1st Edition

Why Do I Need Research and Theory? A Guide for Social Workers

By Jennifer Anderson-Meger Copyright 2016
    154 Pages 7 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    154 Pages 7 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

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

    Chapter 1: The Importance of Research and Critical Thinking Chapter 2: Professionalism and Leadership for Social Work Chapter 3: Learning Theory Chapter 4: Epistemology Chapter 5: Anxiety and Learning Chapter 6: For Faculty: Creating the Learning Environment for Critical Thinking and Epistemological Development

    Biography

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

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

    -Dr. Terry Tirrito, Capella University

     

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

    --Zulema Suarez, Capella University

     

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

    --Elizabeth Anthony, Arizona State University

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

    --Dr. Fredi Giesler, University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh