Revisiting the Benefits Debate: Does Qualitative Social Work Research Produce Salubrious Effects‪?‬

A heated debate ensued on the pages of this journal regarding the "fit" of qualitative research and social work practice in response to Gilgun's (1994) famous "hand-in-glove" analogy (Bein & Allen, 1999; Padgett, 1998a, 1999; Pieper & Tyson, 1999). In a "reflexive spirit," Padgett (1998a) offered a caution that social work researchers should not confuse the roles or the goals of research with those of social work practice, even if the processes that they use might be a good fit. However, in a desire to avoid ethical impropriety that harms the research subject and the research (Padgett, 1999), many have apparently taken Padgett's cautionary words too far. Bein and Allen noted that "the qualitative researcher enters a human relationship that can be empowering to the interviewee" (p. 276). Refusing to acknowledge this process does not make it go away. It merely walls off an understanding of what may actually happen in the researcher-participant relationship and thus precludes reflection and the possibility of understanding the benefits and risks that may be a by-product of this relationship, particularly for participants. Confronting this possibility can enhance the benefits and mitigate the risks. The NASW Code of Ethics requires all social workers to "critically examine and keep current with emerging knowledge relevant to social work and fully use evaluation and research evidence in their professional practice" (NASW, 2000, 5.02 [c]). This article contributes to the social work literature by examining whether qualitative interviews provide research participants with any benefits beyond the intended academic and practice use of such research. Drawing from our research findings, we argue that qualitative interviews have personal and political implications (both positive and negative) for research participants. As social work professionals, we must pay attention to these research dynamics (see NASW, 2000, 5.02 [j]) and disseminate knowledge about them (NASW, 2000, 5.02 [p]).