Bruce A. Thyer – författare

Social workers have a long, proud history of service in most branches of the United States military. The experiences of social workers and other human service professionals of all military ranks have an important, often profound, and lasting impact that informs not only their practice within the military but throughout their career long after they have left the combat zone. In exploring the experiences of 13 American combat social workers (CSWs)--whose role is, among other things, providing military mental health services to members in their unit--this book shares lessons from military service through the lens of social work practitioners. The text includes strategies learned about social work practice in a war zone that are highly applicable to other highly stressful contexts (e.g., crisis intervention, stress reduction procedures, suicide prevention, brief psychotherapy, and consultation on family issues). Combat Social Work is uniquely positioned to serve as a valuable resource for social workers and other mental health providers interested in the assessment and treatment of trauma with active members of the military and military veterans.

It is usually the case that ethical and pragmatic considerations preclude the use of randomly assigning social work clients to experimental and comparative treatment conditions. In such instances, the practicality of employing a quasi-experimental method becomes an excellent alternative. Quasi-experimental research designs allow researchers to compare groups, and the use of increasingly sophisticated programs provides greater statistical control for what has become the most widely employed research approach used to evaluate the outcomes of social work programs and policies. This pocket guide describes the logic, design, and conduct of the range of such designs, encompassing pre-experiments, quasi-experiments making use of a control or comparison group, and time-series designs. An introductory chapter describes the valuable role these types of studies have played in social work, from the 1930s to the present. Subsequent chapters delve into each design type's major features, the kinds of questions it is capable of answering, and its strengths and limitations. By linking the theoretical discussion of quasi-experimental designs with actual applications in social work literature, the usefulness and vitality of these research methods comes alive for readers.While this book can be utilized as a manual, it will also have great value for practitioners seeking a greater conceptual understanding of quasi-experimental studies in social work literature. Human service professionals planning to undertake a program evaluation of their agency's services will find this book helpful in understanding the steps and actions needed to adopt a quasi-experimental strategy.

Experimental research is of great value to social work. Well-designed studies help social workers understand which approaches are most effective, with implications for both practice with individual clients and social policy more broadly. Many social work practitioners conduct studies that randomly assign clients to specific interventions and various control groups in order to assess policy outcomes. However, social work programs often do not teach experimental methods. Critics continue to assert that true experiments are impractical, unethical, or simply too blunt a tool to evaluate the effects of social work practices and policies.This book presents a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of experimental research in the field of social work. Bruce A. Thyer describes the logic and design of experimental methods, helping readers understand the basics and then exploring increasingly complex and sophisticated research. He illustrates key principles through examples of how social workers have evaluated real-world practice approaches. The book considers recruitment and representation of marginalized groups, the ethical issues involved in the design and conduct of experiments, and how social work researchers can ensure that all participants in an experimental study benefit from effective care. An appendix contains a chronological listing of published studies authored by social workers who conducted experimental research. Accessible to social work undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students alike and valuable for professionals from clinical workers to policy analysts, this book demonstrates the utility of experimental research across the entire spectrum of social work practice.

Experimental research is of great value to social work. Well-designed studies help social workers understand which approaches are most effective, with implications for both practice with individual clients and social policy more broadly. Many social work practitioners conduct studies that randomly assign clients to specific interventions and various control groups in order to assess policy outcomes. However, social work programs often do not teach experimental methods. Critics continue to assert that true experiments are impractical, unethical, or simply too blunt a tool to evaluate the effects of social work practices and policies.This book presents a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of experimental research in the field of social work. Bruce A. Thyer describes the logic and design of experimental methods, helping readers understand the basics and then exploring increasingly complex and sophisticated research. He illustrates key principles through examples of how social workers have evaluated real-world practice approaches. The book considers recruitment and representation of marginalized groups, the ethical issues involved in the design and conduct of experiments, and how social work researchers can ensure that all participants in an experimental study benefit from effective care. An appendix contains a chronological listing of published studies authored by social workers who conducted experimental research. Accessible to social work undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students alike and valuable for professionals from clinical workers to policy analysts, this book demonstrates the utility of experimental research across the entire spectrum of social work practice.

