Weinbach's (2005) introductory chapter has a number of issues that make it awkward for the reader. For example Weinbach makes clear the difference between the terms evaluation (where a person is being scrutinized or appraised in some way) and evaluation research, for which Weinbach offers more than one definition. As a general term evaluation research refers to the application of formal research protocols to determine the effectiveness or validity of practices in social work. Weinbach then goes on to define the three major components of the definition: research, effectiveness, and the practice of social work. It is here that things get a bit elementary and a bit wordy. For example, if social work practice includes everything that a social work does, why is there a need to define this term along with services, service and program? Why not just define basic and applied research and then relate these terms as to their meaning in the context of social work. While generally well written, the first part of the chapter seemed a bit more like a high...
For instance, a cross-sectional design typically refers the observation of a population or subset thereof at a particular point in time, whereas longitudinal research follows a select group over a defined time period. It is often better to compare and contrast alternate concepts, which allows for a better understanding of their meaning as opposed to Weinbach's method of defining them separately and not presenting them as they relate to one another. Where are practical considerations? Why use one design over another? Isn't this important?
Another example of how the chapter can be confusing to readers is illustrated when Weinbach explains the difference between independent and dependent variables. Independent variables are manipulated by the researcher in order to observe how this manipulation affects some outcome…
