An analysis of research studies conducted in the field of aging by the School of Social Work, Fresno State College

In the past fifty years, a wealth of information has been amassed by social scientists in the many studies that have been conducted concerning human behavior, the social environment, and social services. In the Fresno State College School of Social Work alone, dozens of theses have been written about a variety of topics. Yet after a thesis is written it is sometimes seldom read. In addition, a person interested in pursuing a particular area may not have the time or sometimes the inclination to read all the information available on a particular topic. Therefore, this thesis will attempt to take one subject, the aged, and present in a concise and convenient form a synthesis and an analysis of fourteen theses written on the subject. More than that will be attempted in this analysis of theses written on the subject of aging, though, because presenting such an analysis in one text, both this writer and future readers will be provided with a perspective that would not exist in reading any one thesis. By having the information In a form that offers easy comparison, this author and future readers can draw new conclusions based on the breadth of the data which have been compiled. Perhaps the limitation mentioned, most frequently in these theses — smallness of sample—will be partially overcome in light of the duplication of similar subjects in related areas. Another benefit to result from this thesis might be some suggestions for areas for future research. Through analyzing the theses that former graduate students have written on the aged., this writer will propose that some areas not studied formerly be studied in the future. Or, areas that were inadequately researched might be approached again from a new direction. Too, pertinent findings might suggest interesting questions which could be studied by future graduate students in the School of Social Work, Finally, it is hoped that this thesis will have particular relevance to the field of aging. We live in a time when government is re-evaluating its existing services for the aged. At no other time could we be more in need of reliable data upon which to make policy decisions regarding the provision of services for the aged. Instead of branching out into a new area of research, this writer chose instead to take stock of some of the information already available to us. Perhaps this examination of the past contributions of the graduate students in the Fresno State College School of Social Work will provide a compilation of existing data, new depth or breadth to existing data, and new insights into the problems of, and services to, the aged.