Practice Evaluation Strategies Among Clinical Social Workers: New Directions in Practice Research

Keywords

practice research, evaluation research, dual-process theory, social workers

Abstract

Objectives:

Practice evaluation strategies range in style from the formal-analytic tools of single-subject designs, rapid assessment instruments, algorithmic steps in evidence-based practice, and computer software applications, to the informal-interactive tools of clinical supervision, consultation with colleagues, use of client feedback, and clinical experience. The purpose of this study was to provide practice researchers in social work with a more complete understanding of how and why social workers evaluate their practice the way they do.

Methods:

Questions about practice evaluation strategies were posed to 12 licensed clinical social workers in a 3-hour focus group.

Findings:

Drawing on advances in the cognitive and social neurosciences, the study identified among clinical social workers an informal-interactive tool preference that displays itself as a cognitively necessary, sufficient, and stand-alone preference that required neither the supplementation nor balance of formal-analytic tools.

Conclusions:

New directions in social work practice research are required and delineated.

Original Publication Citation

Davis, T. D., Dennis, C. B. & Culbertson, S. (2015). Practice evaluation strategies among clinical social workers: New directions in practice research. Research on Social Work Practice, 25(6), 654-669.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2015-07-02

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5859

Publisher

Research on Social Work Practice

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Social Work

University Standing at Time of Publication

Assistant Professor

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