Covers clinically effective treatments for over twenty of the major mental, behavioral, and emotional diagnoses in the DSM-IV The last two decades in social work have seen tremendous strides in field research, from the development of improved research designs to more accurate methods of problem measurement and outcome analysis. Drawing upon these significant advances, the two-volume Handbook of Empirical Social Work Practice brings together empirically validated interventions for many of the psychosocial problems most frequently encountered by social workers in their daily practice. Unlike other books in the field that employ a theory-based approach to treatment, this handbook focuses on the best-supported methods of helping clients with particular problems irrespective of theoretical biases, offering clinicians a valuable compendium of practice guidelines for treatment. Edited and authored by recognized experts in the field, the Handbook of Empirical Social Work Practice is clearly written and organized for easy reference. Volume One covers clinically effective treatments for over twenty of the major mental, behavioral, and emotional diagnoses in the DSM-IV(TM), including:* Disorders typically diagnosed in infancy, childhood, or adolescence* Substance-related disorders* Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders* Mood and anxiety disorders* Sexual and eating disorders* Personality disorders With information that is at once accessible and up to date, the Handbook of Empirical Social Work Practice is a vital source of guidance for today's clinical social workers and other practicing mental health professionals, as well as students. "One of the best tools to promote the values of the [social work] profession is that of empirical social work practice. 'Telling the truth' is one of these values, and discovering the truth is something that empirical research is very good at. This book presents credible reviews of contemporary empirical literature pertaining to selected behavioral, affective, and intellectual disorders, and their psychosocial assessment and treatment. That such a book is now possible is a striking affirmation of the merits of the approach to social work called empirical clinical practice." -from the Handbook of Empirical Social Work Practice

Covers key social problems and practice-related issues The last two decades in social work have seen tremendous strides in field research, from the development of improved research designs to more accurate methods of problem measurement and outcome analysis. Drawing upon these significant advances, the two-volume handbook of Empirical Social Work Practice brings together empirically validated interventions for many of the psychosocial problems most frequently encountered by social workers in their daily practice. Unlike other books in the field that employ a theory-based approach to treatment, this handbook focuses on the best-supported methods of helping clients with particular problems irrespective of theoretical biases, offering clinicians a valuable compendium of practice guidelines for treatment. Edited and authored by recognized experts in the field, the Handbook of Empirical Social Work Practice is clearly written and organized for easy reference. Volume Two covers key social problems and practice-related issues including:* Crime, homelessness, and unemployment* Domestic violence and sexual abuse* Family conflict and preservation* Practice approaches for older clients* Empirically based supervision With information that is at once accessible and up to date, the Handbook of Empirical Social Work Practice is a vital source of guidance for today's clinical social workers and other practicing mental health professionals, as well as students. "One of the best tools to promote the values of the [social work] profession is that of empirical social work practice. 'Telling the truth' is one of these values, and discovering the truth is something that empirical research is very good at. This book presents credible reviews of contemporary empirical literature pertaining to selected behavioral, affective, and intellectual disorders, and their psychosocial assessment and treatment. That such a book is now possible is a striking affirmation of the merits of the approach to social work called empirical clinical practice."---- from the Handbook of Empirical Social Work Practice

The last two decades in social work have seen tremendous strides in field research, from the development of improved research designs to more accurate methods of problem measurement and outcome analysis. Drawing upon these significant advances, this two-volume handbook brings together empirically validated interventions for many of the psychosocial problems most frequently encountered by social workers in their daily practice.

