Comparative Standards of Evidence in Social Work

Abstract

In this article the authors analyze relevant and reliable evidence on the effects of the preferable treatment customized to each social work client. In doing so, the authors look at four major standards of evidence: (1) evidence-based practice, (2) collaboration models (i.e., the Cochrane Collaboration and the Campbell Collaboration), (3) knowledge translation, and (4) the Social Work Article Club. The ultimate goal of these standards of evidence is to successfully transfer research into practice. Currently, there is a gap between research and practice as a result of a lack of collaboration. Most social workers do not possess the skills to implement change in practice based on research evidence. The authors' objective is to increase understanding by instilling, in part, positive feelings toward research.

Keywords:

• Administration
• Campbell Collaboration
• Cochrane Collaboration
• evidence-based practice
• knowledge translation
• research
• social work