A: Research in the Human service professions -- The sciences and the professions -- Scientific theory and professional research -- Professional research and professional practice -- Ethical aspects of research in the social sciences and human service professions -- Introduction to the research process -- B: Steps common to both the quantitative and qualitative research processes -- Selection of a researchable topic -- Problem formulation -- Writing the research proposal -- C: Steps unique to the quantitative process -- In-depth review of literature -- Single-system design -- Quantitative data-collection methods -- sampling and sampling methods -- The pilot study -- Quantitative data analysis and interpretation -- Writing the research report -- C: Steps unique to the qualitative process -- The place of theory and the literature review in the qualitative approach to research -- Qualitative research designs -- Information collection: participant observation -- -- Information collection: interviewing -- -- Information collection: document study and secondary analysis -- Sampling and pilot study in qualitative research -- Qualitative data analysis and interpretation -- Qualitative research report -- E: types of research -- Combined quantitative and qualitative approach -- Programme evaluation -- intervention research -- Participatory action research -- Conceptual analysis in research -- Building a scientific base for the helping professions.