Evidence-Based Practice in Social Work

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Questions and Answers

What is the first step in the evidence-based practice process?

Evaluate effectiveness and efficiency

Track down best current evidence

Integrate critical appraisal with practice experience

Convert information needed into a PICO question (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using evidence-based practice in social work?

Empowers clients and practitioners

Enhances quality

Creates a rigid framework for practice (correct)

Builds bridges across professions

Which aspect is emphasized by the macro perspective of evidence-based practice?

Integration of personal anecdotes

Involvement of policy makers and stakeholders (correct)

Strict adherence to standardized procedures

Individual client assessments

What does the term PICO stand for in evidence-based practice?

Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome Signup and view all the answers

Which concern about evidence-based practice highlights its limitations in addressing unique cases?

The cookbook approach Signup and view all the answers

What is a key ethical obligation emphasized in evidence-based practice?

Informed consent from clients Signup and view all the answers

The critical appraisal of evidence is aimed at which of the following?

Evaluating the quality and relevance of research Signup and view all the answers

What does the integration of critical appraisal with practice experience involve?

Balancing research findings with practical insights and client values Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'P' in the PICO framework stand for?

Population Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes qualitative research?

It focuses on individual subjective experiences. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a PICO question?

Guides in the search for quantitative evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of ethnographic qualitative research?

Understanding lived experiences within a community Signup and view all the answers

How does qualitative research complement quantitative research in evidence-based practice?

It provides context for evaluating evidence-based interventions. Signup and view all the answers

What does purposive sampling refer to in qualitative research?

Selecting participants based on specific characteristics Signup and view all the answers

Which qualitative research methodology seeks to deeply explore a particular program or event?

Case studies Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best explains the interpretive/constructivist paradigm in qualitative research?

Reality is constructed and interpreted from individuals' perspectives. Signup and view all the answers

In qualitative research, which of the following is a primary use for in-depth interviews?

To capture lived experiences and insights Signup and view all the answers

What is a major disadvantage of using random sampling in qualitative research?

It does not provide adequate context for participants. Signup and view all the answers

Which sampling method involves selecting survey participants based on specific characteristics until a predetermined quota is met?

Quota sampling Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of coding data in qualitative analysis?

To identify concepts and categorize data Signup and view all the answers

What is saturation in the context of data collection sample size?

A point at which no new information is emerging from data collection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a trustworthiness criterion for qualitative research?

Peer debriefing Signup and view all the answers

What type of validity evaluates whether the intervention was the most plausible cause of the observed outcomes?

Internal validity Signup and view all the answers

In qualitative data analysis, what is the primary purpose of using diagrams?

To illustrate relationships between concepts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes maximum variation sampling?

Gathering cases that are purposefully different from one another Signup and view all the answers

What is a confounding variable?

An unaccounted factor that influences the observed outcome Signup and view all the answers

Which of these methods is used to collect qualitative data through group discussions?

Focus groups Signup and view all the answers

In qualitative research, what is considered 'thick description' in reporting findings?

Detailed accounts with examples from participants Signup and view all the answers

Which step is NOT part of the coding process in qualitative research?

Interpret the findings statistically Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of transcribing in qualitative data analysis?

To convert spoken data into written form Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of qualitative research pertains to transferability?

The validity of the study's findings in different contexts Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of randomization in intervention research?

It helps prevent bias by accounting for differences. Signup and view all the answers

What does attrition refer to in research studies?

The dropout of participants from the intervention. Signup and view all the answers

Which design is considered the best for experimental research due to its ability to measure pretest to post-test gains?

Solomon four group design. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of quasi-experimental designs?

They cannot fully control for confounding variables. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by internal validity?

The confidence that the intervention caused the observed effect. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of research design utilizes observations both before and after the intervention within a single group?

One group pre-test, post-test study design. Signup and view all the answers

What does measurement/instrumentation refer to in the context of validity?

Alterations in measurement tools over time. Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential risk associated with testing effects?

The pretest influences post-test scores. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best characterizes external validity?

The ability to generalize findings to other settings. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of intervention fidelity, what is being assessed?

The extent to which the intervention is delivered as planned. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common threat to internal validity related to the timing of events during the study?

