Research is an indispensible aspect of social work practice and is increasingly becoming even more important to the continual establishment of the profession (Jones & Sherr, 2014; MCauliffe, 2012; McCrystal & Wilson, 2009; Parrish, 2010; Phillips & Shaw, 2011). For disciplines providing services to society, research is fundamental in assessing the effectiveness of practice and instituting it’s professional credibility (McCrystal & Wilson, 2009; Phillips & Shaw, 2011). More specifically to the field of social work, research has been crucial in providing practitioners with framework, decision-making capacity, best practice methodologies, funding for projects, implementing social policy and ongoing development (MCauliffe, 2012; Parrish, 2010). As importantly, research allows for collaboration and sharing of information between the service users and practitioners, and this positively leads to more ownership of the change process by users. (Jones & Sherr, 2014). For this reason, there is a trajectory for more empirical research for social work practice worldwide (McCrystal & Wilson, 2009). The aim of the paper is to identify and explore the key aspects on why research is an invaluable aspect in social work practice.
Firstly, research supports the need and legitimacy of the profession. Shortly after it’s initial construction, social work’s credibility was under immense scrutiny on it’s effectiveness of practice and relevant contribution to society (MCauliffe, 2012). Thyer (2001) states that prior to the recent inclusion of research, the vulnerable were in fact recipients of ineffective intervention. Methodologies previously employed were based on unproven theories and experimental-based practice (Phillips & Shaw, 2011; Phillips, MacGiol...
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...ined by an ongoing commitment to credible and purposeful evidence-based research (Phillips, MacGiollaRi, Callaghan, 2012). McCrystal and Wilson (2009) studies confirm this trend, showing there are significant growths in the past 10 years in empirical research that are used to ground the social work practice worldwide.
In conclusion, research is an undeniable and inseparable component for social workers practice. The absence and lack thereof of research can have detrimental effect in validating the professions role in society as a meaningful practice, in providing a legitimate framework for practitioners, channelling communication between stakeholders and to be a contemporary discipline in a developing and rapidly changing world. In essence, research has been the lifeline of the profession and continues to be the heart of modern and future social work practice.
Sanctified Snake Oil, is an article that explores the persuasiveness of untested theories and the dangers that it inflicts on social work. What is snake oil? Snake oil is a solution to a scientific problem that has not been adequately tested and that is also used inappropriately. There are six snake oil paradigm’s. The first one discussed is issue framing. This when the subject is framed so that no one can go against it or it can not be opposed. Issue framing is presented in a way to gain authority and acceptance from the audience. The second snake oil paradigm is concept stretching, this is an exaggeration to a problem which makes the problem seem worse than what it actually is. The third on is denial, which is when the victims deny abuse
Today there are institutional review boards that are designated to approve and monitor research studies to ensure ethical standards are being met (Dudley, 2011, p. 45). As social work practice becomes more evidence-based, the worker will have an increased obligation to advocate for conducting and consuming research that aligns with ethical standards. A practicing social worker can help ensure the ethical treatment of their clients by empowering them to take an active role in their treatment decisions and goals. Three important mandates of the Council on Social Work Education that are directly relevant to research are adhering to the values and ethics of social work, promoting an understanding and commitment to diversity, and promoting human rights and social and economic justice (Dudley,
When pursuing a degree in social work, one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences within the degree aspect is the capstone project. The capstone is a multi-integrative assignment that is structure to provide social work students with the opportunity to apply their academic, professional and personal experience in the field through the application of a project. With allowing students to master the knowledge, skills, values, and ethics needed for effective social work practice, the capstone project also provide a development to really contribute in the knowledge of the profession. All social work capstone projects encourage students to unite their work to community issues and problems through learning, observations and internship. This paper examines the values, policy, conceptual framework, group
Thompson, N (2005) Understanding Social Work: Preparing for Practice, Palgrave, MacMillan (Second Edition) Hampshire (Supplementary Course Reader)
Parker, J. and Bradley, G. (2003). Social Work Practice: Assessment, Planning, Intervention and Review. Exeter: Learning Matters Ltd.
Rengas, S. (2010, August 13). Theories of Social Work. Retrieved November 10, 2013, from http://www.slideshare.net/srengasamy/theories-of-social-work
Krysik, J. L. & Finn, J. (2013). Research for effective social work practice. New York, NY:
Wilson, K. et al. al., 2011 - p. 78. Social Work: 'Introduction to Contemporary Practice'. 2nd ed.
Theory is defined as “…”. In the social work profession, it is not enough to just understand the definition of theory, but rather be able to integrate theory into practice when working to plan interventions at multiple practice levels. This integration of theory into the social work practice is an emphasis of the profession as noted in the profession’s core competencies. Core competency 2.1.6 “engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research” (NASW code of ethics) is the basis for theory integration within the social work profession. The profession’s practice behaviors state that social workers must “use research evidence to inform practice” (NASW code of ethics). In other words, social workers should “attend to findings
Miley, K, O'Melia, M, DuBois, B 2013, Generalist social work practice: an empowering approach, 7th edn, Pearson, USA.
What is a social work? “Social work is a profession which promotes social change and problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance wellbeing. Utilizing theories of human behaviour and social systems, social work intervenes at the point where people interact with their environments. Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work”. (Understanding Social work, Neil Thompson, 2005, page 13, 2nd Edition). Social workers convey their enthusiasm and sense of duty regarding fill in as they help construct more grounded groups, families, and people. Amid the meeting procedure, I was set up to talk about contextual investigations in which extreme choices need to be made and
Research is a necessity when it comes to providing services. Social Workers need it to be able to determine their clients ' needs, to see what resources/services they have access to and if their client doesn 't have much access where can they get it. Research is also used to see how effective an intervention is and whether it would be a right fit for their clients. It provides social service agents with ways to identify problems within their clients, communities, organizations, and the government. Also it helps them to create ways to aid in effective change. It is very beneficial when a social worker needs to "assess the needs and resources of people in their environments, evaluate the effectiveness of social work services in meeting people
families, and communities to enhance their individual and collective well-being. Social workers are change agents and because of that, they aim to help people develop their skills and abilities to use resources provided to them to strengthen and improve their lives and communities to resolve problems. One of the main goal of social workers is to improve the well-being and lives of the most vulnerable populations, fight against poverty, unemployment, domestic violence and the underserviced population by emphasizing on the person-in-environment and social justice model. The social work profession, considerers the individuals’ internal and external struggles, while working with the individuals to examine their relationships, family, work environment, community, and other things that might impact them and identify ways to help address problems and challenges.
The work of a social worker is complex and all encompassing. Social workers work in many capacities seeking justice, liberation, and equality. There work is global, as they work to put policies in place to govern practices. To keep up with societal shifts and generational changes there learning is continuous. As new questions rise so does the need for the continuation of research, not only to answer these questions but to implement into
The social work profession is defined as “a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people (ISFW, ‘Global Definition of Social Work’, 2016).” The definition may be true about the profession but it is more in depth than just that. To me, the profession’s primary focus is to help others through life as much as we can while letting them make their own choices and guiding them. In society, social workers are utilized in many different nonprofit and government roles. They serve the community in many different ways from monitoring parent visits to helping people through mental illnesses. Human beings are so complex and things that happen