Norda Bell, the creator of this guide, is on sabbatical from September 2024 to August 31, 2025.
Please contact either Kalina Grewal (kgrewal@yorku.ca) or Esther Atkinson (eatkinso@yorku.ca) should you wish to make an appointment or ask a question.
Welcome to York University's social work research guide. This guide will introduce you to resources needed to successfully complete your social work papers and assignments. As the field of social work is multidisciplinary it is recommended that you start your research here, but also consult other relevant subject guides .
Getting Started
Dictionaries & encyclopedias | Omni Search
Finding Articles
Journal articles | Newspaper articles
Advanced Research
Associations & organizations | Theses | Data & statistics
Finding Social Policy
Writing Your Paper
Compiling a bibliography | Zotero | Scholarly Publishing
Can't find what you're looking for? Need help with your research? There are lots of ways to Get Help.
Resources to help you with:
Understanding Your Assignment
Time Management
Academic Integrity
Choosing a Topic
Selecting Appropriate Resources
Gathering & Noting Ideas
Research Strategies
Reading Strategies
Essay Structure
Creating Bibliographies
Writing Strategies
Revising Your Arguments
Essay Editing
The Literature Review by
The essential guide--updated, expanded, and easier to use than ever. Creating a successful literature review can be a daunting task, which is why so many researchers have relied on previous editions of this book to make the process more manageable. Using the six-step model, you'll work seamlessly to narrow your research topic, focus your literature search, negotiate the myriad of books, periodicals, and reports about your topic--and, of course, write the review. Updated, expanded, and reorganized to improve ease of use, the fourth edition of this bestselling handbook includes: New and improved graphics ideal for visualizing the process More explanations and tips, especially for writing in the early stages An expanded range of learning tools Additional reflection sections to direct metacognitive activities Four new reference supplements This pioneering book has provided countless graduate students and researchers with a road map to success. Its model takes you through the logical progression needed for producing a quality literature review--while taking the mystery out of the process.
Essential research methods for social work by 
