons they attend Church and if it meets their spiritual needs.

Observation: In observational research , a researcher is expected to be involved in the daily life of all the participants to understand their routine, their decision-making skills, their capability to handle pressure and their overall likes and dislikes. These factors and recorded and careful observations are made to decide factors such as whether a change in law will impact their lifestyle or whether a new feature will be accepted by individuals.

Learn more:

Quantitative Observation

Qualitative Observation

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Social Work Research Methods That Drive the Practice

Social workers advocate for the well-being of individuals, families and communities. But how do social workers know what interventions are needed to help an individual? How do they assess whether a treatment plan is working? What do social workers use to write evidence-based policy?

Social work involves research-informed practice and practice-informed research. At every level, social workers need to know objective facts about the populations they serve, the efficacy of their interventions and the likelihood that their policies will improve lives. A variety of social work research methods make that possible.

Data-Driven Work

Data is a collection of facts used for reference and analysis. In a field as broad as social work, data comes in many forms.

Quantitative vs. Qualitative

As with any research, social work research involves both quantitative and qualitative studies.

Quantitative Research

Answers to questions like these can help social workers know about the populations they serve — or hope to serve in the future.

• How many students currently receive reduced-price school lunches in the local school district?
• How many hours per week does a specific individual consume digital media?
• How frequently did community members access a specific medical service last year?

Quantitative data — facts that can be measured and expressed numerically — are crucial for social work.

Quantitative research has advantages for social scientists. Such research can be more generalizable to large populations, as it uses specific sampling methods and lends itself to large datasets. It can provide important descriptive statistics about a specific population. Furthermore, by operationalizing variables, it can help social workers easily compare similar datasets with one another.

Qualitative Research

Qualitative data — facts that cannot be measured or expressed in terms of mere numbers or counts — offer rich insights into individuals, groups and societies. It can be collected via interviews and observations.

• What attitudes do students have toward the reduced-price school lunch program?
• What strategies do individuals use to moderate their weekly digital media consumption?
• What factors made community members more or less likely to access a specific medical service last year?

Qualitative research can thereby provide a textured view of social contexts and systems that may not have been possible with quantitative methods. Plus, it may even suggest new lines of inquiry for social work research.

Mixed Methods Research

Combining quantitative and qualitative methods into a single study is known as mixed methods research. This form of research has gained popularity in the study of social sciences, according to a 2019 report in the academic journal Theory and Society. Since quantitative and qualitative methods answer different questions, merging them into a single study can balance the limitations of each and potentially produce more in-depth findings.

However, mixed methods research is not without its drawbacks. Combining research methods increases the complexity of a study and generally requires a higher level of expertise to collect, analyze and interpret the data. It also requires a greater level of effort, time and often money.

The Importance of Research Design

Data-driven practice plays an essential role in social work. Unlike philanthropists and altruistic volunteers, social workers are obligated to operate from a scientific knowledge base.

To know whether their programs are effective, social workers must conduct research to determine results, aggregate those results into comprehensible data, analyze and interpret their findings, and use evidence to justify next steps.

Employing the proper design ensures that any evidence obtained during research enables social workers to reliably answer their research questions.

Research Methods in Social Work

The various social work research methods have specific benefits and limitations determined by context. Common research methods include surveys, program evaluations, needs assessments, randomized controlled trials, descriptive studies and single-system designs.

Surveys involve a hypothesis and a series of questions in order to test that hypothesis. Social work researchers will send out a survey, receive responses, aggregate the results, analyze the data, and form conclusions based on trends.

Surveys are one of the most common research methods social workers use — and for good reason. They tend to be relatively simple and are usually affordable. However, surveys generally require large participant groups, and self-reports from survey respondents are not always reliable.

Program Evaluations

Social workers ally with all sorts of programs: after-school programs, government initiatives, nonprofit projects and private programs, for example.

Crucially, social workers must evaluate a program’s effectiveness in order to determine whether the program is meeting its goals and what improvements can be made to better serve the program’s target population.

Evidence-based programming helps everyone save money and time, and comparing programs with one another can help social workers make decisions about how to structure new initiatives. Evaluating programs becomes complicated, however, when programs have multiple goal metrics, some of which may be vague or difficult to assess (e.g., “we aim to promote the well-being of our community”).

Needs Assessments

Social workers use needs assessments to identify services and necessities that a population lacks access to.

Common social work populations that researchers may perform needs assessments on include:

• People in a specific income group
• Everyone in a specific geographic region
• A specific ethnic group
• People in a specific age group

In the field, a social worker may use a combination of methods (e.g., surveys and descriptive studies) to learn more about a specific population or program. Social workers look for gaps between the actual context and a population’s or individual’s “wants” or desires.

For example, a social worker could conduct a needs assessment with an individual with cancer trying to navigate the complex medical-industrial system. The social worker may ask the client questions about the number of hours they spend scheduling doctor’s appointments, commuting and managing their many medications. After learning more about the specific client needs, the social worker can identify opportunities for improvements in an updated care plan.

In policy and program development, social workers conduct needs assessments to determine where and how to effect change on a much larger scale. Integral to social work at all levels, needs assessments reveal crucial information about a population’s needs to researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders. Needs assessments may fall short, however, in revealing the root causes of those needs (e.g., structural racism).

Randomized Controlled Trials

Randomized controlled trials are studies in which a randomly selected group is subjected to a variable (e.g., a specific stimulus or treatment) and a control group is not. Social workers then measure and compare the results of the randomized group with the control group in order to glean insights about the effectiveness of a particular intervention or treatment.

Randomized controlled trials are easily reproducible and highly measurable. They’re useful when results are easily quantifiable. However, this method is less helpful when results are not easily quantifiable (i.e., when rich data such as narratives and on-the-ground observations are needed).

Descriptive Studies

Descriptive studies immerse the researcher in another context or culture to study specific participant practices or ways of living. Descriptive studies, including descriptive ethnographic studies, may overlap with and include other research methods:

• Informant interviews
• Census data
• Observation

By using descriptive studies, researchers may glean a richer, deeper understanding of a nuanced culture or group on-site. The main limitations of this research method are that it tends to be time-consuming and expensive.

Single-System Designs

Unlike most medical studies, which involve testing a drug or treatment on two groups — an experimental group that receives the drug/treatment and a control group that does not — single-system designs allow researchers to study just one group (e.g., an individual or family).

Single-system designs typically entail studying a single group over a long period of time and may involve assessing the group’s response to multiple variables.

For example, consider a study on how media consumption affects a person’s mood. One way to test a hypothesis that consuming media correlates with low mood would be to observe two groups: a control group (no media) and an experimental group (two hours of media per day). When employing a single-system design, however, researchers would observe a single participant as they watch two hours of media per day for one week and then four hours per day of media the next week.

These designs allow researchers to test multiple variables over a longer period of time. However, similar to descriptive studies, single-system designs can be fairly time-consuming and costly.

Learn More About Social Work Research Methods

Social workers have the opportunity to improve the social environment by advocating for the vulnerable — including children, older adults and people with disabilities — and facilitating and developing resources and programs.

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Social Research: Definitions, Types, Nature, and Characteristics

• First Online: 27 October 2022

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• Kanamik Kani Khan 4 &
• Md. Mohsin Reza 5  

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Social research is often defined as a study of mankind that helps to identify the relations between social life and social systems. This kind of research usually creates new knowledge and theories or tests and verifies existing theories. However, social research is a broad spectrum that requires a discursive understanding of its varied nature and definitions. This chapter aims to explain the multifarious definitions of social research given by different scholars. The information used in this chapter is solely based on existing literature regarding social research. There are various stages discussed regarding how social research can be effectively conducted. The types and characteristics of social research are further analysed in this chapter. Social research plays a substantial role in investigating knowledge and theories relevant to social problems. Additionally, social research is important for its contribution to national and international policymaking, which explains the importance of social research.

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Khan, K.K., Mohsin Reza, M. (2022). Social Research: Definitions, Types, Nature, and Characteristics. In: Islam, M.R., Khan, N.A., Baikady, R. (eds) Principles of Social Research Methodology. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-5441-2_3

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In This Article Expand or collapse the "in this article" section Social Work Research Methods

Introduction.

• History of Social Work Research Methods
• Feasibility Issues Influencing the Research Process
• Measurement Methods
• Existing Scales
• Group Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs for Evaluating Outcome
• Single-System Designs for Evaluating Outcome
• Program Evaluation
• Surveys and Sampling
• Introductory Statistics Texts
• Advanced Aspects of Inferential Statistics
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Qualitative Data Analysis
• Historical Research Methods
• Meta-Analysis and Systematic Reviews
• Research Ethics
• Culturally Competent Research Methods
• Teaching Social Work Research Methods

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• Community-Based Participatory Research
• Economic Evaluation
• Evidence-based Social Work Practice
• Evidence-based Social Work Practice: Finding Evidence
• Evidence-based Social Work Practice: Issues, Controversies, and Debates
• Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs
• Impact of Emerging Technology in Social Work Practice
• Implementation Science and Practice
• Interviewing
• Measurement, Scales, and Indices
• Meta-analysis
• Occupational Social Work
• Postmodernism and Social Work
• Qualitative Research
• Research, Best Practices, and Evidence-based Group Work
• Social Intervention Research
• Social Work Profession
• Systematic Review Methods
• Technology for Social Work Interventions

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Social Work Research Methods by Allen Rubin LAST REVIEWED: 14 December 2009 LAST MODIFIED: 14 December 2009 DOI: 10.1093/obo/9780195389678-0008

Social work research means conducting an investigation in accordance with the scientific method. The aim of social work research is to build the social work knowledge base in order to solve practical problems in social work practice or social policy. Investigating phenomena in accordance with the scientific method requires maximal adherence to empirical principles, such as basing conclusions on observations that have been gathered in a systematic, comprehensive, and objective fashion. The resources in this entry discuss how to do that as well as how to utilize and teach research methods in social work. Other professions and disciplines commonly produce applied research that can guide social policy or social work practice. Yet no commonly accepted distinction exists at this time between social work research methods and research methods in allied fields relevant to social work. Consequently useful references pertaining to research methods in allied fields that can be applied to social work research are included in this entry.

