Enhancing the Reporting of Quantitative Research Methods in Australian Social Work

Abstract

Australian Social Work (ASW) seeks to publish high quality, original research and receives a steady stream of manuscripts reporting quantitative methods. However, there has been considerable variation in standard and style. Consistent with international efforts to ensure quality and integrity in reporting quantitative research, this paper offers guidance and suggestions for the reporting of intervention research, observational studies, and the quantitative components of evaluation and mixed-method studies. They address the overall structure of articles and considerations for the abstract, introduction, method, results and the discussion sections, including presentation of statistical analyses and findings. The paper can assist authors and reviewers by clarifying expectations and contribute to ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of research reporting.