Dissemination and Utilization of Student Research

Abstract

The thesis-level research project may be moving toward extinction in graduate social work curricula, primarily because it is believed to have been inefficient and ineffective in goal achievement. This article reports on the author's survey of graduates of one master's program and the extent of dissemination and utilization (in the practice setting) of their thesis research projects. The data revealed that over half the student research was used in a practitioner-beneficial manner. Some examples suggested just how beneficial student research can be to the practitioner. Variables are identified that may relate to research utilization, which could provide justification for reinstatement of the requirement.