"Using Evidence in Social Work Practice is a first-rate textbook. It introduces students to the notion of evidence in social work practice, and it links evidence-based practice to the traditions of critical thinking and scientific methods in social work. The text is a welcome addition to the social work literature."

— Meredith Hanson, Fordham University

USING EVIDENCE IN
SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE

Behavioral Perspectives

Harold E. Briggs, Portland State University
Tina L. Rzepnicki, University of Chicago

This important anthology reinforces the value of evidence-based practice. While the term evidence-based practice has only recently gained currency, it continues the social work tradition of applying scientific methods to practice.

In their introductory chapter, the editors stress the vital need for practitioners to share their research and experience with colleagues. There is an overwhelming body of literature in the field and to use it to the best advantage it is essential to learn the skills of critical thinking. The authors help the reader to evaluate the many sources of information, realize that even empirical knowledge is subject to revision, and balance conflicting views in order to make reasonable choices appropriate for one’s own practice.

The scholars contributing to this work have helped shape the definition of contemporary social work practice. Their clear, concise chapters range from discussions about ethics, the nature of evidence, and the role of theory, through the addressing of widely varying, specific client problems, to selected issues that must be dealt with inside the social work system itself. Suitable for use in a variety of practice courses, this book will retain its value long after graduation as a source of helpful guidance and of lively discussion.

FEATURES

	Perspectives by leading scholars and practitioners teach ethics and the importance of using critical thinking to guide practice decisions
	The book demonstrates the role of theory in guiding accountable social work practice
	The text highlights the essential interrelationships of research, practice, and evaluation and describes the advantages and challenges to practitioners
	By emphasizing the importance of applying evidence, the authors show practitioners how to use behavioral methods to achieve practice effectiveness across a number of client issues

Contents

Foreword		Ben Friedman
Introduction Download		Using Evidence in Your Practice, Tina L. Rzepnicki and Harold E. Briggs
Part I		Perspectives
Chapter 1		Contributions of Critical Thinking and Evidence-Based Practice to the Fulfillment of the Ethical Obligations of Professionals, Eileen Gambrill
Chapter 2		Theory-Driven versus Theory-Free Research in Empirical Social Work Practice Jeanne C. Marsh
Chapter 3		The Contribution of Operant Theory to Social Work Practice and Research, William J. Reid
Chapter 4		Ecobehavioral Social Work, Mark Mattaini and Sarah K. Moore
Chapter 5		Science in Evidence-Based Social Work Practice, Bruce Thyer
Part II		Applications
Chapter 6		Some Guidelines for Selecting Behavioral Intervention Programs for Children with Austism, Lynn McClannahan and Patricia Krantz
Chapter 7		Evidence-Based Practice with Antisocial and Delinquent Youth: The Key Role of Family and Multisystemic Intervention, Susan B. Stern
Chapter 8		Patterns of Juvenile Male Sexual Aggression: An Operant Approach (to Understanding and Intervening Effectively, Steven C. Wolf
Chapter 9		Behavioral Family Treatment in Japan: Design and Development of a Parent Training Program, Matsujiro Shibano
Chapter 10		Adherence to HIV Therapies: Can Applied Behavior Analysis Help? Nathan L. Linsk and Christopher Mitchell
Chapter 11		Behavioral Programming and Staff Development in Adult Day Care, Glenn R. Green and Earlie M. Washington
Chapter 12		Providing Appropriate Care in Advanced Dementia, Patricia Hanrahan, Daniel J. Luchins, Kathleen Murphy, Gail Patrick, Greg Sachs, and Gavin Hougham
Chapter 13		Behavior Interventions for Severe and Persistent Mental Disorders, Stephen E. Wong, David A. Wilder, Keven Schock, and Cris Clay
Part III		Selected Issues
Chapter 14		Staff Development and Mental Health, Stan McCracken and Patrick W. Corrigan
Chapter 15		The Evidence-Based Practitioner: Assessing the Cultural Responsiveness of Research, Christine Marlow
Chapter 16		Informed Consent and Practice Evaluation: Making the Decision to Participate Meaningful, Tina Rzepnicki
Chapter 17		Psychosocial Assessment of Teenage Parents: Lessons Learned in Its Application to Child Welfare, Karen Budd
Chapter 18		Program Evaluation: Arduous, Impossible, and Political, Donald Baer
Chapter 19		Evaluating Science-Based Practice with Single Systems, Harold Briggs, William Feyerherm, and Wallace Gingerich

About the Editors

Harold Briggs, University of Chicago, AM, University of Chicago, PhD, is professor in the school of social work at Portland State University.

Tina Rzepnicki, University of Chicago, AM, University of Chicago, PhD, is professor in the School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago.

2004, Paper, 400 Pages, ISBN 978-0-925065-44-5, Price $64.95