Review by Choice Review
Orcutt's book represents an ambitious attempt to place the purposes, skills, and values of social work in a rigorous scientific perspective and to integrate a philosophy of science into this perspective. He assumes reader interest and background. The chapters on the history of research and on doctoral study in social work are valuable resources. A major contribution of this work is the recognition that the study of social work practice is not limited (nor should it be) to empirical investigation. Orcutt recognizes the importance of "intuitive, reflective and interpretive methods in hermeneutics, phenomenological, and historical" approaches to social work. The research exemplars are very useful. The bibliography is outstanding and will serve as a major resource for understanding the history and use of empirical methods by social workers. A unique contribution to the tenuous but continuous association between practice and research. Graduate readership. -F. J. Peirce, emeritus, University of Oklahoma
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
