How can social workers know that their decision-making is informed by the best possible evidence? How prepared are they to defend the evidence on which they rely to service users and other professionals in court or in case conferences?
Whilst there are many forms of evidence, one important source is that of research. Social Work’s Professional Capabilities Framework and the HCPC Standards of Proficiency both insist that research and research-mindedness is central to confident and effective social work practice. The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education’s subject benchmark statement for Social Work also emphasises the importance of social workers having the skills to engage with research and employ knowledge from research in their practice.
This module is designed to give you the opportunity to develop the skills and attributes needed to become a practitioner who understands and can demonstrate the value of research evidence for practice, can critically appraise different forms of evidence and interpret complex and sometimes conflicting findings, and can apply research appropriately in your own practice.
The module also supports your ability to develop and apply the skills necessary to undertake independent study for your dissertation.