Naturalistic Inquiry: An Alternative Model for Social Work Assessment

This study examines the different approaches to social work assessment, focusing on the consistent theme of dissatisfaction with available assessment technology. Recognizing the apparent limits of the current assessment models, it is suggested that the expectation should not be of a conceptually uni...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Social service review (Chicago) 1987-06, Vol.61 (2), p.231-246
Main Author: Rodwell, Mary K.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alternative Approaches
Charity
Conceptual frameworks
Evaluation Research
Naturalism
Normativity
Objectivity
Reality
Social interaction
Social services
Social Work
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Summary:This study examines the different approaches to social work assessment, focusing on the consistent theme of dissatisfaction with available assessment technology. Recognizing the apparent limits of the current assessment models, it is suggested that the expectation should not be of a conceptually unified synthesis in assessment. Rather the insight and understanding required to implement the problem-solving approach in all social work methods might best be achieved through assessment that is grounded in naturalistic assumptions. The assumptions underlying naturalistic inquiry are identified, and suggestions are provided for developing an alternative model of assessment based on those assumptions.
ISSN:0037-7961
1537-5404
DOI:10.1086/644437