Trends in Types of Research Reported in Selected Social Work Journals, 1956-65

Abstract

The authors' purpose was to describe trends regarding the amount and type of research studies reported in selected social work journals over the time span 1956-65. A content analysis was made of all the articles in the social work journals. Those articles reporting empirical research or discussing research topics were chosen and classified within the au- thors' typology. The typology, in which categories were defined according to purposes and methods of research, was presented in detail with definitions and examples. The data were used to describe changes in two five-year periods of research reporting. Some con- clusions were: the number and percentage of research articles increased over time; more studies were concerned with hypothesis testing; and there was more of an emphasis on reports of empirical research, with fewer articles devoted to speculation about research.