This widely adopted text is designed to give students the basic methodological foundation they need in order to successfully complete more advanced research courses that focus on single-system designs or program evaluations. Content is clearly explained and illustrated with social work examples that students can understand. Many of the examples concern women and minorities, and special emphasis is given to the application of research methods to the study of these groups. The book includes numerous boxes that present interesting research examples, offer additional aids to learning, and provide historical, social, and political contexts. Extensive tables and figures visually enhance the concepts presented, and up-to-date reading lists appear at the ends of the chapters. Included in this sixth edition are seven new chapters devoted to such topics as research contexts, research ethics, and writing research proposals and reports. The book has been reorganised to make it more teachable, and a comprehensive glossary of key terms has been included.