tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935102525342419091.post3827195801117669400..comments2020-10-25T13:56:50.771-07:00Comments on Research Methods for Social Work Practice: Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07062270122608109713noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935102525342419091.post-7377406192398485042009-01-21T07:34:00.000-08:002009-01-21T07:34:00.000-08:00Original Post:Denise B. ClevelandUtilization of EB...Original Post:<BR/>Denise B. Cleveland<BR/><BR/>Utilization of EBP in the social work field is important. As we are charged with being brokers of resources, being able to identify and utilize empirical data for our clients is a must as we want to be able to use something that works when we apply theory to practice. I think it is important to integrate a client's preference (self-determination), the needs, strengths, and values into EBP. I agree that it is a challenge, but one that I believe is valuable when met. It is human nature to be fearful of the unknown, and I look forward to learning more about EBP in this class.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935102525342419091.post-23699358760293578102009-01-21T07:19:00.001-08:002009-01-21T07:19:00.001-08:00The response to Tomi Williams was by Denise Clevel...The response to Tomi Williams was by Denise Cleveland.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935102525342419091.post-9051017044147904482009-01-21T07:19:00.000-08:002009-01-21T07:19:00.000-08:00Response to Tomi WillisamsI would like to comment ...Response to Tomi Willisams<BR/><BR/>I would like to comment on Ms. Williams question about research affecting the modification of policy. With translational research - putting the results of research into practice - I think that we will see much more research actually being used rather than gathering dust on the shelves. NIH has placed an emphasis on translational research.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935102525342419091.post-78697726183776560212009-01-20T08:17:00.000-08:002009-01-20T08:17:00.000-08:00DeidreI agree that the article is informative for ...Deidre<BR/>I agree that the article is informative for the field of social work. It brings together several points of interest. However, the article also points out the inconsistencies in the field of research, including those that does not factor in different backgrounds, culture and other medical conditions of the clients.<BR/>Malinda S.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935102525342419091.post-5656493506751402802009-01-20T08:16:00.000-08:002009-01-20T08:16:00.000-08:00ShijiResearch is involved in almost everything we ...Shiji<BR/>Research is involved in almost everything we do as social workers and lay individuals as well. We ourselves are researchers in a sense. If we have made referrals to a particular agency and the agency has not performed as promised and the desired goal not achieved, then not only is that research, but research with results. The next referral will be with a different agency to achieve the desired results. That’s results you can sink your teeth into. I am sure there are evidenced based research that has been proven to work in the social service field.<BR/>Malinda S.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935102525342419091.post-46440884480578859772009-01-20T08:15:00.000-08:002009-01-20T08:15:00.000-08:00This is my original response to the article on Evi...This is my original response to the article on Evidenced Based Practices<BR/>I support the use of evidenced based practices when it comes to clients benefitting from the best services available. My concern for EBP’s would not be the amount of information available for social workers to use, but the amount of time available to study, learn and put into practice. Understandably, the services must be tailored to fit the client’s culture, interests and circumstances while balancing with resources available. Most workers have caseloads that prevent the kind of tailoring needed for most clients. Sure there will be some clients that present with similar problems and would benefit from the same type of service. However, most of us know that workers only have a limited amount of time to tailor services to a client. My hope is that I become efficient at assessments and diagnosing to be able to take advantage of such a tool.<BR/> Malinda S.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935102525342419091.post-62742075513725338792009-01-19T09:25:00.000-08:002009-01-19T09:25:00.000-08:00Reply Comment to Julie Lindsey by Daphne ArnoldI a...Reply Comment to Julie Lindsey by Daphne Arnold<BR/><BR/>I agree that EBP it is extremely important for social workers to understand. I, do however, think that there are flaws within this approach. I have learned that the "evidence" can be skewed by researchers to say just about anything that they want it to say. I have learned that social workers should be suspicious about and check the reliability and validity of all research. I have learned that just because an intervention may be statistically significant that this still may not be the best course of action for the target population. I have also learned that the means and methods of these experiments should be clearly stated. It is also important for social workers to look at how these studies measure success because often times these terms can have more than one meaning. I am saying this to say, that as social workers we are charged with helping our clients to better their situations not to hurt them. You are right when you say that social workers are helping clients to make life changing decisions; so it is important to for us to have a thorough understanding of how to effectively do research. I still do not think that generalist social worker professionals will have time to do this type of extensive research, but it is good to know how to in case we are called upon to do so.MSWstudenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08974470531837686777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935102525342419091.post-39118241267146259382009-01-19T09:24:00.000-08:002009-01-19T09:24:00.000-08:00Reply Comment to Julie Lindsey by Daphne ArnoldI a...Reply Comment to Julie Lindsey by Daphne Arnold<BR/><BR/>I agree that EBP it is extremely important for social workers to understand. I, do