Research in the human service professions. The sciences and the professions -- Scientific theory and professional research -- Professional research and professional practice -- Introduction to the research process -- Steps common to both the quantitative and qualitative research process. Selection of a researchable topic -- Formal formulations -- Writing the research proposal -- Ethical aspects of research in the social sciences and human service professions -- Steps unique to the quantitative process. In-depth review of literature -- Quantitative research designs -- Single-system design -- Quantitative data-collection methods: questionaires, checklists, structured observation and structured interview schedules -- Quantitative data-collection methods: indexes and scales -- Sampling in the quantitative paradigm -- The pilot study in the quantitative paradigm -- Quantitative data analysis and interpretation -- Writing the research report -- Steps unique to the qualitative process. Theory and the literature in qualitative 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 -- The qualitative research report -- Types of research. Mixed methods research -- Evaluation research -- Intervention research -- Participatory action research -- Building a scientific base for the helping professions.