Maturation effects. Signup and view all the answers

What describes control group contamination?

Control group members learning about the treatment from others. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of design is characterized as a one-shot case study?

A group observed after intervention, no prior measurement. Signup and view all the answers

What does statistical conclusion validity concern?

The accuracy of statistical tests in determining outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

Involves lifelong learning, posing specific questions, and efficiently finding the best evidence.
Integrates best research evidence with client attributes, values, and preferences.
Emphasizes "do no harm" and informed consent.

Steps in EBP

Convert information into a PICO question (population, intervention, comparison, outcome).
Track down the best current evidence.
Critically appraise the evidence gathered.
Integrate critical appraisal with practice experience, client preferences, values, and circumstances.
Evaluate effectiveness and efficiency of the process and seek ways to improve.
Teach others how to follow the same process.

Rooted in clinical practice but adaptable for community, organizational, administrative, and policy social work.
Macro perspective: EBP is a decision-making process involving policymakers, purchasers, managers, and key stakeholders.

Enhances the quality of services.
Empowers both clients and practitioners.
Develops thoughtful and skilled practitioners.
Contributes to the social work body of scientific literature.
Builds bridges across professions.
Honors ethical obligations and professional standards.

Cookbook approach may not consider complexity and individual differences.
Can undermine traditional professional practice.
May be reductionistic and mechanistic.
Can be used for rationing resources disguised as science.

PICO

Quantitative approach
Population & their problem
Intervention: treatment or prevention
Comparison: alternative course of action
Outcome: desired accomplishment, accurately described, and measured.
Example: For low-income families with school-aged children, do asset/wealth building interventions, compared to no intervention, increase the likelihood of sending their child to college?

PICo

Qualitative approach
- Population: client type or problem
- Interest: phenomenon of interest
- Context: specific environment/ circumstance
- Outcome: understanding of the phenomenon or context.
Example: If caregivers who provide care to older relatives are interviewed, how would they describe their experiences of providing care?

Characteristics of PICO Questions

Client-oriented: Starts with what is important to the client.
Practical importance: Relates to social work practice.
Guides the search for evidence: Framed specifically.

Qualitative Research

Seeks to understand underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations.
Describes experiences or phenomena.
Focuses on individual subjective experiences rather than pre-determined categories.
Aims to understand perceptions, values, attitudes, and beliefs.
Allows for the development of new theories or additions to existing ones.

Assumptions of Qualitative Research

Interpretive/constructivist paradigm
Reality is interpreted or constructed.
Reality is subjectively discerned.
Reality is situated (historically, gendered, etc.).

Use of Qualitative Research in EBP

Explore topics with limited knowledge.
Pursue topics with sensitivity and emotional depth.
Capture lived experiences.
Merge activism with research.

Qualitative Research & EBP in Practice

Used for:
Understanding the potential trajectory of a healthcare condition or social problem.
Building empathy and therapeutic alliance with clients.
Improving understanding.

Qualitative Methodologies

Many research designs and data collection strategies exist.
Specific to research questions and intent.

Qualitative Research Family

Biography (narrative)
Phenomenology: Lived experiences within the world.
Ethnography: Collecting data in social and behavioral sciences through observation and interviews.
Case studies: In-depth exploration of a program, event, activity, or individual.
Grounded theory: Explanations grounded in participants' interpretations.
Participatory action research: Researchers and participants work together to understand and change problematic situations.

Sampling in Qualitative Research

Non-probability sampling:
Purposive: Intentionally selecting participants based on specific criteria.
Snowball: Participants recommend other participants.
Quota sampling: Represents the demographics of a larger population.
Maximum variation sampling: Includes participants with diverse experiences.

Qualitative Data Analysis Process

Collect data: Observation notes, taped interviews, field notes.
Organize: Transcribe interviews and field notes, memo.
Read through raw data: Obtain a general sense of the material.
Code the data: Develop open coding, axial coding, and matrix.

Data Collection Methods

Focus Groups: Group discussions of 6-10 participants.
Artifact Examination: Physical evidence that provides information.

Data Collection Sample Size

Stop data collection when saturation is reached, meaning no new information about a category emerges.