however, think that there are flaws within this approach. I have learned that the "evidence" can be skewed by researchers to say just about anything that they want it to say. I have learned that social workers should be suspicious about and check the reliability and validity of all research. I have learned that just because an intervention may be statistically significant that this still may not be the best course of action for the target population. I have also learned that the means and methods of these experiments should be clearly stated. It is also important for social workers to look at how these studies measure success because often times these terms can have more than one meaning. I am saying this to say, that as social workers we are charged with helping our clients to better their situations not to hurt them. You are right when you say that social workers are helping clients to make life changing decisions; so it is important to for us to have a thorough understanding of how to effectively do research. I still do not think that generalist social worker professionals will have time to do this type of extensive research, but it is good to know how to in case we are called upon to do so.MSWstudenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08974470531837686777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935102525342419091.post-17718359370234142962009-01-19T09:12:00.000-08:002009-01-19T09:12:00.000-08:00Reply Comment to Julie Lindsey by Daphne ArnoldI a...Reply Comment to Julie Lindsey by Daphne Arnold<BR/><BR/>I agree that EBP is important for social workers to understand and if used correctly can benefit the client populations that we serve. I,do however, think that there are flaws within this approach. What I have learned so far in research has led me to be suspicious about the true accuracy and effectiveness of the targeted interventions. I have learned how research can be shewed to say whatever the researchers want it to say. I also have learned to look at these studies and experiments to make sure that they are generalizable and representative to the target population. I have learned to be careful to look at what and how measurements for success are measured and how that will affect the outcome for these studies. So, bascially what I am trying to say is that while I think EBP is a great idea, in actuality it is very hard to gage and put into actual practice, especially at the generalist practice level. You are right, social workers are making life changing decisions that affect individuals ability to led productive lives, but I would caution everyone to really thoroughly research the "research" to make sure that we are doing more good than harm in the lives of our clients.MSWstudenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08974470531837686777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935102525342419091.post-70760825190293915882009-01-18T12:15:00.000-08:002009-01-18T12:15:00.000-08:00Comment to Diane Watson By Carrie Wells I hav...Comment to Diane Watson <BR/>By Carrie Wells <BR/><BR/> I have no social work experience also and am equally curious about how social workers are able to conduct the required research in order to provide proper treatment for clients. I often hear about social workers not having enough time to thoroughly assess clients due to large caseloads and time constraints. If agencies are pressuring social workers to complete caseloads knowing that they have not had the adequate amount of time needed to evaluate research, wouldn’t that be considered unethical on the part of the agency? Having social workers treat clients without knowing the relevant evidence and research that supports specific treatment could be harmful to the clients. For time restricted social workers, becoming a member of the NASW can be very helpful in keeping up with the latest research. There are numerous links on the website related to research including “Research in the News.” <BR/><BR/>(As noted in my original post, I had problems signing on which caused my posts to be late.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935102525342419091.post-78299971803437985842009-01-18T11:32:00.000-08:002009-01-18T11:32:00.000-08:00Original Post by Carrie Wells Using research i...Original Post by Carrie Wells<BR/><BR/> Using research in social work practice can be very beneficial to both the social worker and the client. Social workers who use EBP in their practice can formulate treatment plans that have been proven effective for the clients they are serving. When evaluating research, it is imperative that social workers understand not only the outcomes of particular studies, but understand how the outcomes were developed. Social workers must evaluate the validity of the data, the method in which the research was conducted, the demographics of the research, and the relevance of the evidence to the particular client(s) the social worker is serving. Basically, social workers must be astute critical thinkers in order to get the most benefits out of using EBP in developing effective treatment plans for clients. <BR/><BR/>Note: This comment was posted late due to difficulties signing on.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935102525342419091.post-77485322734719359282009-01-17T04:48:00.000-08:002009-01-17T04:48:00.000-08:00Response to April Mills by Jean FieldsI myself hav...Response to April Mills by Jean Fields<BR/><BR/>I myself have been an employee of the Department of Human Resource for a while. While I find the statement you make correct that most of the services that are offered are not effective with our clients, but I must I do find myself doing using the services that I feel are the best quite frequently. I agree that in agencies like DHR research is not used at all at least from where I see things as a caseworker.