This section includes basic textbooks that are used in courses on social work research methods. Considerable variation exists between textbooks on the broad topic of social work research methods. Some are comprehensive and delve into topics deeply and at a more advanced level than others. That variation is due in part to the different needs of instructors at the undergraduate and graduate levels of social work education. Most instructors at the undergraduate level prefer shorter and relatively simplified texts; however, some instructors teaching introductory master’s courses on research prefer such texts too. The texts in this section that might best fit their preferences are by Yegidis and Weinbach 2009 and Rubin and Babbie 2007 . The remaining books might fit the needs of instructors at both levels who prefer a more comprehensive and deeper coverage of research methods. Among them Rubin and Babbie 2008 is perhaps the most extensive and is often used at the doctoral level as well as the master’s and undergraduate levels. Also extensive are Drake and Jonson-Reid 2007 , Grinnell and Unrau 2007 , Kreuger and Neuman 2006 , and Thyer 2001 . What distinguishes Drake and Jonson-Reid 2007 is its heavy inclusion of statistical and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) content integrated with each chapter. Grinnell and Unrau 2007 and Thyer 2001 are unique in that they are edited volumes with different authors for each chapter. Kreuger and Neuman 2006 takes Neuman’s social sciences research text and adapts it to social work. The Practitioner’s Guide to Using Research for Evidence-based Practice ( Rubin 2007 ) emphasizes the critical appraisal of research, covering basic research methods content in a relatively simplified format for instructors who want to teach research methods as part of the evidence-based practice process instead of with the aim of teaching students how to produce research.

Drake, Brett, and Melissa Jonson-Reid. 2007. Social work research methods: From conceptualization to dissemination . Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

This introductory text is distinguished by its use of many evidence-based practice examples and its heavy coverage of statistical and computer analysis of data.

Grinnell, Richard M., and Yvonne A. Unrau, eds. 2007. Social work research and evaluation: Quantitative and qualitative approaches . 8th ed. New York: Oxford Univ. Press.

Contains chapters written by different authors, each focusing on a comprehensive range of social work research topics.

Kreuger, Larry W., and W. Lawrence Neuman. 2006. Social work research methods: Qualitative and quantitative applications . Boston: Pearson, Allyn, and Bacon.

An adaptation to social work of Neuman's social sciences research methods text. Its framework emphasizes comparing quantitative and qualitative approaches. Despite its title, quantitative methods receive more attention than qualitative methods, although it does contain considerable qualitative content.

Rubin, Allen. 2007. Practitioner’s guide to using research for evidence-based practice . Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

This text focuses on understanding quantitative and qualitative research methods and designs for the purpose of appraising research as part of the evidence-based practice process. It also includes chapters on instruments for assessment and monitoring practice outcomes. It can be used at the graduate or undergraduate level.

Rubin, Allen, and Earl R. Babbie. 2007. Essential research methods for social work . Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks Cole.

This is a shorter and less advanced version of Rubin and Babbie 2008 . It can be used for research methods courses at the undergraduate or master's levels of social work education.

Rubin, Allen, and Earl R. Babbie. Research Methods for Social Work . 6th ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks Cole, 2008.

This comprehensive text focuses on producing quantitative and qualitative research as well as utilizing such research as part of the evidence-based practice process. It is widely used for teaching research methods courses at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels of social work education.

Thyer, Bruce A., ed. 2001 The handbook of social work research methods . Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

This comprehensive compendium includes twenty-nine chapters written by esteemed leaders in social work research. It covers quantitative and qualitative methods as well as general issues.

Yegidis, Bonnie L., and Robert W. Weinbach. 2009. Research methods for social workers . 6th ed. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

This introductory paperback text covers a broad range of social work research methods and does so in a briefer fashion than most lengthier, hardcover introductory research methods texts.

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Foundations of Social Work Research

(4 reviews)

Rebecca L. Mauldin

Copyright Year: 2020

ISBN 13: 9781648169915

Publisher: Mavs Open Press

Language: English

Formats Available

Conditions of use.

Learn more about reviews.

Reviewed by LaToya Smith-Jones, Adjunct Professor, University of Texas at Arlington on 3/26/24

The textbook covers various topics that are familiar to the Social Work profession. There are relatable examples given within the book, which allow Social Work students to understand discussions through the lens of an actual practitioner. Each... read more

Comprehensiveness rating: 5 see less

The textbook covers various topics that are familiar to the Social Work profession. There are relatable examples given within the book, which allow Social Work students to understand discussions through the lens of an actual practitioner. Each section provides an area where research vocabulary is listed and reviewed, as well as examples to deepen the understanding of the vocabulary used.

Content Accuracy rating: 5

The information presented in the textbook is presented with accuracy. Bias was not noticed within the text.

Relevance/Longevity rating: 5

The information presented within the textbook was up-to-date. Classical studies were also included in the textbook. The classical studies allow the students to understand the historical influence regarding the research process.

Clarity rating: 5

The textbook provides examples and a separate vocabulary section in order to understand the jargon and technical terminology. individuals who do not have a research background will be able to comprehend the information written.

Consistency rating: 5

The textbook is consistent regarding terminology and framework. Each section builds upon the previous section.

Modularity rating: 5

Each section is broken up according to the topic of the chapter. Each chapter is broken up in sections, which allows for an easier read.

Organization/Structure/Flow rating: 5

The chapters are presented in a logical and clear fashion. The information presented within the textbook builds upon itself. Students are first introduced to background information regarding the topic and then they are given information regarding the application of the information shared.

Interface rating: 5

There were not any interface issues.

Grammatical Errors rating: 5

There were not any grammatical errors noted.

Cultural Relevance rating: 5

Information within the text was inclusive and included examples of various ethnicities and backgrounds.

The textbook is excellent to use for students who do not have a research background. The manner in which the information is presented and laid out assists with aiding students' understanding.

Reviewed by Quentin Maynard, Assistant Professor, University of Southern Indiana on 11/30/22

This text covers topics that social work students need to understand to be consumers of research. The author and contributors include current real work examples to help emphasize the different topics. Integrating the chapter on Real World Research... read more

This text covers topics that social work students need to understand to be consumers of research. The author and contributors include current real work examples to help emphasize the different topics. Integrating the chapter on Real World Research throughout the text might help emphasize to students that engaging in research is necessary to our profession, even as practitioners.

The content was accurate and error-free.

The content of the text was up-to-date and included information relevant to social work research. Since the main author solicited contributions from colleagues at their institution, updates and changes would likely be relatively straightforward.

The book seemed accessible for individuals with limited research experience. Key words were defined in the text and included in a glossary at the end of each section and the text.

The text was consistent in style and organization. Chapter subsections have specific learning objectives allowing students to know what will be covered in each chapter. Doing this reduces bloat and increases clarity for readers.

The text did not appear to be structured in a way that was overwhelming or difficult to follow.

The structure of the book was logical.

The digital pdf and the online versions of the text were intuitive and easy to navigate. I did not notice any issues with the interface in either format.

No writing or grammar errors noted.

The text is culturally sensitive. It includes a content advisory at the beginning of each chapter which allows students to be aware of specific topics (e.g., racism, sexism, and poverty) discussed or mentioned in the chapter. While this text was adapted for students at a specific university, the authors include topics that reach much farther than that audience. The examples included cover a diverse set of people and situations.

This is a comprehensive text that allows students the opportunity to learn how to be consumers of social work research. While practice evaluation might not be the scope of this text, other than the chapter on Real World Research, including discussions about how students might apply the concepts of each chapter in social work practice. The structure of the book allows students to see the research that their professors are engaging in and might make research more accessible to social work students and practitioners

Reviewed by Matt Walsh, Assistant Professor of Social Work, Marian University on 12/30/21

This textbook covers all the aspects of research you would expect for an introduction to social work research. It uses classic examples of past research to highlight the importance of ethics in research. It also does a good job of discussing... read more

This textbook covers all the aspects of research you would expect for an introduction to social work research. It uses classic examples of past research to highlight the importance of ethics in research. It also does a good job of discussing both quantitative and qualitative research as well as single system designs and program evaluation. My one critique as someone who does qualitative research is that it mentions the importance of trustworthiness and rigor in qualitative research but does not mention how a research can achieve this. However, it does go into other elements like coding and it would not be hard to provide student with supplemental materials about memoing or peer debriefing as examples and to be fair, it is hard to put everything in just one chapter.

All components are accurately described and well-written. The glossary at the end of each section is helpful for key words. The text appears to be error-free and unbiased.

There are links to recent examples which highlights the real world aspect of research.

This text is clear in its description of research and its major components. Certain aspects like causality get a little advanced for a introduction to research book but there are good visual to aid in students' understanding of some of the more complicated concepts. (Please note that I am reviewing this with BSW students in mind, MSW students may not find some of these sections as overwhelming as I suspect my students might).

