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The role of theory in social research
Use of social work theories in research
What is the importance of theory in social work intervention
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We know where we have been, where we are now and where we need to go - but how do we get there? A map. Theory is a map. It notes any number of known landmarks (previously achieved or applied solutions) and obstacles (issues or problems) and gives us direction so that we are able to navigate intelligently and arrive safely (minimal discomfort to all) at our destination (desired outcome/s). Theory is an attempt to explain the unexplained, to give title to the untitled and to give reason to the unreasonable. It is a combination of existing knowledge and newly acquired knowledge that allows us to make assumptions in order to realize reasonably foreseeable outcomes. It is only in the realms of science, physics and mathematics that the repeated application …show more content…
There is a constant flow of new and more complex issues introducing themselves to society every day and more often than not, theory will be the only tools available to us as a means of sourcing solutions. When discussing how theories are used in practice, Payne (1997, p48) states; "There are three approaches to this task: using theories to interrogate, clarify and criticise each other, using theories selectively, and using theories together to modify each other" and Lemert (1999, p20) states "Social theory is what we do when we find ourselves able to put into words what nobody seems to want to talk about". Further, Mullaly (2002, p3) cites Reynolds (1971) "Theory carries out four basic functions: description; explanation; prediction; and control and management of events or changes .........it describes phenomena; it attempts to explain what causes them; it predicts future events, including what will happen if certain interventions occur (or do not occur); and attempts to control and manage events or changes at all levels of human activity". Theory also has its place in supplementing existing knowledge - filling in the blanks as it …show more content…
Some schools of thought insisted that keeping children in detention was senseless and cruel and that they should be settled into local communities. Others viewed this train of thought as being reminiscent of the 'stolen generation ' and further theorized that it was wrong to separate the children from their parents and therefore the mother and children should be settled into the community with regular visits to the father who should remain in detention. There was still further argument that cultural matters had not been considered in that further or other yet foreseen problems may result by isolating the father from the family unit. Each discourse here is based only on theory but it encourages discourse that seeks resolutions. A good thing. Not all theory is good and nor is it all bad, it is simply a helpful step towards finding resolutions where none has previously existed to address issues and problems in society be they real or perceived. As can be ascertained from just a small collection of readings, even theorists differ widely in their interpretations and applications of theory. Every '-ist ' of every '-ism ' believes that their approach is more beneficial than those of the others. Whether they are aware of it or not, even those social work practitioners who would underrate the benefits of the use of theory in their practice, preferring instead to rely on their own intuition and experience, are still employing
... a theory should be able to explain a wide variety of things, not just only what it was intended to explain.
There are many definitions to theory. According to Akers (2009) “theories are tentative answers to the commonly asked questions about events and behavior” (Akers, (2009, p. 1). Theory is a set of interconnect statements that explain how two or more things are related in two casual fashions, based upon a confirmed hypotheses and established multiple times by disconnected groups of researchers.
Identify and explain the three major sources of conflict and misinterpretations in social work practice: culture-bound values, class bound values, and language variables.
Much like occupational therapy, social workers incorporate theory in their field to increase the understanding of human behavior and the delivery of exceptional service. The profession of social work follows the code of ethics, core values, and guiding principles of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Fultz described how the principles of service, social justice, dignity and worth of a person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence guide her clinical practice by strengthening her commitment to her client centered services. Although Fultz incorporates theory into her clinical experience, she addressed the challenges that occur when trying to apply theory. She believes that since each client is unique to themselves, not all theories may be helpful to all individuals. However, she continues to use theory due to the fact that it is evidence based and ensures that health professionals are using the most efficient and up to date treatment
I think we need to start with discussing what social work is and where it started. Social work, social problems, and the organizations that were developed is an attempt to cope with problems have had almost a parallel history. There are many people who have helped develop more progressive attitudes and programs toward the poor, the mentally ill, the unemployed, and children at risk. Many of the social welfare policies and programs we take for granted occurred quite recently in our history. Social work is an exciting career area that is highly related to psychology. Many individuals earn an undergraduate degree in social work and then go on to their masters. You can do so much with a social work degree. Social worker has a broad range
O'Neil, L. (2012, August 3). Using theory in social work practice | Social Care Network | Guardian Professional. Retrieved November 10, 2013, from http://www.theguardian.com/social-care-network/social-life-blog/2012/aug/03/using-theory-social-work-practice.
Theory is the knowledge of the subject based on technical facts or fantasy , which
There are many definitions to theory. According to Akers, “theories are tentative answers to the commonly asked questions about events and behavior.” Theory is a set of interconnected statements that explain how two or more things are related, based upon a confirmed hypotheses and established multiple times by disconnected groups of researchers.
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
Stepney, P and Ford, D (2000) Social Work, Models, Methods and Theories, Lyme Regis: Russell House Publishing.
As social workers, we will not have the luxury of getting to know our clients on a “lay down on this couch and tell me about your mother” level that Freud explored with the use of psychodynamic theory. We will have much more use for the cognitive approach of Jean Piaget as we attempt to help our clients deal with what is happening right now, as opposed to what happened to someone in their youth. It is possible, with the changes our culture has experienced with regard to the family structure, that Freudian theory would need to be re-evaluated to include stepmothers, grandmothers, and big or little sisters that may fill the role of mother in contemporary society. Freudians may also need to rethink psycho-sexual stages to incorporate
theories is a somewhat easy task. Bettelheim had the notion that if one is too
Theory is defined as a scientific prediction or explanation for what the researcher expects to find. Theories can be used in quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods research. In quantitative research, researchers often test theories as an explanation for answers to their questions. In qualitative research, the use of theory is much more varied. The inquirer may generate a theory as the final outcome of a study and place it at the end of a project or place it at the beginning and provide a lens to shape what is looked at and the questions asked. In mixed methods research, researchers may contain a theoretical framework within which both quantitative and qualitative data are collected (Creswell, 2014). What is the role of theory in research? Why is theory not used the same way for all research? Does it serve to connect components of the study? Is it a basis for selecting a research approach?
A theory is a hypothesis or a system of ideas envisioned to explain something, especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained. 2.4 Public Choice Theory Public Choice Theory is a neoclassical economic theory applied to the public sector. It seeks to build a bridge between microeconomics and politics by viewing the actions of citizens, politicians, and public servants as similar to the actions of self-interested producers and consumers (Jary and Jary, 2000).
The exact definition of theory is a system of ideas intended to explain something. When focusing on Natural sciences, theory is defined as a set of principles that predict and explain a phenomena. When focusing on Human sciences the key words are to study and interpret social phenomena within a thought. The most important key words that one has to keep in mind are interpret, predict and explain. Acknowledging this, theories come in different category’s such as: Descriptive theories, theories predicting a phenomena and theories that explain a phenomena.