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935102525342419091.post-10926013624332503512009-01-17T04:39:00.000-08:002009-01-17T04:39:00.000-08:00Original Post by Jean FieldsSince Social Work is m...Original Post by Jean Fields<BR/><BR/>Since Social Work is meant to be a helping profession, it makes since that most of its practice and methods would come from EBT. I must admit that research has never been my favorite thing to do, but I think it is necessary that MSW student and all levels of social work alike should familiarize themselves with knowing more about research within our field of social work. If we know about the tried a true methods then chances are we will know the best delivery of services for our clients. Even on my job in case management, I find myself using the same group of counselors and therapists for my clients if I find that they are reliable, consistent, and are knowledgeable about what it takes to get the best outcome with the client. In my opinion that is a form of research I am doing daily. Nonetheless, research will be interesting for me this semester and I am looking forward to learning more about something that I am naturally ambivalent about.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935102525342419091.post-5790412855614163322009-01-17T04:37:00.000-08:002009-01-17T04:37:00.000-08:00Original Post by Jean FieldsSince Social Work is m...Original Post by Jean Fields<BR/><BR/>Since Social Work is meant to be a helping profession, it makes since that most of its practice and methods would come from EBT. I must admit that research has never been my favorite thing to do, but I think it is necessary that MSW student and every level of social work alike should familiarize themselves with knowing more about research within our field. If we know about the tried a true methods then chances are we will know the best delivery of services for our clients. Even on my job in case management, I find myself using the same group of counselors and therapists for my clients if I find that they are reliable, consistent, and are knowledgeable about what it takes to get the best outcome with the client. In my opinion, that is a form of research I am doing daily. Nonetheless, research will be interesting for me this semester and I am looking forward to learning more about something that I am naturally ambivalent about.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935102525342419091.post-19596586765977095122009-01-17T03:38:00.000-08:002009-01-17T03:38:00.000-08:00Response to Kristi Maddox’s post by Kipp Heatherly...Response to Kristi Maddox’s post by Kipp Heatherly<BR/><BR/>I agree that the sheer demands of large caseloads make it difficult to utilize research in social work. For me, the problem does not lie specifically in the numbers, but in the differences with each individual client. The application of evidence based practice just seems futile when working with thirty different clients from thirty different backgrounds who have three hundred different needs. Perhaps the use of research would seem much more appealing if given the opportunity to work with more targeted groups.kippstahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05816319726394218176noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935102525342419091.post-81938876854585957202009-01-17T02:50:00.000-08:002009-01-17T02:50:00.000-08:00Original Post by Kipp HeatherlyI am not going to t...Original Post by Kipp Heatherly<BR/><BR/><BR/>I am not going to try to refute the argument for evidence based practice in social work, as I’m sure it has some utility (and I wouldn’t presume that I’m capable of pulling that off anyway). However, I think there is a reason the concept originated in medicine and is probably more relevant to that field than to social work. It would seem that factors such as race, religion, sexual preference, social environment, etc. are not generally determining factors in the treatment of most medical issues. So, naturally, it makes sense to use statistically proven methods for treating conditions such as tumors or the common cold. But social work is a different animal and those aforementioned variables must all be considered during treatment planning...and I fail to see how evidence based practice could possibly address the diversity among clientele populations encountered in social work.kippstahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05816319726394218176noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935102525342419091.post-57074110390075054782009-01-16T21:59:00.000-08:002009-01-16T21:59:00.000-08:00Response to Patricia Ford's Orig. ResponseI agree ...Response to Patricia Ford's Orig. Response<BR/><BR/>I agree that social workers should began or continue to use EBT within practice. Just think if a client has to go to court and the worker must present and prove how their actions were necessary. Using EBT will allow the social worker's steps to be traced and justified. I personally had to learn the had way.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05780449640486213311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935102525342419091.post-12324126854698959452009-01-16T21:53:00.000-08:002009-01-16T21:53:00.000-08:00Tomi WilliamsI really have mixed feelings about re...Tomi Williams<BR/><BR/>I really have mixed feelings about research....any research class but I am learning to appreciate the practice.I am interested in knowing how much research really affects the modification of policy? Hopefully new findings concerning the behaviors of individuals influences social workers to modify their use of practice as well as policy makers. I promise to dedicate myself to trying to understand how social work research works.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05780449640486213311noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935102525342419091.post-23960245637673237042009-01-16T20:36:00.000-08:002009-01-16T20:36:00.000-08:00Response Post to Diane Watson: Week 1April MillsAs...Response Post to Diane Watson: Week 1<BR/>April Mills<BR/><BR/>As I said in my original post the time constraints are there and it is almost impossible to effectively meet every clients needs with EBP. That is not to say that there is not a great need for it. I have been in Social Work for some time now and I still have many guest ions myself. Mostly, how can I find more effective treatment for my clients and how can I successfully obtain them financially? More money more research more success. The experience that we are gaining in our classes and in our filed placements will hopefully answer some of our questions and enable us to find the means that we need to meet our clients needs effectively.Aprilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03514904337030343674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935102525342419091.post-72856558153890346132009-01-16T20:34:00.001-08:002009-01-16T20:34:00.001-08:00Reponse