Competency 4

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.

Behaviors

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.
  • 
    

Suggested Artifacts:

• Competency Capstone Paper & Integration Grid
• Oral or Poster Presentation Assessment Grid
• Spring Semester Field Evaluation

Artifact Reflection:

For each artifact that you upload, list the artifact and provide a written reflection that answers the following:

• In 4-5 sentences, describe how the assignment meets at least one of the behaviors. Be sure to include a specific example from your artifact.

You will provide this reflection right at the bottom of this page by following the steps to edit the page (for instructions, please see the e-Portfolio Resources tab).

I have attached my competency capstone paper above. The behavior that I have demonstrated is two and three. This is because I have conducted a literature review paper about hoarding among older adults. I used this data as a resource to inform me about older adults that may have a hoarding disorder. Also, this literature review paper can help in the field social work as well as other fields to educate and improve their practice with their clients. The sign, treatment, and negative consequences of hoarding is important for any professional to know if they work with the older adult population.