The book is very well structured and consistent throughout.

The text is well structured and organized as a whole and in terms of each chapter and each section with the chapters.

The topics follow the order of most other foundational research books I have seen and have a logical flow to them.

I did not find any interface issues.

I could not see any grammatical errors.

There are good examples throughout that display an effort to have inclusivity, diversity, and equity in this text.

I feel like this book would provide students with a good understanding about research and could be used interchangeably with other foundational/introduction books on the market, especially if the professor is familiar with teaching research and has already established a good foundation (quizzes, lecture slides, assignments, activities, etc.).

Reviewed by Vivian Miller, Assistant Professor in Social Work, Bowling Green State University on 1/5/21

The text Foundations of Social Work Research covers social work research comprehensively and appropriately. Across twelve chapters, the author begins by introducing research, the science behind research and how this translates to the profession of... read more

The text Foundations of Social Work Research covers social work research comprehensively and appropriately. Across twelve chapters, the author begins by introducing research, the science behind research and how this translates to the profession of social work, and the importance of understanding research as it applies to social work practice across all system levels. In addition to comprehensive chapters, the text contains a glossary, practice behavior indices, bibliography, derivative notes, and links by each chapter.

This text is an accurate text that is error free. This text is extremely well-written and includes real-life examples, drawing on written contributions from social work faculty across practice settings and populations, as well as students at the masters and doctoral levels.

Much of research methods and the process is overall static, however the author does an incredible job to provide timely, relevant, and applicable examples throughout the text to ensure that this version will not be obsolete within a short period of time.

This text is clearly written and is easy to move through. This text contains chapters and sub-chapters. I’d recommend this book for a higher-level undergraduate program or graduate program (e.g., MSW), as there is technical terminology used. Additionally, the author provides a glossary at the back of the text, hyperlinked to each chapter on the web-version. Moreover, there are definitions highlighted at center page throughout the text.

This text is very consistent. Chapters build on one another and are written in clear order.

The use of subheadings throughout allows this text to be separated into smaller reading sections. For instance, if an instructor wanted to assign reading for “Probability sampling,” this topic can be readily extracted from the full text. A student can understand this topic area despite being separated from the text as context is provided to the reader in each sub-chapter. The use of bolded words, images, examples, and hyperlinks throughout make the text easy to separate and digest.

This text is very well-organized and moves through each section in a step-wise process building on each previous content area.

There are no interface issues in the text. Images display well, as well as key takeaway and glossary charts throughout each chapter.

The text contains no grammatical errors.

This text is culturally sensitive. Examples across all system levels (e.g., micro, messo, and macro) are inclusive of a variety of races, ethnicities, and backgrounds.

Highly recommend this text for a Social Work research course.

Table of Contents

• Chapter One: Introduction to research
• Chapter Two: Linking methods with theory
• Chapter Three: Ethics in social work research
• Chapter Four: Design and causality
• Chapter Five: Defining and measuring concepts
• Chapter Six: Sampling
• Chapter Seven: Survey research
• Chapter Eight: Experimental design
• Chapter Nine: Unique features of qualitative research
• Chapter Ten: Unobtrusive research
• Chapter Eleven: Real-world research
• Chapter Twelve: Reporting research

Ancillary Material

About the book.

This textbook was created to provide an introduction to research methods for BSW and MSW students, with particular emphasis on research and practice relevant to students at the University of Texas at Arlington. It provides an introduction to social work students to help evaluate research for evidence-based practice and design social work research projects. It can be used with its companion, A Guidebook for Social Work Literature Reviews and Research Questions by Rebecca L. Mauldin and Matthew DeCarlo, or as a stand-alone textbook.

About the Contributors

Rebecca L. Mauldin , Ph.D

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Steps involved in the process of social research: 11 steps.

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This article throws light on the eleven important steps involved in the process of social research, i.e, (1) Formulation of Research Problem, (2) Review of Related Literature, (3) Formulation of Hypotheses, (4) Working Out Research Design, (5) Defining the Universe of Study, (6) Determining Sampling Design, (7) Administering the tools of Data Collection and Others.

Step 1# Formulation of Research Problem:

In real terms research begins with a problem which needs solution. Such a perception on the part of the researcher, first of all, falls within the general area of interest indicating to locate the problem either in the quest of some intellectual pursuit or for some practical concern, such as finding out a practical solution to a problem, evaluation of a programme in the light of new facts, gathering of relevant facts for social planning or even for policy making.

While selecting a problem for research, the Social Scientists are likely to be influenced by their own personal values as well as the prevalent social conditions. As scientists differ with regard to their values and societies differ in respect of their preference of different spheres, the choice of topics in social research vary widely.

As the general topic fails to provide the ability to examine the relevance of data, adopt the methods or to organize them, the need for formulation of a specific problem is always felt. This makes the goal of the researcher clear-cut. It not only guides the researcher in exploration, but also progressively sharpens the focus of questions by narrowing down the coverage like a pin­point. For example, if the general topic is compared with the base of a pyramid, the specific topic may resemble the apex of it.

In any case, formulation of a problem, arising out of theoretical situation or practical concern, is not an easy task, as it appears to be. In real terms it is a herculean task, so much so that even a scientist of the stature of Charles Darwin has gone to the length of saying that “Looking back, I think it was more difficult to see what the problems were than to solve them.”

As a problem involves some difficulty experienced by the investigator, the formulation of the problem should make its various components explicit in such a manner that it will justify the saying that “a problem well put is half solved” R.K. Merton has identified three important questions as the three principal components involved in the process of formulation of a problem in the field of research in soft sciences:

(i) What one wants’ to know?

(ii) Why one wants to seek answers to those particular questions? and

(iii) What may be the possible answers to the originating questions?

These three questions correspond to the components of the originating questions, the rationale and the specifying questions respectively.

There are at least three types of originating questions:

(i) Originating questions calling for discovering a particular body of social facts,

(ii) Originating questions directing attention to the research for uniformities between classes of variables, and

(iii) Questions addressing to a variety of institutional spheres.

As regards the rationale component in the progressive formulation of a problem, the statement of reasons pertaining to the tenability of a question is made. It also seeks to justify the answers’ contribution to theoretical or practical concerns. The fundamental requirement of a rationale is to widen the base of scientifically consequential question and to eschew the scientifically trivial ones. R.K Merton holds the view that “the rationale states the case for question in the court of scientific opinion.”

The theoretical rationale attempts to justify the contribution, likely to be made by the answers to questions, in terms of the enlargement of the scope of the prevalent ideas or concepts or theory. It may also throw light on the observed inconsistencies in existing ideas and examine the nature of inconsistencies in terms of its spuriousness or reality. On the other hand, the practical rationale acts as a pointer to justify as to how the answers to the research questions will bring about certain desired practical values. However, a question raised for the practical concern may also have its bearings on the theoretical system.

The component of specifying questions in the process of formulating a research problem aims at transforming the originating questions into a series of observations in a particular concrete situation, necessitating collection of empirical data, so as to seek possible answers to the originating questions in terms that satisfy the rationale fruitfully.

Step 2# Review of Related Literature:

Since an effective research is based on past knowledge, an investigator must always take advantage of the knowledge which have been preserved or accumulated earlier. It not only helps the researcher in avoiding duplication and formulating useful hypothesis, but also provides him with the evidence that he is familiar with what is already known and what is still unknown and untested in the field.

Review of related literature implies the analysis of the summary of the writings of recognized authorities and the earlier researches in the particular area. According to J.W. Best practically all human knowledge can be found in books and libraries. Unlike other animals…man builds upon the accumulated and recorded knowledge of the past.

In the words of C.V. Good “the keys to the vast store house of published literature may open doors to sources of significant problems and explanatory hypothesis and provide helpful orientation for definition of the problem, background for selection of procedure and comparative data so interpretation of results.”

The essentiality of the review of literature remains in the fact that it provides the researcher with an indication of the direction, updates information relating to researcher’s own problem, avoids the replication of the study of findings, provides the scope for analogy and formulation of hypothesis.

The main objectives of review of related literature are:

(i) To provide theories, ideas, explanations or hypotheses, which are likely to be helpful in the formulation of research problem?

(ii) To avoid overlapping studies,

(iii) To be a fertile source for formulating hypothesis,

(iv) To suggest the methods of data collection, procedures, to explore the sources of data and statistical techniques appropriate to the solution of the problem,

(v) To gather comparative data and findings of earlier researches which are of use in the interpretation of data and analysis of results?

(vi) To enable the investigator to gain expertise in his area of interest, and

(vii) To keep the researcher abreast of the most recent development in his area of activity.

In order to survey the relevant literature, the investigator should follow the following principles:

(i) At the outset, he should endeavor to obtain an overall view from the general source comprising those written materials which are more likely to provide the meaning and nature of the concepts and variables within the theoretical system.

(ii) Thereafter, the researcher should embark upon reviewing the empirical researches conducted in the concerned field. At this stage we make use the Handbook of Research, International Abstracts, etc.

(iii) The researcher must review the library material in a thorough and systematic manner.

(iv) He should take care to record the references with complete bibliographic data.

The main sources of literature which are of immense use for the researcher are books and text books; periodicals; encyclopedias; hand books, yearbooks and guides; abstracts; dissertations and theses; newspapers etc.

Step 3# Formulation of Hypotheses :

The next step in the process of research is the formulation of a tentative explanation of the problem in the form of a proposition wherever feasible. This tentative explanation or assumption or proposition refers to a conjectural statement of the relation between two or more variables and its tenability remains to be tested.

