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TOPIC 9.- THE BASIC METHOD IN SOCIAL WORK: CONCEPT.

CARACTERÍSTICAS. ETAPAS

1.- INTRODUCTION
1.1.- What do we understand by social work

1.2.- CONCEPTUAL APPROACH

1.2.1.- Distinction between methodology and method

1.2.2.- Concept

2.- BRIEF HISTORICAL REVIEW

3.- CHARACTERISTICS OF THE METHOD

4.- STAGES OF THE BASIC PROCEDURE METHOD
4.1.- STUDY
4.1.1.-Techniques
4.2.- DIAGNOSTIC INTERPRETATION
4.2.1.-Basic Elements
4.3.- PLANNING
4.3.1.-Basic elements
4.4.- EXECUTION
4.4.1.-Basic elements
4.4.2.-Techniques

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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1.- What do we understand by social work
To define the method in social work, we must first identify what we understand by
social work. In 1959, the United Nations insisted on the definition of social work as
profession. After highlighting that "as a professional occupation, it has appeared in
very recent times, although the eagerness to provide a social service, to help the
needy, it is much older and universal" they assert that "it is certainly about a
a profession that is still in its infancy, whose potential and tasks are broadening
beyond the limits of current possibilities, whether it is working with individuals,
with groups or with communities
Professor Walter A. Friedlander, 1968, argues that 'Social Work is both a
science and an art and is carried out in six different forms all based on a core
common knowledge and skills called 'generic social work'. These five
social work processes are: 1) social work with cases; 2) social work with groups; 3)
community organization; 4) Administration of social welfare; 5) Social action. Of these
five processes, the first three constitute the three basic methods of social work,
while the other two are auxiliary activities necessary for the establishment,
maintenance and functioning of social services. In this sense, the process
The methodological approach in social work is made up of a series of stages that form a whole.
study, programming, execution and evaluation), whether at an individual, group or community level.
Each of these stages requires a series of procedures that make the method operational.
social work. These procedures are what we usually call techniques. The
techniques used by social workers can be applied in individual work,
group or community.
The method uses techniques and instruments to operate in a given reality. The
techniques are tools of work that the professional uses to understand the object and
transform it. While the method is unique, complex, and dynamic, the techniques are varied and it is
the reality that determines its choice and use at a given moment of practice.
Just as the method is part of the theory and can only be explained by it, the techniques and
instruments, by integrating into the method, become part of its entirety and therefore
each one repeats it in itself. This allows for internal coherence between theory-
method-technical-instrument and verify its unity in practice.

Before we delve into the topic of the method, it is appropriate to make a brief reference to what

what is commonly understood by method and methodology from the social sciences

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1.2. CONCEPTUAL APPROACH.

1.2.1 Distinction between methodology and method
It is worth clarifying the confusion that often arises between methodology and
method. The methodology regulates and organizes scientific activity by proposing guidelines and
procedures that ensure the completion of the actions. Currently, there is quite a bit of
unanimity in considering methodology as the systematic study of methods.
Salvador Giner uses the term methodology to refer to the set of methods.
employees, instead of a unique method. The method as a concretion of the methodology, is
a particular form of professional performance
The method is fundamental in social work because it provides a technical character and
scientific and allows addressing problems with effectiveness and rationality.
Before 1950, traditional methodology relied on various methods, with the
reconceptualization occurs a unification, appearing the Basic Method of
Procedure, which is based on the scientific method and takes its theoretical contributions from the
social sciences.
1.2.2.- Concept
We can define the method as the organized set of principles and procedures.
that provides knowledge and understanding of reality, and provides the tools to
to be able to address problems with rationality and effectiveness.

Ander Egg defines the social work method as "The path to follow to achieve
a certain predetermined end. The method in social work is an operational process to
achieving a result can be considered from two perspectives:
As a structure or set of stages that are ordered and interconnected.
A process or set of phenomena in evolution with a certain coherence and
dynamic unit.
Therefore, the Method in social work is both a procedural structure and a
development process, and the phases of the method constitute the process.

2.- BRIEF HISTORICAL REVIEW

While the different forms of social action aimed at helping those in need
they used procedures of action, it was not until the 20th century that attention was paid
specifically regarding the issues of the method.
Since the publication of Mary Richmond's classic work, social diagnosis, until the
the 1940s, the procedures used by social work have evolved until
to establish the three classical methods. In the last fifty years, many attempts were made
adjustments, reworkings, deepening… Thus, integrated method was discussed, method

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unique, basic method... But CASE, GROUP AND COMMUNITY remained as the
classic methods.
The first of these methods was established in the twenties, individual social case; to
In the mid-1930s, group social work is formally recognized as the
second of the professional methods; then the third of the methods is established.
classics: organization and development of the community.

3.- CHARACTERISTICS OF THE METHOD.

