Competency 4: Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice 

Competency 4: Engage In Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice

Social workers understand quantitative and qualitative research methods and their respective roles in advancing a science of social work and in evaluating their practice. Social workers know the principles of logic, scientific inquiry, and culturally informed and ethical approaches to building knowledge. Social workers understand that evidence that informs practice derives from multi-disciplinary sources and multiple ways of knowing. They also understand the processes for translating research findings 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

Introduction: Social workers use their experience, theories, and critical thinking to understand and apply research methods. They also use research evidence to improve their practices, policies, and services. The two artifacts I use are a final research proposal and a journal entry. 

Conclusion: Throughout my BSW program, I have learned experience, theories, and critical thinking to understand and apply research methods. Applying these at my internship has helped me because a social worker needs to have critical thinking when it comes to creating a solution. This will help me as I continue in the social work field.