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Evidence-based Practice in Social Work
- Ian Mathews - Lincoln University
- Karin Crawford - University of Lincoln, UK
June 2011 | 160 pages | Learning Matters
At a time when the credibility of social work is again being questioned, this book offers a critical approach to the debate concerning the reliability and validity of the evidence, research and knowledge that underpins professional social work practice. It critiques the notion of 'evidence' and argues that 'knowledge' is a much broader, more appropriate concept to consider. There is analysis of the different components and sources of this knowledge and an exploration of the often discordant interface between practice and knowledge. Finally, it supports the view that knowledge can be actively developed and tested by a range of people.
Introduction
PART ONE
What Underpins Social Work Practice?
Where Does the Knowledge that Influences Practice Come From?
PART TWO
How Does Social Work Engage with Knowledge?
What Influences the Evolution of Social Work Knowledge?
How is Knowledge Produced?
Contemporary Professional Practice and the Changing Use of Knowledge?
Conclusion: Why is it Necessary to Consider the Evidence and Knowledge that Underpins Practice?
Glossary
References
Index
Provides a thought provoking consideration of the issue of evidence-based practice in social work, exploring where knowledge and evidence come from, where they are used, why they are used and how they might be used more effectively. Critical Thinking Exercises throughout the book are very useful in focusing the issue under consideration. Explicit links to benchmarking grounds the issues in social work practice and highlights their relevance. Would like to have read a little more about what sources are used most frequently by social workers.
Social Science , Univ. College Dublin
September 4, 2014
Practical and informative
Social Work (Western Road), Derby University
April 3, 2012
An accessible and insightful text particularly for students undertaking dissertations and research in social work.
Social Work, Sheffield University
January 31, 2012