to Kriti Maddox post by Shija BrooksI agre...Reponse to Kriti Maddox post by Shija Brooks<BR/><BR/>I agree that caseloads for social workers are extremely high and too little time for EBT. I do think if there was enough time management to include EBT social work practice would run smoother. I also agree that all clients’ backgrounds and situations are not the same and must use EBT with caution. I think in the future agencies will begin to use EBT practice when dealing with clients.Montgomery, Alabamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14026432831459129990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935102525342419091.post-83681180014293098842009-01-16T20:34:00.000-08:002009-01-16T20:34:00.000-08:00Originial Post: Week 1April MillsI have been pract...Originial Post: Week 1<BR/>April Mills<BR/><BR/>I have been practicing as a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker for five years now. All of my experience has been with the Department of Human Resources. I have primarily worked in preservation and yet Social Work Research has not made it into my daily routine of Social Work practice. I acknowledge that this is an unfortunate reality. However, in every day practice on a general level it can become almost impossible to research every area of your practice. It can become a challenge to simply find appropriate and affordable resources for your clients let alone research the service and/or treatment that you do find for them. I realize that locating these services may be classified as some form of research but to extensively research the effectiveness of the services does not often happen. Although I see the challenges and time restraints for Social Workers like myself I also see the need to implement Evidence-Based Practice. Often times a service is offered to a client that is not effective. Therefore, I appreciate the blog for this week and the information that it provides. Thorough and in depth research can be seen as a nuisance but actually it is a necessity if we wish to achieve success for our clients. But again my only concern is how will general Social Workers be able to implement more extensive research into their daily work? It is required for Social Workers who are for example seeking to obtain grants from the government for programs. But it is not mandatory for all services that are rendered at an agency like DHR.Aprilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03514904337030343674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935102525342419091.post-4527811353466072342009-01-16T20:27:00.000-08:002009-01-16T20:27:00.000-08:00Response to Patricia FordBy Marashia McCormickPatr...Response to Patricia Ford<BR/>By Marashia McCormick<BR/><BR/>Patricia makes and valid point that I overlooked in my original post. If social worker sdo not stay up-to-date on the latest most improved evidenced based treatment, there is potential to do harm. For example, while most credit Sigmund Freud as the father of psycho-analysis, there aren’t many people that would fully apply his theory to treatment today. This is because of the enormous amounts of evidenced based research that has either built onto or reexamined his idea. Without insight to this research, social workers may be inclined to assume a child is suffering from penis envy. This may be a bit of an extreme example, but it defiantly validates Patricia’s statement, “social workers must continually seek to improve their knowledge base and stay abreast on the most current research and practice methods.”Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935102525342419091.post-63463051556893785552009-01-16T20:05:00.000-08:002009-01-16T20:05:00.000-08:00Response to Kristi Maddox by Melinda LanierFlexibi...Response to Kristi Maddox by Melinda Lanier<BR/>Flexibility and caution are part of thinking critically which I think is a success factor of evidence-based practice. I don’t believe that evidence-based practice will succeed if you expect that one person will always respond a certain way if 30 other people responded that way. However, it’s also not the case the we completely write off the value of evidence-based practice. This is where the three elements come in to make evidence-based practice a functional method of practice.Melinda Crouchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02530892671296713464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935102525342419091.post-86173686933358144902009-01-16T19:31:00.000-08:002009-01-16T19:31:00.000-08:00Original Post for Evidence-Based PracticeBy. Maras...Original Post for Evidence-Based Practice<BR/>By. Marashia S. McCormick<BR/><BR/>In my opinion, evidence based practice (EBP) justifies a standard of social work practice. I will admit that I’m no junkie for research, but I understand the importance of assessing treatments, interventions, and programs. Without scientific evaluation there is no method of measuring effectiveness. How would we know that that the methods we use truly helping our clients? Every profession operates from some standard of practice. I assume that medical doctors base their treatment on evidence from the medical community, and that judges base their decision on the laws of the land. Why should our profession be any difference? EBP ensures that we are doing more than just going through the motions or offering friendly advice to our clients. It ensures that the treatments, interventions, and programs we provide have been tested and have the potential to benefits clients.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6935102525342419091.post-24048228531277421502009-01-16T19:30:00.000-08:002009-01-16T19:30:00.000-08:00Response to Brent Eubanks Original PostBy: Julia R...Response to Brent Eubanks Original Post<BR/>By: Julia Rigsby<BR/><BR/>"Outcomes" is also a word that sticks out in my mind. Unfortunately at DHR families are not followed for long periods of time to measure their outcomes. Often times the same families come back for more help or their children will become invovled with DHR once they are older and have families of their own. Brent is right in that each family's plan is individualized and while we can try the same things that have worked with other families, it may not be what that particular family is needing long term.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com