What is the role of science in social work practice, and what does it add to research in the field? Ian Shaw threads together advances in modern technology, practice skills and evidence-based practice, the history of scientific claims in social work practice, and the methods of social work research to demonstrate the significant role science can play in the management of human emotions and behavior. By treating science as a social action marked by the interplay of choice, activity, and constraints, Shaw links scientific and social work knowledge through the core themes of quality evidence, critical learning and understanding, and the skilled evaluation of the subject. He shows specifically how to connect science, research, and practice and speaks to the novel topics this integration introduces into the discipline, including a focus on expertise and the benefits of tacit knowledge and understanding. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ian Shaw is professor of social work at the University of Aalborg in Denmark and emeritus professor at the University of York. His most recent books include Social Work Research and Doing Qualitative Research in Social Work. CONTENTS Introduction 1. Talking Social Work Science 2. Doing Social Work Science 3. Historical Moments for Social Work and Science 4. Technology and Social Work 5. The Social Work Science Community: Controversies and Cooperation 6. Social Work Science and Evidence 7. Social Work Science and Understanding 8. Social Work Science and Justice 9. Impacts and Influences Appendix. Writing Social Work Science References Notes Index |