An essential desk reference for all helping professionals Social Work in Mental Health: An Evidence-Based Approach is a comprehensive and contemporary guide to the delivery of evidence-based care. Covering a wide spectrum of mental health disorders, editors Thyer and Wodarski have brought together noted experts to provide the most current, empirically supported techniques in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders as classified by the DSM-IV-TR. Coverage ranges from disorders seen in early infancy and childhood through the adolescent and adult years. Disorders covered include:* Autism* ADHD* Substance abuse* Schizophrenia* Mood disorders* Anxiety disorders* Eating disorders* Sexual disorders* Personality disorders* Mental Retardation Written and organized in an accessible style, Social Work in Mental Health: An Evidence-Based Approach provides helping professionals with an engaging and easy-to-follow guide to learning how to deliver the most up-to-date mental health care. Examples of evidence-based interventions guide the reader through the process and provide insight into the philosophy as well as the scientific basis underlying each technique and intervention presented. Chapters begin with learning objectives that alert you to the main ideas covered and conclude with provocative study questions that are designed to test your understanding while providing an opportunity for review and reinforcement of the key concepts covered. Ideal for all helping professionals--from those just starting out to the most seasoned clinician--this guide is a vital reference for anyone looking to stay abreast of contemporary techniques in the delivery of mental health services.

An accessible and engaging guide to the study of human behavior in the social environment, covering every major theoretical approachProviding an overview of the major human behavioral theories used to guide social work practice with individuals, families, small groups, and organizations, Human Behavior in the Social Environment examines a different theoretical approach in each chapter—from its historical and conceptual origins to its relevance to social work and clinical applications.Each chapter draws on a theoretical approach to foster understanding of normative individual human development and the etiology of dysfunctional behavior, as well as to provide guidance in the application of social work intervention.Edited by a team of scholars, Human Behavior in the Social Environment addresses the Council on Social Work Education's required competencies for accreditation (EPAS) and explores: Respondent Learning theoryOperant Learning theoryCognitive-Behavioral theoryAttachment theoryPsychosocial theoryPerson-Centered theoryGenetic theoryEcosystems theorySmall Group theoryFamily Systems theoryOrganizational theory

An essential overview of the core skills needed by every social work practitionerDeveloping Evidence-Based Generalist Practice Skills features contributions from top scholars in social work practice, presenting essential information for the ethical and effective practice of social work. This clearly written guide provides step-by-step guidance for using evidence-based practice to make joint decisions with clients about assessment and treatment options through a careful consideration of the best available research evidence, the client's preferences and values, professional ethical standards, and other key issues.Comprehensive and straightforward, this book addresses foundational practice skills expected of all social work practitioners, including: Evidence-based practiceTrauma-informed practiceInterviewing skillsProblem identification, contracting, and case planningCase managementAdvocacyCrisis interventionPractice evaluationTermination, stabilization, and continuity of careEach chapter begins with an overarching question and "what if" scenarios, and ends with a set of suggested key terms, online resources, and discussion questions. Designed as a foundation-level social work education text for undergraduate and graduate students in social work programs, this book meets the Council on Social Work Education's (CSWE) Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) for a thorough and up-to-date presentation of core social work skills featuring in-depth scholarship.

Originally published in 1987, here are up-to-the-minute insights and perspectives on the application of the principles of behavioralism to social work practice. The foremost authorities in the field of behavioral social work provided important empirically based practice and qualitative research findings that effectively illustrated the validity of behavioral approaches to social work. This practical volume features original research findings that employ either conventional group research methods or single-subject approaches to practice evaluation; comprehensive reviews of the state of the art in behavioral social work; and treatment modalities, including individual, marital and family, and group interventions. All in all, this title has the information professionals needed to keep abreast of the developments in this field at the time.

Originally published in 1987, here are up-to-the-minute insights and perspectives on the application of the principles of behavioralism to social work practice. The foremost authorities in the field of behavioral social work provided important empirically based practice and qualitative research findings that effectively illustrated the validity of behavioral approaches to social work. This practical volume features original research findings that employ either conventional group research methods or single-subject approaches to practice evaluation; comprehensive reviews of the state of the art in behavioral social work; and treatment modalities, including individual, marital and family, and group interventions. All in all, this title has the information professionals needed to keep abreast of the developments in this field at the time.

Click on the Supplements tab above for further details on the different versions of SPSS programs.The canonical Handbook is completely updated with more student-friendly features

The Handbook of Social Work Research Methods is a cutting-edge volume that covers all the major topics that are relevant for Social Work Research methods. Edited by Bruce Thyer and containing contributions by leading authorities, this Handbook covers both qualitative and quantitative approaches as well as a section that delves into more general issues such as evidence based practice, ethics, gender, ethnicity, International Issues, integrating both approaches, and applying for grants.

