An evaluation of the purposes of research in social work

Abstract

The purposes of research have been described differently by various authors. Terms such as sorts of knowledge, research strategies, research designs, objectives, purposes of research and research questions were distinguished. After proper research on the topic the term "purposes of research" was decided on. Six purposes of research are distinguished in this article, namely exploratory, description, explanation, evaluation, intervention and participatory action research. More than one purpose can be delineated for the same study, although one might dominate. The purposes of research form part of the research methodology and are part and parcel of the research process.