First of all, it must be taken into account that there is no social work method. It does not exist.

a unique method to do something, not a single way to apply the same method. There is no
prototype method that can be used at any time and place: it depends on the objectives
proposed and the reality in which it is applied.
Every method of social intervention is, in its formulation, a simplification of a
acting process, within a specific and delimited sector of social reality.
It is important to keep in mind above all that:

The method must be flexible and dynamic; it must adapt to the reality in which it operates.

apply and provide answers to the new needs that may arise.
It must adhere to the principle of wholeness, considering reality as a whole and
taking into account the variables that interrelate in it.
It has a theoretical support in the sciences that study man and
society: psychology, sociology, anthropology...
It must be operational, that is, the application of the method must lead to achievement.
of the objectives of social work, that is, the method is used to obtain
resultados.
It should be participatory, incorporating individuals and groups into their own process.
of promotion or development.
Natividad of the Red manifests the following characteristics of the method:
a) "In relation to the various functions that social work can perform, the
methodological structure, in any of the functions, is configured on the common process
of the scientific method.
b) “Since the acceptance of the unity of the methodological process, social work is
is characterized in its configuration by a process of interdisciplinarity. From the
interdisciplinarity proposes different purposes, which leads to the multifunctionality of
method at various levels: individual, group, and community.
c) "The global characteristic of the phases of the process and the variables
participants

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4.- STAGES OF THE BASIC METHOD OF PROCEDURE.

Like all forms of social intervention, the basic social work method
procedure, is configured by the integration and fusion of the different phases or moments
of an action strategy. It consists of a series of stages: study, interpretation
diagnosis, planning, execution, and evaluation.
In this way, professional action is systematized and organized for better...
achievement of the proposed objectives. However, despite this division into stages,
They are all interconnected with each other and, in practice, occur simultaneously.

4.1.- STUDY
It refers to the global knowledge of the professional field of action. It is to gather, in a way
organizada, todos los datos relativos a la persona y a la situación para poder reflexionar sobre
them. The purpose is to know the reality in which one is going to act. Just like the
knowledge of the involved individuals.
According to Montserrat Colomeres, 'The search and organization of cognitive elements to
carry out a study as comprehensive as possible of the field of work.
El objetivo general del estudio es situar al trabajador social frente a su campo de
acting, providing a global and integrated view of the situation-problem to which it
confronts.
Possible study steps:
a) Delimitation of the work area
b) Study of the variables and conditions that act on the problem
c) Intuit the possible working hypotheses that guide the study. Establish
cause-effect relationships
A deeper understanding of the scope of action can be obtained through the
research, which involves, among others, the following stages: formulation of the problem,
research design, Constitution of the research team, Selection of methods and
techniques, data collection and gathering, interpretation...
4.1.1.-This first phase allows us to approach and understand the reality in which
We are going to intervene. Therefore, the selection of the techniques in this phase will depend on the
use that we will make of them in the development and subsequent intervention of the projects of
work. The most commonly used techniques are observation and the interview.
The observation
Generally, through this technique, the social worker makes the first contact with the
reality to understand the most significant aspects of the reality being intervened.
For the observation technique to be valid from a methodological point of view
it is advisable that it be systematized, controlled, and with a predetermined objective.

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The observation technique has a series of instruments that allow

apply it and create it: field diary, maps and plans, and mechanical devices
like video, camera, recorder...
The interview
The word interview in French means 'entrevoir' (to see in between, through...). From that
we deduce that in every interview we will have to follow an inquiry process,
observation, inference, to know what lies behind the words, the gestures and the
behavior, to ensure that we understand what it intends to communicate
user.
If we take into account the way or procedure of conducting the interviews, they can
be structured or unstructured.
The study must culminate in a diagnosis. The information must be organized in such a way
in a way that serves the programming tasks and as basic information for the strategies
of action.

4.2.- DIAGNOSTIC INTERPRETATION:

The diagnosis determines the most appropriate type of intervention to modify the
situations that arise and are susceptible to improvement. It carries with it the description.
del individuo y su situación, y tiende a establecer relaciones de causa efecto.
It is always based on the study or collection of data that, when related, allow you to arrive at
a synthesis and interpretation.
The diagnosis involves the synthesis, interpretation, and professional evaluation of a situation.
in what the intervention of the social worker is requested. It represents a point in the process
methodological from which objectives are established, decisions are made, and planning is carried out
performance.
Hamilton expresses that "a diagnosis can be established after the second or
third interview, starting from the second interview, hypotheses can be verified about
behaviors, attitudes and any other information obtained in the previous interview.
According to Kisnerman, there are different levels of diagnosis:

- Descriptive level: corresponds to the preliminary diagnosis based on the first

obtained data.
- Causal level: establishes the cause-effect relationship that affects the problems,
corresponds to the operational diagnosis, issuing a judgment that determines the
planning.
- Evaluation level: personal and social elements that may be weighed.
used to introduce improvements.