For formulating the hypothesis the researcher gathers information from several sources, such as existing theories, previous reports of research concerning analogous problems, information from knowledgeable persons, researcher’s own beliefs and insights. However, all studies do not begin with clearly formulated hypothesis.

Some are hypothesis testing studies and some others are hypothesis formulating studies. The exploratory studies are called hypothesis formulating studies because such researches end up with formulation of hypothesis. On the contrary, the hypothesis testing researches begin with clearly formulated hypothesis.

Notwithstanding the formulation of hypothesis at this level, the investigator needs to state the operational definitions of the concepts in order to translate the formal definitions, conveying the nature of the phenomenon, into observable referents.

In developing hypothesis, sociologists attempt to explain or account for the relationship between two or more variables. A variable is a measurable trait or characteristic that is subject to change under different conditions. For example, income, religion, occupation and gender can all be variables in a study.

If one variable is hypothesized to cause or influence another one, social scientists call the first variable as the independent variable and the second is termed the dependent variable. A correlation exists when change in one variable coincides with a change in the other. Correlations are an indication that causality may be present: they do not necessarily indicate causation.

Step 4# Working Out Research Design:

After formulating the research problem, reviewing the related literature and formulating hypothesis, wherever feasible, the researcher reaches the stage of embarking upon working out a design of study as he is guided by the maxim that “work must be planned, if it is to lead to discoveries”. A research design is the general blueprint for the collection, measurement and analysis of data incorporating what the researcher will have to perform from the formulating the tentative generalizations and their operational definitions to final analysis of data.

By providing answers to various questions and acting as a standard and guidepost, it helps in carrying out research validly, objectively, accurately and economically and thereby ensures against its failure. Research designs vary according to the research purposes as well as from the point of view of realizable working procedure.

As regards the research purposes, broadly speaking, there are four categories:

(i) Exploration,

(ii) Description,

(iii) Diagnosis and

(iv) Experimentation.

From the view point of realizable working procedure there are four parts of research design:

(i) Sampling design, describing the different sampling methods to be used for selection of units for study,

(ii) Observational design, describing the way in which the observations are to be made,

(iii) Statistical design, dealing with the statistical techniques to be applied in the analysis and interpretation of data, and

(iv) Operational design, dealing with the specific techniques by which the entire operation of research is to be carried out. Thus it incorporates all the three designs mentioned above, such as the sampling, statistical and observational designs.

Step 5# Defining the Universe of Study :

The universe of study comprises all the items or individuals under consideration in any field of inquiry. In statistical terms, a ‘universe’ or ‘population’ refers to the aggregate of individuals or units from which a ‘sample’ is drawn and to which the results and analysis are to apply. The researcher may distinguish between the target population and survey population so as to clearly define the universe of study. The target population is that population for which the results of research are required.

On the contrary, the survey population implies those items or individuals which are actually included in the sampling frame from which the sample is drawn. However, in most sociological purposes such a distinction is not deemed to be significant. In any case, a complete population must be very explicitly defined in terms of elements, sampling units, extent and time.

Step 6# Determining Sampling Design:

As in practice a complete enumeration of all the items in the ‘universe’ is not possible under many circumstances, due to the requirement of a great deal of time, money and energy; the researcher embarks upon deciding the way of a selecting a representative sample which is popularly known as the sample design. It is a definite plan chalked out prior to actual collection of data for obtaining a sample from the universe. The sample must be representative and adequate.

Broadly speaking there are three types of samples, such as:

(i) Probability samples

(ii) Samples based on purposive or subjective or judgement sampling, and

(iii) Samples based on mixed sampling. Probability samples are drawn from the universe according to some laws of chance, based on scientific technique, in which each unit in the population has got some definite pre-assigned probability of being selected in the sample.

For a sample based on purposive or subjective or judgement sampling, units are drawn deliberately or purposely depending upon the objectives of investigation so as include only those important items which represent the universe truly. Units selected for a mixed sample are selected partly according to some probability laws and partly according to a fixed sampling rule which does not insist upon the use of chance. Some of the important types of sampling are: Simple random sampling. Complex random sampling, Stratified random sampling. Cluster and area sampling, haphazard or convenience sampling, quota sampling, judgement sampling etc.

Step 7# Administering the Tools of Data Collection:

Adequate and appropriate data are required for any standard research work. The data may differ considerably keeping in view the financial aspect, time and other resources available to the researcher. The researcher, while collecting data takes into consideration the nature of investigation, objective and scope of the inquiry, financial resources, available time and the desired degree of accuracy. That apart his own ability and experience also counts much in the collection of required data.

Secondary data are collected from books, journals, newspaper, reports of the earlier studies etc., whereas primary data are to be collected either through experiment or through survey. For examining the facts through hypothesis, the researcher, takes recourse to experiment for observing some quantitative measurements.

But, for the purpose of a survey, data may be gathered by observation, personal interviews, telephonic interviews, mailing of questionnaires and through schedules. For any particular survey he may administer one or more than one of the above methods, depending on the nature of study.

Step 8# Analysis of Data:

After completion of the collection of data, the researcher embarks upon the analysis of these data. This involves a number of operations such as establishment of categories, the application of these categories to raw data through coding, tabulation. Thereafter statistical inferences are drawn.

All these operations are very closely related to one another. At the outset, the researcher classifies the raw data into some usable categories on the basis of some purposes. At this stage coding operations is also done so as to transform the categories of data into symbols in order to make them amenable to be tabulated and counted. The researcher may also induct editing in order to improve the quality of data for coding.

Thereafter, in the post-coding stage, the classified data are put in the form of tables as a part of technical procedure either manually or through mechanical devices such as computers. Computers are generally used in large enquiries for the dual purposes of saving time and for making the study of large number of variables possible. While analyzing data, the researcher applies various well defined statistical formulae for the computation of percentages, coefficients, tests of significance, so as to determine with what validity data can indicate any conclusion.

Step 9# Testing of Hypotheses :

Sociological studies do not always generate data that confirm the original hypothesis. In many instance, a hypothesis is refuted and researchers must reformulate their conclusions. In behavioural sciences it is not possible to test several hypotheses directly. The social scientist can only test the research hypotheses by establishing some kind of sample of behaviour in order to observe it directly.

On the basis of these observable incidents, he determines whether or not those are consistent with the hypothesis so as to deduce their logical consequences. Thus an indirect test of the proposed hypothesis can only be made.

The research hypothesis is the prediction derived from the theory under test. It provides simply an inconclusive test. Actually a stronger test of logic is formed when a null hypothesis is rejected. The null hypothesis is a hypothesis of no difference, the rejection of which results in the acceptance of the alternative hypothesis. The alternative hypothesis is the operational statement of the researcher’s research hypothesis. In behavioural science research the rejection or acceptance of a null hypothesis is based on 0.05 or .01 alpha level of significance.

The statisticians have developed various tests like chi-square test, t-test, F-test for the purpose of testing the hypothesis. In the studies, where no hypotheses are there to begin with, the generalizations will serve the basis of formulation of hypothesis which may be tested by subsequent researcher in future.

Step 10# Generalization and Interpretation :

After the hypothesis is tested and found valid, it becomes possible on the part of researcher to reach the stage of generalization, which may be construed to be the real value of research. This is only possible in case of hypothesis-testing studies. But in the hypothesis formulating studies where the researcher has no hypothesis to begin with, he may seek to interpret his findings. In other words, he may seek to explain the findings of his research on the basis of some theoretical framework, which may probably raise some new questions for further researches.

Step 11# Reporting the Research :

Research report is the end product of a research activity which gives an account of a long journey on the path of finding a new knowledge or modified knowledge. Writing a research report is a technical task as it requires not only skill on the part of the researcher but also considerable effort, patience and penetration, an overall approach to the problem, data and analysis along with grasp over language and greater objectivity, all springing from considerable thought.

The purposes of research report are:

i. transmission of knowledge;

ii. presentation of findings,

iii. examining the validity of the generalization, and

iv. Inspiration for further research.

The outline of a report comprises:

(i) The preliminaries incorporating the title page, foreword or preface, acknowledge­ments; list of tables, charts or illustrations; and table of contents.

(ii) Contents of the reports which covers the introductory part of research reports which should not only contain purpose of the study, statement of the problem, hypothesis and operational definition of the concepts but also should contain a description of the agency, personnel and other aspects of research.

This part of research also covers:

(a) The study design;

(b) The universe and the organisation of sampling procedures;

(c) Methods, tools and techniques employed for collection of data as well as analysis and presentation of findings;

(iii) The reference material consisting, the bibliography, appendices, glossary of terms and index.

Related Articles:

• Top 5 Phases of Research Process – Explained!
• 5 Steps Involved in Process of Personnel Research

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The link between social work research and practice

When thinking about social work, some may consider the field to solely focus on clinical interventions with individuals or groups.

There may be a mistaken impression that research is not a part of the social work profession. This is completely false. Rather, the two have been and will continue to need to be intertwined.

This guide covers why social workers should care about research, how both social work practice and social work research influence and guide each other, how to build research skills both as a student and as a professional working in the field, and the benefits of being a social worker with strong research skills. 

A selection of social work research jobs are also discussed.  

• Social workers and research
• Evidence-based practice
• Practice and research
• Research and practice
• Build research skills
• Social worker as researcher
• Benefits of research skills
• Research jobs

Why should social workers care about research?

Sometimes it may seem as though social work practice and social work research are two separate tracks running parallel to each other – they both seek to improve the lives of clients, families and communities, but they don’t interact. This is not the way it is supposed to work.

