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| 3. |
- Blom, Björn, 1965-, et al.
(author)
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Analysis of generative mechanisms
- 2011
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In: Journal of Critical Realism. - London : Equinox Publishing. - 1476-7430 .- 1572-5138. ; 10:1, s. 60-79
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The focus of this article is the analysis of generative mechanisms, a basic concept and phenomenon within the metatheoretical perspective of critical realism. It is emphasized that research questions and methods, as well as the knowledge it is possible to attain, depend on the basic view – ontologically and epistemologically – regarding the phenomenon under scrutiny. A generative mechanism is described as a trans empirical but real existing entity, explaining why observable events occur. Mechanisms are mostly possible to grasp only indirectly by analytical work (theory-building), based however on empirical observations. In order to achieve such an explanatory analysis, five methodological steps are suggested and discussed, among them abduction and retroduction. These steps are illustrated throughout by examples drawn from empirical research regarding social work practice. The article is concluded with a discussion of the need for knowledge of generative mechanisms.
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- Blom, Björn, 1965-, et al.
(author)
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Evaluation of quality in social-work practice
- 2012
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In: Nordic Journal of Social Research. - Lillehammer, Norge : The Centre for Innovation in Services (CIS). - 1892-2783. ; 3, s. 1-17
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This theoretical article describes and discusses the concept of quality in relation to the evaluation of social-work practice. Of particular interest are the difference between quality of services and quality of life and the importance of balancing the stakeholders’ different interests in order to make a sound judgement of quality in social work possible. This article begins with presenting some basic perspectives on quality as well as the transference of the concept of quality from manufacturing industry to social-work practice. Thereafter the two main issues are discussed: the concepts of quality of service and of quality of life and the importance of balancing different stakeholders’ perspectives in the evaluation of quality in social-work practice. This article concludes that: 1) it is crucial to be aware of and to consider the distinction between quality of service and quality of life; 2) clients’ perspective on quality of life is an aspect of outcome that currently receives insufficient attention; 3) clients’ subjective experiences of welfare of well-being deserve greater attention for ethical as well as methodological reasons; and 4) judgement of quality in social work are inevitably dependent on different stakeholders’ perspectives.
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| 5. |
- Blom, Björn, 1965-, et al.
(author)
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Explaining social work practice : the CAIMeR theory
- 2015
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In: Social work research. - : Sage Publications. - 9781446295793 ; , s. 239-260
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Book chapter (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Summary: This article presents the CAIMeR theory, consisting of a conceptual framework and a theoretical model, which can help explain how results in social work practice arise from interventions and its contextual contingencies. The theory has been developed over several years in connection with empirical studies, and together with social workers. Findings: The article starts from the meta-theoretical perspective critical realism and its notion of explanative knowledge as a stepping stone to open up the so-called black box. A fundamental concept in critical realism, generative mechanisms, is discussed and elaborated. Applications: The CAIMeR theory can be used in several contexts: social work practice, and for evaluation of social work, and, moreover, for organization development in social work. We argue that social workers, evaluators and decision-makers need accurate theory about the core activity (work with clients) within its contextual conditions. The CAIMeR theory pays attention to generative mechanisms at different levels, which is necessary if one wants to understand what is going on in a certain agency, and explain the results in a more qualified way. The theory can also be useful for researchers and university students that need a comprehensive explanative framework when studying phenomena in social work practice.
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| 6. |
- Blom, Björn, 1965-, et al.
(author)
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Explaining social work practice : The CAIMeR theory
- 2010
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In: Journal of Social Work. - : Sage. - 1468-0173 .- 1741-296X. ; 10:1, s. 98-119
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- • Summary: This article presents the CAIMeR theory, consisting of a conceptual framework and a theoretical model, which can help explain how results in social work practice arise from interventions and its contextual contingencies. The theory has been developed over several years in connection with empirical studies, and together with social workers. • Findings: The article starts from the meta-theoretical perspective critical realism and its notion of explanative knowledge as a stepping stone to open up the so-called black box. A fundamental concept in critical realism, generative mechanisms, is discussed and elaborated. • Applications : The CAIMeR theory can be used in several contexts: social work practice, and for evaluation of social work, and, moreover, for organization development in social work. We argue that social workers, evaluators and decision-makers need accurate theory about the core activity (work with clients) within its contextual conditions. The CAIMeR theory pays attention to generative mechanisms at different levels, which is necessary if one wants to understand what is going on in a certain agency, and explain the results in a more qualified way. The theory can also be useful for researchers and university students that need a comprehensive explanative framework when studying phenomena in social work practice.
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| 7. |
- Blom, Björn, 1965-, et al.
(author)
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Hur bör socialtjänstens IFO organiseras?
- 2011
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In: Tidskriften Socionomen. - Stockholm : Akademikerförbundet SSR. - 0283-1929. ; :4, s. 12-16
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)
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| 9. |
- Blom, Björn, 1965-, et al.
(author)
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Inledning : Utvärdering i socialt arbete
- 2011. - 1
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In: Utvärdering i socialt arbete. - Stockholm : Natur & Kultur. - 9789127119826 ; , s. 17-33
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Book chapter (other academic/artistic)
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| 10. |
- Blom, Björn, 1965-, et al.
(author)
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Kritisk realistisk utvärdering
- 2011. - 1
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In: Utvärdering i socialt arbete. - Stockholm : Natur & Kultur. - 9789127119826 ; , s. 139-154
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Book chapter (other academic/artistic)
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