Scientific Imperatives in Social Work Research: Pluralism Is Not Skepticism

@article{Brekke1986ScientificII,
  title={Scientific Imperatives in Social Work Research: Pluralism Is Not Skepticism},
  author={John S. Brekke},
  journal={Social Service Review},
  year={1986},
  volume={60},
  pages={538 - 554}
}
  • J. Brekke
  • Published 1 June 1986
  • Education
  • Social Service Review
It is argued in this paper that Martha Heineman ("The Obsolete Scientific Imperative in Social Work Research," Social Service Review 55 [September 1981]: 371-95) conflates pluralism and skepticism in science and dismisses any attempt to meet the aims of positivism through other rational means. A critique of her analysis, and responses to it, are used to explore the postpositivist dilemmas of social work research, especially the challenge to rationality in science. The work of Karl Popper and… 
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