Description

The application of precedent methodology to analyze homeless shelter service delivery

JOHN R GRAHAM

Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada

CHRISTINE A WALSH

Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada

MICHEAL L SHIER

Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada

ABSTRACT

The interdisciplinary nature of social work scholarship results in theoretical and methodological fusions between disciplines. Literature relating to social work research, though, minimally describes the unique research designs and rationale required to conduct interdisciplinary research. Presented here is the qualitative research methodology utilized in a program of research that sought to identify the spatial and social characteristics that lead to progressive programming for homeless shelters; an intersection of social work and environmental design scholarship. Site visits, qualitative interviews, photographic data analysis, and an audit of a wide spectrum of primary and secondary literature were utilized to conceptualize this precedent research methodology. Beyond presenting the methodology utilized, implications of the research and its applicability for human service research and practice are discussed.

Keywords: Research methods; social work; environmental design; physical environment; homelessness; shelter services