Research and practice should be intertwined, with each affecting the other and improving processes on both ends, so that it leads to better outcomes for the population we’re serving.

Section 5 of the NASW Social Work Code of Ethics is focused on social workers’ ethical responsibilities to the social work profession. There are two areas in which research is mentioned in upholding our ethical obligations: for the integrity of the profession (section 5.01) and for evaluation and research (section 5.02). 

Some of the specific guidance provided around research and social work include:

• 5.01(b): …Social workers should protect, enhance, and improve the integrity of the profession through appropriate study and research, active discussion, and responsible criticism of the profession.
• 5.01(d): Social workers should contribute to the knowledge base of social work and share with colleagues their knowledge related to practice, research, and ethics…
• 5.02(a) Social workers should monitor and evaluate policies, the implementation of programs, and practice interventions.
• 5.02(b) Social workers should promote and facilitate evaluation and research to contribute to the development of knowledge.
• 5.02(c) Social workers should critically examine and keep current with emerging knowledge relevant to social work and fully use evaluation and research evidence in their professional practice.
• 5.02(q) Social workers should educate themselves, their students, and their colleagues about responsible research practices.

Evidence-based practice and evidence-based treatment

In order to strengthen the profession and determine that the interventions we are providing are, in fact, effective, we must conduct research. When research and practice are intertwined, this leads practitioners to develop evidence-based practice (EBP) and evidence-based treatment (EBT).

Evidence-based practice is, according to The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) , a process involving creating an answerable question based on a client or organizational need, locating the best available evidence to answer the question, evaluating the quality of the evidence as well as its applicability, applying the evidence, and evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of the solution. 

Evidence-based treatment is any practice that has been established as effective through scientific research according to a set of explicit criteria (Drake et al., 2001). These are interventions that, when applied consistently, routinely produce improved client outcomes. 

For example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) was one of a variety of interventions for those with anxiety disorders. Researchers wondered if CBT was better than other intervention options in producing positive, consistent results for clients.

So research was conducted comparing multiple types of interventions, and the evidence (research results) demonstrated that CBT was the best intervention.

The anecdotal evidence from practice combined with research evidence determined that CBT should become the standard treatment for those diagnosed with anxiety. Now more social workers are getting trained in CBT methods in order to offer this as a treatment option to their clients.

How does social work practice affect research?

Social work practice provides the context and content for research. For example, agency staff was concerned about the lack of nutritional food in their service area, and heard from clients that it was too hard to get to a grocery store with a variety of foods, because they didn’t have transportation, or public transit took too long. 

So the agency applied for and received a grant to start a farmer’s market in their community, an urban area that was considered a food desert. This program accepted their state’s version of food stamps as a payment option for the items sold at the farmer’s market.

The agency used their passenger van to provide free transportation to and from the farmer’s market for those living more than four blocks from the market location.

The local university also had a booth each week at the market with nursing and medical students checking blood pressure and providing referrals to community agencies that could assist with medical needs. The agency was excited to improve the health of its clients by offering this program.

But how does the granting foundation know if this was a good use of their money? This is where research and evaluation comes in. Research could gather data to answer a number of questions. Here is but a small sample:

• How many community members visited each week and purchased fruits and vegetables? 
• How many took advantage of the transportation provided, and how many walked to the market? 
• How many took advantage of the blood pressure checks? Were improvements seen in those numbers for those having repeat blood pressure readings throughout the market season? 
• How much did the self-reported fruit and vegetable intake increase for customers? 
• What barriers did community members report in visiting and buying food from the market (prices too high? Inconvenient hours?)
• Do community members want the program to continue next year?
• Was the program cost-effective, or did it waste money by paying for a driver and for gasoline to offer free transportation that wasn’t utilized? What are areas where money could be saved without compromising the quality of the program?
• What else needs to be included in this program to help improve the health of community members?

How does research affect social work practice?

Research can guide practice to implement proven strategies. It can also ask the ‘what if’ or ‘how about’ questions that can open doors for new, innovative interventions to be developed (and then research the effectiveness of those interventions).

Engel and Schutt (2017) describe four categories of research used in social work:

• Descriptive research is research in which social phenomena are defined and described. A descriptive research question would be ‘How many homeless women with substance use disorder live in the metro area?’
• Exploratory research seeks to find out how people get along in the setting under question, what meanings they give to their actions, and what issues concern them. An example research question would be ‘What are the barriers to homeless women with substance use disorder receiving treatment services?’
• Explanatory research seeks to identify causes and effects of social phenomena. It can be used to rule out other explanations for findings and show how two events are related to each other.  An explanatory research question would be ‘Why do women with substance use disorder become homeless?’
• Evaluation research describes or identifies the impact of social programs and policies. This type of research question could be ‘How effective was XYZ treatment-first program that combined housing and required drug/alcohol abstinence in keeping women with substance use disorder in stable housing 2 years after the program ended?’

Each of the above types of research can answer important questions about the population, setting or intervention being provided. This can help practitioners determine which option is most effective or cost-efficient or that clients are most likely to adhere to. In turn, this data allows social workers to make informed choices on what to keep in their practice, and what needs changing. 

How to build research skills while in school

There are a number of ways to build research skills while a student.  BSW and MSW programs require a research course, but there are other ways to develop these skills beyond a single class:

• Volunteer to help a professor working in an area of interest. Professors are often excited to share their knowledge and receive extra assistance from students with similar interests.
• Participate in student research projects where you’re the subject. These are most often found in psychology departments. You can learn a lot about the informed consent process and how data is collected by volunteering as a research participant.  Many of these studies also pay a small amount, so it’s an easy way to earn a bit of extra money while you’re on campus. 
• Create an independent study research project as an elective and work with a professor who is an expert in an area you’re interested in.  You’d design a research study, collect the data, analyze it, and write a report or possibly even an article you can submit to an academic journal.
• Some practicum programs will have you complete a small evaluation project or assist with a larger research project as part of your field education hours. 
• In MSW programs, some professors hire students to conduct interviews or enter data on their funded research projects. This could be a good part time job while in school.
• Research assistant positions are more common in MSW programs, and these pay for some or all your tuition in exchange for working a set number of hours per week on a funded research project.

How to build research skills while working as a social worker

Social service agencies are often understaffed, with more projects to complete than there are people to complete them.

Taking the initiative to volunteer to survey clients about what they want and need, conduct an evaluation on a program, or seeing if there is data that has been previously collected but not analyzed and review that data and write up a report can help you stand out from your peers, be appreciated by management and other staff, and may even lead to a raise, a promotion, or even new job opportunities because of the skills you’ve developed.

Benefits of being a social worker with strong research skills

Social workers with strong research skills can have the opportunity to work on various projects, and at higher levels of responsibility. 

Many can be promoted into administration level positions after demonstrating they understand how to conduct, interpret and report research findings and apply those findings to improving the agency and their programs.

There’s also a level of confidence knowing you’re implementing proven strategies with your clients. 

Social work research jobs

There are a number of ways in which you can blend interests in social work and research. A quick search on Glassdoor.com and Indeed.com retrieved the following positions related to social work research:

• Research Coordinator on a clinical trial offering psychosocial supportive interventions and non-addictive pain treatments to minimize opioid use for pain.
• Senior Research Associate leading and overseeing research on a suite of projects offered in housing, mental health and corrections.
• Research Fellow in a school of social work
• Project Policy Analyst for large health organization
• Health Educator/Research Specialist to implement and evaluate cancer prevention and screening programs for a health department
• Research Interventionist providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia patients participating in a clinical trial
• Research Associate for Child Care and Early Education
• Social Services Data Researcher for an organization serving adults with disabilities.
• Director of Community Health Equity Research Programs evaluating health disparities.

No matter your population or area of interest, you’d likely be able to find a position that integrated research and social work. 

Social work practice and research are and should remain intertwined. This is the only way we can know what questions to ask about the programs and services we are providing, and ensure our interventions are effective. 

There are many opportunities to develop research skills while in school and while working in the field, and these skills can lead to some interesting positions that can make a real difference to clients, families and communities. 

Drake, R. E., Goldman, H., Leff, H. S., Lehman, A. F., Dixon, L., Mueser, K. T., et al. (2001). Implementing evidence-based practices in routine mental health service settings. Psychiatric Services, 52(2), 179-182. 

Engel, R.J., & Schutt, R.K. (2017). The Practice of Research in Social Work. Sage.

National Association of Social Workers. (n.d). Evidence Based Practice. Retrieved from: https://www.socialworkers.org/News/Research-Data/Social-Work-Policy-Research/Evidence-Based-Practice

199+ Social Work Research Topics [Updated 2024]

In the vast and dynamic field of social work, research plays a pivotal role in shaping interventions, policies, and practices. Social work research is not just an academic pursuit but a powerful tool for effecting positive change in communities. As aspiring researchers delve into this realm, the journey begins with a crucial decision – selecting the right social work research topic.

In this blog, we will explore the significance of choosing the right social work research topics, provide insights into the selection process, highlight popular research areas, discuss emerging trends, offer tips for conducting research, and share valuable resources for social work researchers.

Significance of Choosing the Right Social Work Research Topics

Table of Contents

Impact on Research Quality

The choice of a research topic significantly influences the quality and relevance of the research conducted. A well-chosen topic enhances the researcher’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the existing body of knowledge in social work.

