Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice

It is important for social workers to understand qualitative and quantitative research methods and the role it plays in advancing social work and in evaluating their practice. Social workers know and understand the principles of logic, scientific inquiry, being culturally informed, and using ethical approaches to build knowledge. Evidence-based practices are recognized by social workers and aids in informed practice. Social workers understand the importance of translating research and implementing it into effective practice. Social workers:

• 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; and
• use and translate research evidence to inform and improve practice, policy, and service delivery.

Field Evidence:

At Welcome Home of Chattanooga, Narrative Theory is widely valued when working with our residents. I was able to write a comparison paper looking deeper into narrative theory while also researching family structural theory. I then presented this paper to my supervisor and the other intern at Welcome Home. During my time at Welcome Home, I was able to read three books about working with those nearing the end of their lives: Gone from my Sight, A Time to Live, and The Eleventh Hour. From this information and further research, I created a quick facts sheet about working with this population.

Academic Evidence:

While taking Human Behavior in the Social Environment, I was able to research and write a second Literature Review on Elderly Suicide Ideation. I also presented my findings at Southern’s Campus Research Day. Through my social work Research Methods class, I was a part of a team who proposed a study on the risk factors of homelessness for veterans in Chattanooga Tennessee.