Considerations in the Development of a Scientific Social Work

Authors

Stanley L. Witkin, Florida State University
Shimon Gottschalk, Florida State University

Abstract

A key issue in social work's struggle to develop a legitimate and distinct knowledge base is the development of a scientific model suited to the needs and objectives of the profession. Although various approaches have been proposed, they have tended to dichotomize the issues into one of science versus nonscience. In response to this situation, this paper presents an integrative approach to the development of a scientific social work. In addition, it is argued that values can (and should) be an integral part of a scientific approach and that they are legitimate criteria for the evaluation of social theories.

Recommended Citation

Witkin, Stanley L. and Gottschalk, Shimon (1989) "Considerations in the Development of a Scientific Social Work," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 16: Iss. 1, Article 3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.1879
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol16/iss1/3