Social Workers' Attitudes toward Peer-Reviewed Literature: The Evidence Base

Abstract

Social workers from one state chapter of the National Association of Social Workers were surveyed to assess their use of and attitudes toward the peer-reviewed literature and their engagement in evidence-based practice. Results reveal that, in general, the practitioners in this study did not read the peer-reviewed literature, particularly articles describing research. One-half of the social workers reported feeling prepared by their social work education to read and critically evaluate the theoretical and empirical literature. Yet, they typically did not believe that the literature, particularly the empirical literature, was relevant for their practice, nor did they feel they were able to understand the implications of what they read for their practice. Further, the respondents generally did not engage in activities associated with evidence-based practice including using the results of research to guide practice, evaluating their practice, and using practice techniques for which there is empirical support.

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