| Abstract: | Content analysis is presented as a research technique that social work researchers and practitioners can use to study developments and trends in social work practice, the status of social work knowledge building, the redirection of relevant policies, and accountability procedures in social service agencies. Methodological issues such as developing categories, defining the unit of analysis, sampling, and determining reliability and validity, are described and evaluated. It is concluded that content analysis provides a common basis for researchers and practitioners to document the processes and outcomes of the profession. |
