First off you should understand what it means when people refer to some work as social work. You should be aware of what comprises social work and should be familiar with the scope and range of social work. Statistics show that most people are not attracted to social work and only a few think about it as a full time career. To consider a career in social work, you need to be passionate and fervent about helping other people. A social work research paper may then offer a few details on the contemporary approach and scope of the service.

Before starting off a social work research paper you should understand the difference between a term paper and research paper, and the ‘length and breadth’ of research paper specific to the context of social work. First off the element of conducting your own research differentiates it from a term paper. In addition, a social work research paper is lengthier than a term paper and concentrates not as much on the broad spectrum of the topic at hand but more on procedures, methodologies, research systems and analytical awareness.

In various countries and local governments, social work is regarded as a duty of a specific government department that focuses on providing aid and assistance to deprived and disadvantaged people. Therefore your social work research paper could be about a number of diverse topics that do not necessarily have to be really complex or demanding. In addition, knowledge of the contemporary ethical issues is absolutely crucial for a comprehensive social work research paper.

Here are a few social work research paper topics that you can use to kick start your research.
1. You could talk about the effectiveness of various social work efforts being undertaken at local and international levels.
2. You could talk about the various health and education services provided to the underprivileged and the poor.
3. You could talk about the corruption and heinous crimes conducted under the safe haven of social work.
There are various other topics that affect our society and could be used for a social work research paper. Such as:
1. You could write about the social consequences if newspaper reporters were required to disclose their sources.
2. You could talk about same sex marriages.
3. Do "beauty" contests (Mr. America, Miss America, etc.) serve any purpose in society?
4. Should prostitution and other consensual sexual activity between adults be made legal?
5. You could write a social work research paper on the career opportunities available in the welfare sector.
6. Last but not the least, you could write about the legality of pornography and its social ramifications.