Metody jakościowe i ich wykorzystanie w obszarze pracy socjalnej

The aim of the article is to characterize qualitative methods and their application in the fi eld of social work. Qualitative research methods are fi rst characterized in relation to quantitative approach. Next sections outline the objectives of applying qualitative methods in domain of social work and their role as a diagnostic and evaluation technique. Article provides a concise overview of the phases in the development of qualitative research methodologies and their reception in the fi eld of social work. In the fi rst stages of this methodological development, it was typical to conceive\udof the researcher and the methods themselves as external and neutral to the research subject. A signifi cant feature of the qualitative studies as they are conducted nowadays is the co-production of knowledge by researchers and social work practitioners