Alignment with Personal Interests and Goals

Selecting a topic aligned with personal interests and career goals fosters a sense of passion and commitment. This alignment not only sustains the researcher’s enthusiasm throughout the process but also increases the likelihood of producing impactful research.

Contribution to the Field of Social Work

The right research topic has the potential to contribute to the broader field of social work by addressing pressing issues, proposing innovative solutions, and advancing our understanding of complex social dynamics.

How to Select Social Work Research Topics?

• Understanding the Scope of Social Work: Social work is a multifaceted discipline that encompasses various domains such as mental health, child welfare, community development, and more. Prospective researchers should explore the diverse scopes within social work to identify areas that resonate with their interests and expertise.
• Identifying Personal Interests and Passion: Passion fuels research endeavors. Researchers should reflect on their personal experiences, values, and interests to identify areas within social work that evoke a strong sense of commitment.
• Considering Relevance to Current Social Issues: Social work research gains significance when it addresses current societal challenges. Researchers should evaluate potential topics based on their relevance to contemporary issues, ensuring that the findings can contribute meaningfully to ongoing dialogues and efforts for social change.

199+ Social Work Research Topics: Category-Wise

Mental health and social work.

• The impact of community support on mental health outcomes.
• Examining the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in social work.
• Exploring stigma surrounding mental health in diverse populations.
• Integrating technology in mental health counseling: Challenges and opportunities.
• The role of social work in preventing suicide and self-harm.

Diversity and Inclusion in Social Work

• LGBTQ+ inclusivity in social work practice.
• Addressing microaggressions and bias in social work interactions.
• Promoting cultural competence in social work education.
• Exploring challenges faced by immigrants and refugees in accessing social services.
• Intersectionality in social work: Understanding and addressing multiple identities.

Social Work and Community Development

• Evaluating the impact of community gardens on neighborhood well-being.
• The role of social workers in disaster response and recovery.
• Strategies for combating homelessness and housing insecurity.
• Assessing the effectiveness of community-based participatory research in social work.
• Social work’s contribution to sustainable community development.

Social Work and Child Welfare

• Investigating the long-term outcomes of children in foster care.
• The impact of parental substance abuse on child welfare.
• Exploring cultural competence in child welfare services.
• Innovative approaches to supporting kinship care families.
• Assessing the effectiveness of early intervention programs for at-risk children.

Global Perspectives in Social Work Research

• Cross-cultural perspectives on social work ethics.
• Human rights and social work: An international comparison.
• The role of social work in addressing global health disparities.
• Social work responses to forced migration and refugee crises.
• Comparative analysis of social work systems in different countries.

Technology and Social Work

• Ethical considerations in the use of artificial intelligence in social work.
• Online therapy and its implications for the future of social work.
• Integrating telehealth in social work practice: Challenges and benefits.
• Cyberbullying and the role of social workers in prevention and intervention.
• The impact of social media on social work advocacy.

Policy and Advocacy in Social Work

• Analyzing the impact of welfare reform on vulnerable populations.
• Social work advocacy for criminal justice reform.
• The role of social workers in shaping healthcare policies.
• Addressing disparities in access to education through social work policy.
• Environmental justice and the role of social work in sustainability.

Substance Abuse and Addiction in Social Work

• Harm reduction strategies in social work practice.
• Supporting families affected by substance abuse: A social work perspective.
• Exploring the intersection of trauma and addiction in social work.
• Assessing the effectiveness of drug prevention programs in schools.
• The role of social workers in opioid addiction treatment.

Gerontology and Aging in Social Work

• Aging in place: Examining the role of social work in supporting seniors at home.
• Social isolation and mental health in the elderly population.
• Addressing elder abuse: Strategies for prevention and intervention.
• Palliative care and the role of social workers in end-of-life care.
• The impact of dementia on families and the role of social work support.

Education and Social Work

• The role of school social workers in addressing student mental health.
• Inclusive education: Social work interventions for students with disabilities.
• Bullying prevention programs in schools: A social work perspective.
• Examining the impact of teacher-student relationships on academic outcomes.
• Social work support for students experiencing homelessness.

Human Trafficking and Exploitation

• Human trafficking prevention and intervention strategies in social work.
• The role of social workers in supporting survivors of human trafficking.
• Addressing labor exploitation through social work advocacy.
• Intersectionality and human trafficking: A comprehensive approach.
• Assessing the effectiveness of anti-trafficking policies and programs.

Family Dynamics and Social Work

• Impact of divorce and separation on children: Social work interventions.
• Foster care reunification: Challenges and success factors.
• LGBTQ+ parenting and the role of social work in family support.
• Domestic violence prevention programs: A social work perspective.
• Blended families: Navigating challenges and fostering resilience.

Health and Healthcare Disparities

• Social determinants of health and their impact on vulnerable populations.
• Access to healthcare for underserved communities: A social work perspective.
• The role of social workers in supporting individuals with chronic illnesses.
• Reducing health disparities among racial and ethnic minorities through social work interventions.
• Palliative care and the psychosocial aspects of terminal illness.

Human Rights and Social Work

• Social work advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
• Promoting gender equality through social work initiatives.
• Indigenous rights and the role of social workers in reconciliation.
• Advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities: A social work perspective.
• Social work responses to human rights violations and social justice issues.

Disability and Inclusion

• Social work interventions for children with developmental disabilities.
• The impact of inclusive employment programs on individuals with disabilities.
• Accessibility and social work advocacy for people with physical disabilities.
• Autism spectrum disorder: Social work support for individuals and families.
• Inclusive recreation programs: Enhancing the lives of people with disabilities.

Veterans and Military Social Work

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the role of social workers in veteran support.
• Social work interventions for military families experiencing deployment stress.
• Transitioning from military to civilian life: Challenges and opportunities.
• The impact of substance abuse on veterans and social work prevention strategies.
• Access to mental health services for veterans: A social work perspective.

Community Mental Health Programs

• Evaluating the effectiveness of community mental health clinics.
• Peer support programs in community mental health: A social work approach.
• Social work interventions for reducing stigma around mental illness in communities.
• Integrating mental health into primary care settings through collaborative care approaches.
• Social workers’ roles in school-based mental health initiatives.

Immigration and Social Work

• Social work responds to populations of immigrants and refugees’ mental health issues.
• The effect of immigration laws on social service accessibility.
• Community integration and social work support for immigrants.
• Advocacy for immigrant rights: A social work perspective.
• Family reunification and the role of social workers in immigration processes.

Social Work in Rural Communities

• Access to healthcare in rural communities: Social work interventions.
• Substance abuse prevention in rural settings: Challenges and solutions.
• Community development strategies for promoting rural well-being.
• Addressing mental health disparities in rural populations: A social work approach.
• Social work support for families facing economic challenges in rural areas.

Trauma-Informed Social Work Practice

• Integrating trauma-informed care into social work practice.
• Addressing childhood trauma through school-based interventions.
• Trauma-focused therapies and their application in social work.
• Vicarious trauma and self-care strategies for social workers.
• The role of social workers in supporting survivors of sexual assault.

Social Work in Schools

• School-based bullying prevention programs: A social work perspective.
• Social work interventions for students with learning disabilities.
• The impact of school social workers on academic success.
• Mental health support for at-risk youth in school settings.
• The role of social workers in addressing the school-to-prison pipeline.

Criminal Justice and Social Work

• Reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals: A social work approach.
• Juvenile justice and the role of social workers in rehabilitation.
• Addressing racial disparities in the criminal justice system: A social work perspective.
• The impact of incarceration on families and social work support.

Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)

• Principles and applications of community-based participatory research in social work.
• Engaging communities in the research process: A CBPR approach.
• Evaluating the outcomes of community-based interventions using CBPR.
• Challenges and opportunities in implementing CBPR in diverse settings.
• Empowering communities through CBPR: Case studies and best practices.

Social Work and Environmental Justice

• Climate change and its impact on vulnerable populations: A social work perspective.
• Environmental justice and community organizing: Social work interventions.
• Sustainable community development and the role of social workers.
• Access to clean water and sanitation: A social work advocacy approach.
• Indigenous perspectives on environmental justice: A social work lens.

Human Services Administration

• Leadership styles in human services administration: A social work perspective.
• The role of technology in improving human services delivery.
• Strategies for effective human services program evaluation.
• Addressing burnout and promoting self-care in human services organizations.
• Social work ethics and decision-making in human services administration.

Social Work and Artificial Intelligence

• Applications of AI in social work practice: Opportunities and challenges.
• The role of chatbots in mental health support: A social work perspective.
• Bias and fairness in algorithmic decision-making in social work.
• Human-AI collaboration in social work: Enhancing service delivery.

Crisis Intervention and Social Work

• Social work responses to natural disasters: Lessons learned and best practices.
• Crisis intervention strategies for individuals experiencing acute trauma.
• The role of social workers in emergency shelters and disaster recovery.
• Trauma-informed care in crisis intervention: A social work approach.
• Collaborative approaches to crisis intervention in community settings.

Social Work in the LGBTQ+ Community

• LGBTQ+ youth homelessness: Social work interventions and prevention.
• Supporting transgender and non-binary individuals in social work practice.
• Mental health disparities in the LGBTQ+ community: A social work perspective.
• LGBTQ+ inclusive policies in social service organizations.
• Social work advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and equal access to services.

Social Work and Aging

• Aging in place: Social work interventions for promoting independence.
• Social work support for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and their families.
• End-of-life decision-making and the role of social workers.
• Social isolation among older adults: Strategies for prevention and intervention.
• Exploring innovative housing models for aging populations.

