Education for Practice-Research: Toward a Reorientation

Abstract

Social workers are looking for workable yet exact methods to evaluate practice. Intensive single-case experimental designs have been proposed as promising methods for bridging the research-practice chasm. The application of these designs, however, may compromise practice and generate inconclusive research. Additionally, social workers are unlikely to use such designs because of their discontinuity with current practice methods. A continuum of alternative practice evaluation methods is drawn. Rudimentary ideographic designs are described and proposed for inclusion in social work education to stimulate research interest, perspective, and skill.

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Richard P. Barth

RICHARD P. BARTH, a doctoral candidate at the School of Social Welfare, University of California. Berkeley, is currently a research associate in the Social Work Research Program at the Child Development and Mental Retardation Center at the University of Washington.