Transcription of Data

Transcribe every word.
Include tone of voice, pause, and non-verbal cues.

Data Analysis: Diagrams

Use diagrams to visualize relationships between concepts.

Reporting Findings

Use "thick description."
Quote participants to support conclusions.

Methodological Criteria for Qualitative Research

Type of qualitative study should be explicit.
Methodological components (sampling, data collection, data analysis) should be clearly described.

Methodological Criteria for Data Analysis and Findings

Steps taken to analyze the data should be described and appropriate.
Evidence should be provided to support findings.
Findings should be plausible and make sense.

Trustworthiness in Qualitative Research

Credibility: Truth-value; findings are believable, accurate, and correct.
Transferability: Enough information provided for others to apply findings to different contexts.
Dependability: Appropriate procedures ensure reliable results.
Confirmability: Neutrality; findings can be verified.
Generalizability: Findings apply to the entire population regardless of context.### Internal Validity
The degree to which the intervention itself caused the observed change in the outcome.
Time order: The intervention must precede or coincide with the change in the outcome.
Correlation: Changes in the outcome must be associated with changes in the intervention.

Threats to Internal Validity:

History: Other events may coincide with the intervention, making it difficult to determine the cause of the outcome change.
Passage of Time or Maturation: Changes in the outcome may be due to the passage of time or natural maturation processes, not the intervention.
Statistical Regression of the Mean: Extreme cases (outliers) tend to become less extreme over time, regardless of the intervention.
Testing Effects: The act of testing itself may influence the participants' performance, not the intervention.
Measurement/Instrumentation: Changes in the measurement tools or how they are applied can lead to inaccurate results.

Statistical Conclusion Validity

The probability that the observed effects (or lack thereof) can be attributed to statistical chance.

Selectivity Bias (Selection)

When treatment and control groups differ in ways that influence the outcome, making it difficult to determine if the differences are due to the intervention or the pre-existing differences between the groups.

Attrition

When participants drop out of the study, particularly if the dropout rate is different between the treatment and control groups, this can lead to biased results.

Causal Ambiguity

When there is uncertainty about the direction of the causal relationship between the intervention and the outcome.

Control Group Contamination

When the control group receives some of the experimental treatment, making it difficult to isolate the effects of the intervention.

Randomization

Randomly assigning participants to treatment and control groups equalizes potential differences between the groups.
Helps prevent bias and is a key feature that differentiates experimental designs from non-experimental designs.

External Validity (Generalizability)

The degree to which the results of a study can be generalized to other settings and populations.

Types of Research Designs:

Pre-Experimental Designs

One-Shot Case Study: One group is observed after an intervention.
One-Group Pre-Test, Post-Test Study Design: One group is observed before and after the intervention.

Experimental Designs

Pretest-Posttest Control Group Design: Two groups (treatment and control) are randomly assigned participants. Both groups are observed before and after the intervention.
Post-Test Control Group Design: Two groups are randomly assigned participants. Only the treatment group is observed after the intervention.
Solomon Four-Group Design: Combines the pretest-posttest control group design and the post-test only control group design. This design allows researchers to assess testing effects and pretest-to-posttest gains.
Alternative Treatment Pretest and Post-Test Design: Participants are randomly assigned to treatment groups. Each group is observed before and after receiving their respective treatment.

Quasi-Experimental Designs

Used when it is impossible or unethical to randomly assign participants to groups.
These designs provide a less-than-ideal but credible alternative when experimental designs are not feasible.
Non-Equivalent Control Group Design: Researchers administer a pretest and post-test to a treatment group and a non-equivalent but similar control group (comparison group).
Simple Interrupted Time Series Design: A series of observations are made on a treatment group both before and after the intervention. This design does not have a comparison group.

Intervention Fidelity

The degree to which the intervention is delivered as planned and intended.
Includes: treatment adherence, program integrity, and program fidelity.
Can be assessed before, during, or after the intervention.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamentals of Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) in social work, detailing its steps, benefits, and integration into macro social work settings. Test your understanding of how EBP promotes effective decision-making and improves client outcomes through critical appraisal and client-centered approaches.