Competency 4: Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice
In the field of Social Work it is important to be sure that interventions and programs that are being used with vulnerable populations are truly effective in bringing them positive practice outcomes. Understanding how to implement research and use evidence based interventions is the best way to do this. Competency four emphasizes having the ability to apply a theoretical framework to practice, critically analyze research, and then apply it improve services in the field setting.
Practice Behaviors
- Use practice experience and theory to inform scientific inquiry and research.
- Apply critical thinking to engage in analysis of quantitative and qualitative research methods and research findings
- Use and translate research evidence to inform and improve practice, policy and service delivery
Evidence
Field
In my practicum setting, I analyzed research on the importance of activities in Long-term care facilities especially for residents with dementia. I started by looking into the Activity Theory and the Disengagement theory to learn more about these frameworks and how they may influence current services. I then analyzed several research studies that talked about how activities can help individuals with dementia. Lastly, I complied all that I learned into a short PowerPoint presentation which I shared with my Field Instructor. I then talked about my findings to another employee at my agency and the Director of Elder Services.
Academic
In my Human Behavior & Social Environment course, I completed and presented a literature review I had written on youth suicide prevention. In order to complete this literature review, I had to find several studies on the topic of youth suicide and the effectiveness of certain programs. I critically analyzed the findings in order to come to a conclusion in my paper and presented it to a group of individuals on Campus Research day. Below is the literature review.