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This resource provides a brief introduction to writing in the field of Family Science and Social Work through the lens of threshold concepts. It includes:

1. An overview of what writing characteristics are valued in Family Science and Social Work
2. A visualization of important concepts in Family Science and Social Work

Family Science and Social Work values strong theoretical interdisciplinary foundations, methodological rigor, building on previous research, and making real world applications and contributions.

Writers are credible when they provide an in-depth review of literature, build a logical and evidence-informed argument, and are transparent with their methods and motives.

The discipline’s citation practices embody these values, and you can see that in examples of how previous work from multiple disciplines is integrated using APA style.

Effective writers will identify gaps in the research and use citations in an extensive literature review to show others have done similar work.

The following word cloud demonstrates some of the overarching concepts that are commonly applied and discussed in Family Science and Social Work (see Figure 1).

Figure 1: Concepts that are commonly applied and discussed in Family Science and Social Work

Image description: The names of concepts stacked on top of each other. The concepts are in different colors and different sizes, depending on their level of importance. The concepts in the larger font are as follows: evaluation, dignity, transformative, logical, empowerment, engagement, change agents, policy, social justice, and bias. The concepts in the smaller font are as follows: research, implicit, analyze, communication, case notes, integrative, literature reviews, evaluate, helping professions, self-awareness, policy briefs, interpretation, best practices, critical thinking, unconditional positive regard, case studies, Privilege, articles, direct-practice, grounded, resources, intersectional, informed action, evidence based, treatment plan, grant writing, change agent, feedback, self-reflection, program evaluation, introspection, clinical, and privilege.

This guide was co-created by HCWE graduate assistant Angela Glotfelter and Family Science and Social Work faculty Karleah Harris, Kate Kuvalanka, Anne Roma, Sherrill Sellers, Carolyn Slotten, and Jonathan Trauth.