Research and the public good

Abstract

Research by social work investigators has great potential for contributing to the public service mission of colleges and universities. We should use this position to design and implement studies that address issues consistent with a public good framework. Such studies should emphasize theoretical, methodological, and analytical rigor. Social work scholars and investigators may also need to address broader issues as part of an effort to increase the number of studies aimed at informing the public good. For example, only a small percentage of proposals submitted to sources such as the National Institutes of Health are being funded at the current time. Other political and international priorities appear to be drawing funds away from research funding in the current fiscal environment. Consequently, sources of reductions in research funding should be investigated and discussed by social work researchers in the name of the public good. © 2006 National Association of Social Workers.