New to this Edition

More content on qualitative methods and mixed methods More coverage of evidence-based practice More support to help students effectively use the Internet A companion Website containing a test bank and PowerPoint slides for instructors and relevant SAGE journal articles for students.

This Handbook serves as a primary text in the methods courses in MSW programs and doctoral level programs. It can also be used as a reference and research design tool for anyone doing scholarly research in social work or human services.

Exposing readers to "what works" across a wide range of practice domains, Readings in Evidence-Based Social Work meets a growing need within schools of social work to incorporate the latest research on evidence-based practice into the curriculum. This one-of-a-kind reader synthesizes current knowledge, adds editorial commentary and questions, and presents state-of-the-art material to help students better understand which social work interventions work and why. Key Features:   Uses systematic reviews to evaluate studies that test the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions Offers a three-part organization that focuses on the major practice domains of children and families, at-risk youth, and mental health and well-being Provides an overview of the techniques of meta-analysis and systematic review Includes original commentary and discussion questions before each major section and concludes each section with important practice points Discusses barriers to evidence-based social work practice, as well as directions for future work Readings in Evidence-Based Social Work is appropriate for a wide variety of courses within the Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) and Master's in Social Work (M.S.W.) curriculum including Generalist Social Work Practice; Foundations of Social Work Practice; Social Work Practice with Children and Families; Models of Intervention; Direct Practice in Social Work, Social Work Research; Interpersonal Practice with Individuals, Families and Small Groups; Human Behavior in the Social Environment, and many others.

Exposing readers to "what works" across a wide range of practice domains, Readings in Evidence-Based Social Work meets a growing need within schools of social work to incorporate the latest research on evidence-based practice into the curriculum. This one-of-a-kind reader synthesizes current knowledge, adds editorial commentary and questions, and presents state-of-the-art material to help students better understand which social work interventions work and why. Key Features:   Uses systematic reviews to evaluate studies that test the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions Offers a three-part organization that focuses on the major practice domains of children and families, at-risk youth, and mental health and well-being Provides an overview of the techniques of meta-analysis and systematic review Includes original commentary and discussion questions before each major section and concludes each section with important practice points Discusses barriers to evidence-based social work practice, as well as directions for future work Readings in Evidence-Based Social Work is appropriate for a wide variety of courses within the Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) and Master's in Social Work (M.S.W.) curriculum including Generalist Social Work Practice; Foundations of Social Work Practice; Social Work Practice with Children and Families; Models of Intervention; Direct Practice in Social Work, Social Work Research; Interpersonal Practice with Individuals, Families and Small Groups; Human Behavior in the Social Environment, and many others.

Offering readers the most current knowledge on what works in substance abuse treatment today This one-of-a-kind anthology presents state-of-the-art material to help researchers better understand which interventions work and why, and it includes editorial commentary and critical thinking questions for each selection. The editors have organized this volume according to the process of evidence-based practice—introduction to evidence-based practice, assessment, gender-based and culturally sensitive interventions, treatment issues and innovations, and policy considerations. Connecting science and clinical research to the practical needs of persons with substance and mental health disorders, this volume is a groundbreaking resource for those who need empirically based material on treatment innovations. Key Features

Data on a wide range of cutting-edge issues such as housing for homeless alcoholics and use of prescription medications to reduce drug cravings Content by forward-looking experts in substance abuse treatment that promotes a public health perspective Five-part organization focused on the major practice domains of parentcentered intervention, gender-based and culturally sensitive programming, and interventions across the life span

Target Audience This is a must-have resource for substance abuse and mental health practitioners, faculty, policy makers, and students.

This book contains over 1500 research and statistical terms, written in jargon-free, easy-to-understand terminology to help students understand difficult concepts in their research courses. This pocket guide is in an ideal supplement to the many discipline-specific texts on research methods and statistics.