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In short, diagnosis is a process of measurement and interpretation that helps to

identify problem situations and their causal factors and consequences in individuals
groups and communities.
4.2.1.- The basic sub-elements are:
a) Identification and description of the problems and their relationships.
b) Hierarchization of problems.
c) Classification according to criteria.

d) Determination of available resources.

e) The forecast.
Diagnostic results support planning tasks and
programming

4.3 - PLANNING
Planning is the action of using a set of procedures through
which introduces greater rationality and organization into a set of actions and
planned activities, aimed at achieving specific goals and
objectives, through the use of specific techniques and instruments. It consists of
rationally structure an action, translating it into plans, programs, and projects.
This is an intermediate stage where data from the preceding stages is collected and
they are projected into action by also preparing the evaluative elements of it.
There are two levels of planning:
1.- Operational level, when it materializes in plans, programs, and projects.
We understand a plan as the set of measures established to foresee, in a way
global, social action. We understand a program as the set of coordinated projects and
related to each other, focused on achieving the objectives set out in the plan. The project
It is the smallest and most basic unit of the plan. It refers to the set of activities that
must be carried out to achieve one or more objectives.
2.- Planning level, considering the microsocial level, when planning for
individuals, groups, and communities. Addressing the macrosocial level, when planning from
the set of measures at the social level in general taking into account structural aspects.
4.3. The basic elements of the work plan are:
a) definition of nature
b) Foundation
c) Objectives
d) Intervention cores
e) Levels of action.
f) Activities to be carried out.

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g) Techniques
h) Resources.
i) Calendar

4.4.- EXECUTION.
It assumes the moment of action that follows the study and interpretation, both at the level of
individual, as well as group and community. It is the professional action in a situation
problematic or conflictual, to activate human potentials and social resources in the interest of
achieve a change in accordance with the objectives proposed in the planning.
4.4.1.- The basic elements that help executive function are:
- Realism: knowing the objectives, means, and obstacles to overcome. It implies
also that the social worker recognizes their own abilities.
- Flexibility: adapting actions to the problematic situation while always considering
the objectives.
- Operationality: Acting at the most opportune moment for achieving the
objectives.
- Creativity: necessary improvisation.
- Involve and delegate: have the involved agents participate in the
resolution of problems and responsibilities are delegated to them.
4.4.2 - The execution techniques are those that the social worker uses when they implement
Work projects are underway. The activities inherent to the professional task are based on
in interpersonal relationships. The techniques of this phase help to promote and develop this
relationship.
The interview
It is the basic technique of the social worker. The interview consists of a conversation.
between two people at least, in which one is the interviewer and the other(s) are the
interviewees. You presuppose, therefore, the existence of people and the possibility of interaction.
verbal within a process of reciprocal action. As a fundamental technique in work
social the conscious and intentional use of knowledge, derived from theory,
from experience and other sources of information, which the social worker transforms into
behavior through the relationship established with the client. The interview technique in
social work has characteristics different from its use in other disciplines.
o Phases of the interview
Although there are countless viewpoints on structuring the interview by
phases, all come to say the same thing, that is, to propose at least a preparation phase,
where the interviewee will be known and an exchange of impressions will take place, another phase of
development, where the interviewer will gather information based on the data provided by the

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interviewed, and a final phase, where both say goodbye after having specified
information that would have remained incomplete or confusing.
o functions of the interview
The interview serves several functions, depending on the professional purpose:
-obtener información
facilitate information
influence certain aspects of behavior (opinions, feelings,
behaviors,...) or exert a therapeutic effect.
Group techniques
The use of group techniques in social work is a practical way to solve
problems or performing tasks. We can conceive group technique as a system of influence
deliberately structured in which changes are made through interrelation with
the others (Rubí, Carme).
The choice of one technique or another is determined by the following criteria: - Objectives
that are pursued, Characteristics of the group, Characteristics of the physical space, Experience of
social worker.
The most commonly used group techniques are:
- Presentation techniques (Name chain, One's life...)
Goal setting techniques (Phillips 66, brainstorming...)
Task fixation techniques (Binas or pairs, the tree...)
Techniques for approaching formal content (Parliament, round table...)
Techniques to address feelings (Role playing, Magic bazaar...)
techniques for working on group skills. (Selling absurd things, dog-tree-
house...
Goodbye techniques.

3.5.- EVALUATION
It is the phase in which the results obtained from the action are measured.
executed and all of this in line with the previously established objectives. According to Mario Spinoza

to evaluate is to compare, at a given moment, what has been achieved through an action
with what should have been achieved, according to a previous schedule.
It is a critical process of the professional actions that have been carried out, in order to
make an assessment of the progress and difficulties that have been achieved, in relation to the
proposed objectives.
The evaluation must be carried out from the beginning and throughout the entire process of
intervention, since this way objectives can be clarified, indicating the progress that

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are experienced during execution or establish the need for a reform when
have caused changes in the situation.
More than a phase or a final moment, evaluation should be seen as a process.
progressive review and analysis that allows for the identification of possible errors or limitations and

to introduce, in a timely manner, the necessary modifications, taking it as a process of

permanent feedback.
3.5.1.- Evaluation, as it implies a review of the work done, is linked to
An important technique in social work: Supervision
The supervision
The supervisor can advise, help to modify attitudes... since they are situated
outside of direct intervention. Supervision fosters ongoing training. It can be
In groups or individually, both types of supervision are necessary. Supervision implies a
open and receptive activity. The technique is nourished by the everyday practice of the social worker and
from the contributions of the supervisor. When it is the institution for which one works, the one that
supervision is often considered as a control.

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