Faith-Based Social Work

• The intersection of faith and social work: Ethical considerations.
• Faith-based organizations in community development: A social work perspective.
• Pastoral care and counseling: Social work support in religious communities.
• Addressing religious discrimination in social work practice.
• Interfaith dialogue and its role in fostering social cohesion: A social work approach.

Social Work in Substance Use Prevention

• Social work interventions for preventing substance use among adolescents.
• The impact of early childhood experiences on later substance use: A social work perspective.
• Prevention programs targeting high-risk populations: A social work approach.
• Social work support for families affected by parental substance use.
• Community-based strategies for preventing opioid misuse: A social work lens.

Global Mental Health and Social Work

• Cultural considerations in global mental health: A social work approach.
• Collaborative approaches to addressing mental health stigma globally.
• The role of social workers in disaster mental health response internationally.
• Integrating traditional healing practices into global mental health interventions.
• Comparative analysis of mental health policies and services worldwide.

Social Work and Human-Animal Interaction

• Animal-assisted therapy in social work practice: Applications and benefits.
• The role of therapy animals in reducing stress and promoting well-being.
• Animal cruelty prevention and the role of social workers.
• The impact of pet ownership on mental health: A social work perspective.
• Ethical considerations in incorporating animals into social work interventions.

Refugee Mental Health and Social Work

• Trauma-informed approaches in working with refugee populations.
• Social work support for refugee children in educational settings.
• Addressing mental health disparities among refugee communities.
• Cultural competence in providing mental health services to refugees.
• Resettlement challenges and social work interventions for refugees.

Community Resilience and Social Work

• Building community resilience in the face of adversity: A social work perspective.
• Social work interventions for promoting resilience in vulnerable populations.
• Resilience-based mental health programs in schools: A social work approach.
• The role of social workers in disaster resilience planning.
• Collective trauma and community healing: A social work lens.

Technology and Social Work Ethics

• Ethical considerations in the use of social media in social work practice.
• Privacy and confidentiality in the age of digital record-keeping.
• Ensuring equity in access to technology-based interventions: A social work approach.
• Social work responses to cyberbullying: Prevention and intervention strategies.
• Ethical guidelines for the use of virtual reality in social work practice.

Social Work in Sports

• Sports-based youth development programs: A social work perspective.
• The role of social workers in promoting mental health in athletes.
• Addressing substance use and performance-enhancing drugs in sports: A social work lens.
• Inclusive sports programs for individuals with disabilities: A social work approach.
• Social work interventions for preventing and addressing sports-related violence.

Social Work in the Arts

• Arts-based interventions in social work practice: Applications and outcomes.
• The role of creative expression in trauma recovery: A social work perspective.
• Using theater and performance arts in social work education and therapy.
• Arts programs for at-risk youth: A social work approach.
• The impact of the arts on community well-being: A social work lens.

Social Work and Foster Care Adoption

• Social work interventions for successful foster care reunification.
• Addressing the unique needs of LGBTQ+ youth in foster care.
• The impact of foster care placement on child development: A social work perspective.
• Post-adoption support services: A social work approach.
• Cultural competence in transracial and transcultural foster care and adoption.

Social Work in the Gig Economy

• The Role of Social Work in Addressing Mental Health Challenges in the Gig Economy
• Exploring Social Work Strategies for Supporting Gig Workers’ Financial Stability
• Gig Economy and Social Work Advocacy: Ensuring Fair Labor Practices
• Navigating Occupational Hazards: Social Work Interventions in Gig Work Environments
• Social Work’s Contribution to Promoting Work-Life Balance in the Gig Economy

Emerging Trends in Social Work Research

• The Impact of Technology on Social Work Practice: Examine how technology is influencing social work practices and service delivery, considering both advantages and ethical considerations.
• Ethical Considerations in the Use of Technology in Social Work Research: Discuss the ethical challenges associated with the integration of technology in social work research and propose guidelines for responsible use.
• Cross-Cultural Studies in Social Work: Explore the significance of cross-cultural studies in social work research, promoting a deeper understanding of diverse cultural contexts.
• Addressing Global Social Issues through Research: Investigate how social work research can contribute to addressing global social challenges, such as poverty, migration, and climate change.

Tips for Conducting Social Work Research

Developing a Research Question

Craft a research question for social work research topics that is clear, concise, and aligns with the chosen social work research topic. The question should guide the research process and contribute meaningfully to the existing literature.

Choosing Appropriate Research Methods

Select research methods that align with the nature of the research question and the goals of the study. Consider whether qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods approaches are most suitable for addressing the research objectives.

Ethical Considerations in Social Work Research

Prioritize ethical considerations throughout the research process. Ensure informed consent, confidentiality, and respect for the dignity and rights of research participants.

Resources for Social Work Researchers

Journals and Publications

Explore reputable social work journals and publications to stay updated on the latest research, methodologies, and findings. Examples include the “Journal of Social Work” and the “British Journal of Social Work.”

Professional Organizations

Joining professional organizations such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) provides access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and conferences that enhance a researcher’s knowledge and skills.

Online Databases and Research Tools

Utilize online databases like PubMed , Social Work Abstracts, and Google Scholar to access a wide range of social work research articles. Additionally, familiarize yourself with research tools and software that can streamline the research process.

In conclusion, the journey of selecting the social work research topics is a crucial step that requires thoughtful consideration and reflection. The chosen topic should align with personal interests, address current social issues, and contribute meaningfully to the field of social work. 

As researchers embark on this journey, they have the opportunity to explore diverse areas, from mental health and child welfare to emerging trends in technology and global perspectives. 

By following ethical guidelines, employing appropriate research methods, and leveraging valuable resources, social work researchers can make significant contributions to improving the well-being of individuals and communities.

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One way social work researchers can better understand community needs—and move the field forward

by Matt Shipman, North Carolina State University

Researchers are calling on the social work community to begin incorporating a methodology called "discrete choice experiments" (DCEs) into their research, to better understand the needs and preferences of key stakeholders. This technique is well established in other fields but is rarely used in social work.

The paper, " How to Use Discrete Choice Experiments to Capture Stakeholder Preferences in Social Work Research ," is published in the Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research .

"Social workers need to engage with a wide variety of stakeholders, from policy makers to the people who use social services ," says Alan Ellis, an associate professor of social work at North Carolina State University and corresponding author of a paper introducing social work researchers to the DCE methodology.

"But social work, as a research discipline, has not identified a standard technique for eliciting the preferences of those stakeholders—even though this is a critical issue," Ellis says.

"Although traditional survey methods can be used to evaluate stakeholder perspectives, the DCE is one of several methodologies that were specifically designed to assess the degree to which people prioritize one thing over another. In this paper, we propose that social work researchers adopt DCEs as a robust tool for capturing stakeholder preferences on any number of issues."

In a DCE, researchers ask participants to complete a series of choice tasks: hypothetical situations in which each participant is presented with alternative scenarios and selects one or more.

"For example, social work researchers may want to know how parents and other caregivers prioritize different aspects of mental health treatment when choosing services for their children," Ellis says. "A DCE can explore this question by presenting scenarios that include different types of mental health care providers, treatment methods, costs, locations and so on. Caregivers' stated choices in these scenarios can provide a lot of information about their priorities."

DCEs were first developed by marketing researchers and are now widely used in fields ranging from transportation to health care.

"We know that DCEs effectively capture preferences on a wide variety of subjects," Ellis says. "We simply want to begin using them more consistently to address issues that are important to stakeholders in social work.

"From a pure research standpoint, having a better understanding of stakeholder needs and preferences can move the field forward by helping us develop better research questions and better studies," says Ellis. "Beyond that, having a better understanding of our clients' preferences and goals will make us better social workers. Adopting DCEs can strengthen the link between social work research and practice—and ground our research , policy, and practice in the values that are important to the people we serve.

"I'm optimistic that DCEs could help us collaborate with stakeholders to effect positive change."

The paper was co-authored by Qiana Cryer-Coupet of Georgia State University, Bridget Weller of Wayne State University, Kirsten Howard and Rakhee Raghunandan of the University of Sydney, and Kathleen Thomas of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Provided by North Carolina State University

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August 14, 2024

This article is hosted on University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute .

The Association of Social Work Boards publishes new research on disparities in pass rates for social work licensing exams

Reports outline complex factors influencing test-taker outcomes.

The Association of Social Work Boards today published a three-part series of research reports analyzing the social work licensing examination pass rate disparities. The goal of the exam report series, based on additional analyses of data on ASWB exam pass rates and those of other professions, is to inform ASWB’s and the social work profession’s approach to addressing the complex individual, institutional, and community factors influencing the testing experience and exam results.

“We are in this for the long haul. ASWB has continuously invested in initiatives that will help us better understand the pass rate analysis findings, support educators and licensure candidates, and facilitate collaborative solutions with our partners across the profession,” said ASWB CEO Stacey Hardy-Chandler, Ph.D., J.D., LCSW, PGDip. “We know that systems affect people and their experiences and that those same systems also impact social work licensure candidates. This research makes it abundantly clear that addressing the pass rate disparities will require a systemwide approach.”

Together these reports give us a much fuller, richer picture of examinees’ experiences with the exam and the context of their lives leading up to it. Dr. Kim’s findings will help inform exam development moving forward and our ongoing efforts to collaboratively address the persistent disparities. — ASWB Senior Director of Examination Services Lavina Harless, LCSW

The exam report series represents a collaboration between ASWB and Joy Kim, MSW, Ph.D., of Rutgers University School of Social Work, along with her associate Michael Joo, MSW, Ph.D. Kim and Joo conducted an inquiry into the sources of pass rate disparities, including analyses of pass rates that control for the individual, institutional, and community factors that test-takers carry with them throughout their lives.

