Understanding Statistics and Research Through Metaphors

Abstract

Advances in social work practice call for an understanding of statistics and research methods. However, social work educators and proponents of evidence-based practice note the difficulty students and practitioners often have in these areas and question their cognitive ability to grasp these subjects. Are social workers really that different from individuals in other disciplines in how they understand mathematical concepts? Recent findings in cognitive science on human understanding and the centrality of metaphors in mathematical thought challenge traditional assumptions about social workers and suggest alternative methods for training researchers and practitioners in scientific methods for an evidence-based practice environment.

Key Words:

• Metaphors
• understand
• statistics
• research methods
• teach