Research is vital in the social work field because it leads the use of evidence-based practices. Research is conducted to improve our understanding of how the world is changing and how this impacts our clients. This competency helps ensure that social workers understand quantitative and qualitative research methods. Social workers also understand the role of research in advancing the science of social work and in evaluating their practice. To meet this competency I used comprehension as the cognitive domain and organization as the affective domain. The theories utilized are ultimate attribution error and interpersonal expectancy effect. By meeting this competency I demonstrate that I understand the processes for translating research findings into effective practice by utilizing the information to create programs such as a skills group. As a social worker I vow to use and translate research evidence to inform and improve practice, policy, and service delivery.
Competency:
Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
Practice Behaviors:
4.1 Engage in a review of contemporary best practices
Evidence: I demonstrated this practice behavior by collaborating with my Advanced Social Policy group in reviewing current best practices being implemented with incarcerated pregnant women in the state of Vermont. Here is the paper written with the gaps and flaws found in the current policy.
4.2 Conduct research that responds to social work practice needs
Evidence: I demonstrated this practice behavior by creating a presentation and writing a paper with my Administration group. The presentations includes statistics specifically related to challenges faced by the Latino / Hispanic population. This presentation was meant to provide information about this population and how social workers can respond to their needs.