Sources of Knowledge in Social Work Practice: A Reflective Analysis

When reviewing situations 1 and 2 as handled in the handout, the approach used in decision-making shifted significantly depending on the context. To begin with, situation 1, which is linked to my role as a social worker at the time of my field placement at IHSS San Joaquin County, I employed different sources of knowledge like past experience, intuition and practices from the agency. These sources were accessible and often felt appropriate given the fast-paced nature of client needs in the in-home supportive services environment (Franklin & Jordan, 2024). In this same scenario, immediate decisions were necessary and that is where intuition and agency norms offered a practical framework for action: Sources of Knowledge in Social Work Practice: A Reflective Analysis.

On the other hand, situation 2 involved imagining a serious medical issue; the best approach that was preferred was the use of a physician-based treatment recommendation. This approach involves research-based resources like data collected from controlled studies, proven track records and professional literature (Kelly et al., 2022). Based on the approach in this second situation, there is a contrast that underscores a common double standard.

In other words, while there is a demand for evidence-based approaches in medicine, social work practice has for centuries leaned more towards personal experiences and professional expertise. Even so, changes have emerged especially since the field has increasingly recognized the need for using evidence-based practices.

Overall, it is important to use research and evidence to support decisions in social work because they reduce bias, promote accountability, and improve outcomes. Evidence-informed practices integrate clinical expertise with the best available research as well as preferences thus creating a more effective strategy for intervention. For instance, during the fieldwork at IHSS, I worked with a client who had early-stage dementia and signs of caregiver stress (Franklin & Jordan, 2024).

In this case, I used cognitive behavior theory, which is an approach I had learned. Using this theory, I came up with an intervention plan that focused on environmental modification and stress-reduction strategies which were all supported by empirical research on caregiving and management of cognitive decline.

When making decisions that have a lasting impact on clients, theories and research evidence are very important and necessary. In such cases, relying solely on intuition or agency tradition is insufficient. It is important to base your decision on theory and data so that the intervention offered is one that is proven and effective. Additionally, such an approach helps ensure that the practices of a social worker are ethical and respond to the unique – yet complex needs of the client.

References

Franklin, C., & Jordan, C. (Eds.). (2024). Turner’s social work treatment: Interlocking theoretical approaches (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.

Kelly, M. S., Massat, C. R., & Constable, R. (2022). School social work: Practice, policy, and research (9th ed.). Oxford University Press.

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Social workers make decisions in practice settings based on different sources of knowledge, including their intuition, personal experiences, tradition, authority, and theories and research evidence. These sources of knowledge can be used together to contribute to decisions. Which source(s) of knowledge do you rely on?

What are the strengths and limitations of each source of knowledge, and how will they affect your social work practice? For example, think about the sources of knowledge you used when you made decisions in your field experience. In this Assignment, you consider the sources of knowledge that inform your practice decisions.

*Complete the “Situations 1 and 2: Making Decisions About Interventions” handout (ATTACHED). (Note: You do not need to upload the handout with your Assignment.)
Reflect on your thought process in your handout and apply it the prompts below.

Sources of Knowledge in Social Work Practice: A Reflective Analysis