Competency 4: Engage In Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice
Social workers use ethical, culturally informed, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive approaches in conducting research and building knowledge. Social workers use research to inform their practice decision making and articulate how their practice experience informs research and evaluation decisions. Social workers critically evaluate and critique current, empirically sound research to inform decisions pertaining to practice, policy, and programs. Social workers understand the inherent bias
in research and evaluate design, analysis, and interpretation using an anti-racist and anti-oppressive perspective. Social workers know how to access, critique, and synthesize the current literature to develop appropriate research questions and hypotheses. Social workers demonstrate knowledge
and skills regarding qualitative and quantitative research methods and analysis, and they interpret data derived from these methods. Social workers demonstrate knowledge about methods to assess reliability and validity in social work research. Social workers can articulate and share research findings in ways that are usable to a variety of clients and constituencies. Social workers understand the value of evidence derived from inter-professional and diverse research methods, approaches, and sources.Social workers:
a. apply research findings to inform and improve practice, policy, and programs; and
b. identify ethical, culturally informed, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive strategies that address inherent biases for use in quantitative and qualitative research methods to advance the purposes of social work.
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Starting my journey in social work, the concept of practice-informed research and research-informed practice resonates deeply with me. It represents a dynamic approach where theory and real-world application cross to drive positive outcomes. This competency embodies my commitment to understanding the nuances of each individual’s situation and creating interventions accordingly.
In the future, I envision myself continually developing this competency by actively seeking out new research findings and integrating them into my practice. I will stay engaged with academic literature, attend workshops and seminars, and collaborate with colleagues to exchange insights and best practices. By staying open to learning and adapting, I aim to ensure that my interventions remain responsive to the ever-changing needs of the individuals and communities I serve. This commitment will not only enhance my effectiveness as a future social worker but also deepen my ability to advocate for the well-being of those in my care.
Evidences:
Research Day Presentation
Research Methods II- SOCW-499
In this comprehensive research project spanning two semesters, my research partners and I researched the intricacies of relationship competencies among college students. Our research found that people with two parent households have more positive ideas of relationship competence than those who do not have two parent households among other findings. The culmination of this was a presentation during senior research day, where my group competed alongside peers. This assignment provided a platform to explore the relationship between research and practice, developing skills crucial for informed decision-making and practical application.
Through this experience, I gained understanding of how empirical evidence informs real-world practice and vice versa. Presenting findings at a competitive event not only showcased research but also enhanced communication abilities, encouraging dialogue and collaboration within the academic community.
This assignment served as evidence of my capacity to engage in rigorous, practice-informed research and apply research insights to inform practice. Learning the results of this research helped me contribute to the field in a meaningful way by exploring an under-researched area that others outside of this project can also benefit from. Without this research, they would not have had accesses to this information.
Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication in Latin American, Asian, and American Culture Presentation
Practicum, presented to colleagues
During my practicum, I shared a research presentation titled “Non-Verbal Communication in Latin American, Asian, and American Cultures” with fellow student advisors. The assignment involved exploring and comparing non-verbal communication patterns across different cultural contexts, specifically focusing on Latin American, Asian, and American cultures. The presentation delved into various aspects of non-verbal communication, including body language, facial expressions, gestures, and proxemics, highlighting the cultural nuances that influence these behaviors.
Through sharing insights on non-verbal communication in diverse cultural settings, I deepened my understanding of the complexities involved in cross-cultural interactions. While I did not personally conduct the research, I actively engaged in compiling and presenting information gathered from scholarly articles and cultural studies.
I chose this as evidence because it demonstrates my ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios in a professional setting. My active involvement in compiling and sharing information emphasizes my proficiency in translating research findings into actionable insights for practice.
This assignment contributed to my mastery of the competency by providing an opportunity to engage in collaborative learning and dialogue with fellow student advisors. By sharing my findings and facilitating discussions on cultural communication, I actively contributed to the cultivation of cultural competence within the group. Overall, this experience developed my skills as a culturally competent future Social Worker and reinforced the importance of incorporating cultural awareness into professional practice.
How Government Assistance Impact Drug Use- Presentation
Presented to Class of 2025
I had the opportunity to create a presentation on how government assistance impacts drug use, presented in a Human Behavior and Social Environment (HBSE) class for the Junior class. The goal was to explore the complex overlap between government support systems and substance abuse, considering factors such as socioeconomic status, access to resources, and policy implications.
By delving into the topic of government assistance and its impact on drug use, I engaged in research to understand the various ideas at play. This involved gathering data on government assistance programs, examining research on substance abuse patterns, and analyzing factors influencing drug use. I gained insight into the importance of considering multiple perspectives and systemic factors when addressing social issues such as drug abuse. This also allowed me to develop skills in effective presentation delivery, as I communicated my findings to my peers in a clear and engaging manner.
By exploring the impact of government assistance on drug use, I was able to integrate concepts from HBSE with research to gain a deeper understanding of the topic. This allowed me to see the direct relevance of research to social work practice and reinforced the importance of evidence-based approaches in addressing societal challenges.
Competency Four
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