“Dr. Kim’s expertise in social work regulatory research — and licensure standards across multiple professions — is unmatched and will help the field of social work move forward collaboratively,” said Hardy-Chandler.

The research series begins with a report that profiles social work licensing examinees using ASWB data, continues with a review of other professions’ literature on licensing and certification exam pass rate disparities, and concludes with an analysis of the effects of race and ethnicity on Clinical exam outcomes.

“The goal was to look at ASWB exam data from several angles to more fully understand factors impacting the examinees. These findings are reflected in three distinct but complementary reports,” said Kim.

The three-part series of research reports includes:

• Report 1 – The Profile of Social Work License Examinees: A Racially Patterned Educational and Training Journey Before the Exams – evaluates demographic, educational, and employment characteristics impacting social work candidates’ experiences leading up to the social work licensing exam. For example, compared to white examinees, higher percentages of Black examinees took longer to earn their social work degree and had more years of employment in non-direct service jobs prior to taking the exam. The report concludes that the demographic, educational, and employment characteristics indicate that some social work candidates’ journeys to the profession might have been far more disrupted and delayed than others even before they attempted the licensing exams for the first time.
• Report 2 – The Determinants of Licensing Exam Outcomes: The Compounding Effects of Individual, Institutional, and Community Factors – provides an overview of research findings from the literature of other professions to understand the factors that may contribute to the disparate pass rates in social work. The analysis shows that significant racial and ethnic disparities exist across many professions, including medicine, nursing, and psychology, suggesting that outcomes reflect broader societal challenges. This research also indicates a link between an increased percentage of certified or licensed faculty and improved performance by a program’s examinees. The report emphasizes the need for more research to better understand and begin to reduce pass rate disparities.
• Report 3 – The Effects of Race/Ethnicity on Clinical Exam Outcomes: Diminished (yet Persistent) Effects When Other Determinants Are Controlled – outlines the significant impact of key factors on Clinical exam pass rates, including age, gender, primary language, educational background, and employment experiences. The findings suggest that if historically marginalized groups had access and opportunities similar to those of white examinees and experienced equitable institutional and community environments, the pass rate gap would narrow significantly.

Based on the findings from all three reports, Kim and Joo conclude that the exam pass rate disparities present the social work profession with a unique opportunity to embrace a systems-based approach to locating and addressing the sources of these disparities. The reports recommend that professional stakeholders commit to collaborative research and strategic interventions focused on the societal factors that influence pass rate outcomes.

“Now that we better understand the complex and often deeply entrenched sources of the gaps and inequities, we can try to intervene,” Dr. Kim added.

The exam report series is part of ASWB’s ongoing initiative to expand understanding of and increase responsiveness to the factors that disproportionately affect certain examinees.

“Together these reports give us a much fuller, richer picture of examinees’ experiences with the exam and the context of their lives leading up to it. Dr. Kim’s findings will help inform exam development moving forward and our ongoing efforts to collaboratively address the persistent disparities,” said ASWB Senior Director of Examination Services Lavina Harless, MSW, LCSW.

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About This Literature Summary

This summary of the literature on Employment as a social determinant of health is a narrowly defined examination that is not intended to be exhaustive and may not address all dimensions of the issue. Please note: The terminology used in each summary is consistent with the respective references. For additional information on cross-cutting topics, please see the High School Graduation , Housing Instability , and Poverty literature summaries. 

Related Objectives (3)

Here's a snapshot of the objectives related to topics covered in this literature summary. Browse all objectives .

• Reduce the proportion of adolescents and young adults who aren't in school or working — AH‑09
• Increase employment in working-age people — SDOH‑02
• Increase the proportion of children living with at least 1 parent who works full time — SDOH‑03

Related Evidence-Based Resources (2)

Here's a snapshot of the evidence-based resources related to topics covered in this literature summary. Browse all evidence-based resources .

• New Perspectives on Creating Jobs: Final Impacts of the Next Generation of Subsidized Employment Programs
• Strengthening TANF Outcomes By Developing Two-Generation Approaches To Build Economic Security

Literature Summary

Every day, many people are either working or looking for work. 1 , 2 , 3 Multiple aspects of employment — including job security, the work environment, financial compensation, and job demands — may affect health. This summary describes how several of these aspects of employment influence health.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) defines the labor force as individuals who are either employed (i.e., those who are working for pay or profit) or unemployed (i.e., those who are jobless but are available to work and have actively looked for work in the past 4 weeks). 2 , 4 People who are neither employed nor unemployed are not part of the labor force. 2 , 4 As of December 2019, approximately 260 million people in the United States were eligible for the labor force. Of those eligible, 63 percent participated (i.e., were employed or unemployed), and the remaining 37 percent were out of the labor force (e.g., retired). 5

In addition, some workforce participants are underemployed, a term that indicates “involuntary part-time employment, poverty-wage employment, and insecure employment (i.e., intermittent unemployment).” 6 Underemployment includes situations where the social status and income of a job does not match an employee’s education, abilities, and skills. 7 , 8 , 9

Harmful workplace conditions, including psychosocial stress, can increase the risk for negative health outcomes. 1 , 10 , 11 In 2019, there were 2.8 million nonfatal and 5,333 fatal injuries at work. 12 , 13 Workers are prone to injuries and illness if their job includes repetitive lifting, pulling or pushing heavy loads; 1 , 14 poor-quality office equipment (e.g., keyboards and chairs); 1 , 15 long-term exposure to harmful chemicals such as lead, pesticides, aerosols, and asbestos; 1 , 16 , 17 or a noisy work environment. 1 , 18 , 19 In addition, highly demanding jobs and lack of control over day-to-day work activities are sources of psychosocial stress at work. 10 Other sources of workplace stress include high levels of interpersonal conflict, 20 working evening shifts, working more than 8 hours a day, and having multiple jobs. 1 , 21 These stressors put people at risk for mortality 22 and depression, 23 and they may be correlated with increased parent-child conflict and parental withdrawal. 24 People in highly stressful jobs may also exhibit unhealthy coping skills such as smoking or alcohol abuse. 25  

Level of educational attainment is linked to disparities in employment because it affects the type of work people do, the working conditions they experience, and the income they earn. Workforce participants have different skill levels and educational backgrounds, which creates inequalities in wages, opportunities for advancement, job security, and other work benefits. 26 Individuals with less education have fewer employment choices, which may force them into positions with low levels of control, job insecurity, and low wages. 9 Individuals with less education are also more likely to have jobs that are physically demanding or include exposure to toxins. 9

Gender i is also an influential source of workplace disparities. Men are more likely to work longer hours, hold higher-status jobs, and have more physically demanding jobs. However, women report more work-related physical and mental health problems. 27 Men tend to receive less support from coworkers and supervisors, 27 while women are more likely to experience sexual harassment 28 , 29 and related alcohol abuse. 28 , 30

Racial and ethnic disparities also exist in the workforce. White people are more likely to work in white-collar clerical jobs and to assume managerial positions, while Black people are more likely to work in blue-collar service jobs. 26 Some racial/ethnic minority groups are also more likely to be unemployed. 31 In October 2019, the unemployment rate for Black people was 5.4 percent, compared to 3.2 percent for White people. 31 Additionally, Black people are more likely than White people to work in jobs that have a higher exposure to environmental risk factors and a higher risk for injury or illness. 32 Workplace inequalities among racial/ethnic minority groups may cause anxiety, depression, and physical pain. 30  

Unemployment can also have negative health consequences. Those who are unemployed report feelings of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, demoralization, 6 , 8 worry, and physical pain. 33 Unemployed individuals tend to suffer more from stress-related illnesses such as high blood pressure, 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 stroke, heart attack, heart disease, and arthritis. 8 , 38 , 39 In addition, experiences such as perceived job insecurity, downsizing or workplace closure, and underemployment also have implications for physical and mental health. 8

Some strategies have been implemented to mitigate the negative health effects of unemployment and improve employee health and well-being. The Federal-State Unemployment Insurance Program provides temporary financial assistance to eligible workers who lost a job for reasons beyond their own control. 40 Although unemployment benefits vary by state laws, some research indicates that larger state unemployment benefits may alleviate poor health outcomes associated with unemployment. 41 A federal agency that supports workers is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which helps regulate safe work environments. OSHA outlines the rights of workers and offers opportunities for workers to request a workplace inspection or file a safety complaint. 42 Finally, employers may offer a range of resources and benefits to improve the well-being of their employees, including health insurance, paid sick leave, and parental leave. Employer health insurance provides access to affordable medical care and financial protection from unexpected health care costs. 43 , 44 In 2019, 71 percent of civilian workers and 69 percent of private industry workers had access to health insurance, while 89 percent of state and local government employees had access. 45 Additionally, paid sick leave allows employees to seek medical care for themselves or dependent family members without losing wages. 46 Some employers also offer parental leave after the birth of a child, which is frequently unpaid. Maternity leave has been associated with a number of positive health outcomes for both women and children. 47

Additional research is needed to better understand the beneficial effects of employment on health and to promote interventions that address disparities in employment and health. This additional evidence will facilitate public health efforts to address employment as a social determinant of health.

i The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define gender as “the cultural roles, behaviors, activities, and attributes expected of people based on their sex.”

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U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2017). The employment situation: October 2017. News Release . https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/empsit_11032017.pdf

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