Consider the following quotation: “Often times, potential users of research knowledge are unconnected to those who do the research, and consequently a huge gap ensues between research knowledge and practice behaviors” (Barwick, M., Boudell, K., Stasiulis, E., Ferguson, H., Blase, K., & Fixsen, D., 2005). Social workers must work to close the gap perceived by the authors of this quote. In your previous research course, you addressed the concept of evidence-based practice. However, it is important not to fall into a habit of using the term “evidence-based practice” without a clear understanding of its meaning. In particular, it is important to understand what standards of evidence must exist to classify an intervention or a program as evidence based. In this assignment, you are to clarify your understanding of the nature of evidence-based practice and analyze the challenges and opportunities for implementing evidence-based practice in your current social work practice. To prepare for this Discussion, read the Learning Resources that provide information about different aspects of the evidence-based practice concept. As you read, consider how evidence-based practice or evidence- based programs might be used in a social work agency where you work or where you had a practicum experience. By Day 3 Post a description of the distinguishing characteristics of evidenced-based practice. Then provide an evaluation of factors that might support or impede your efforts in adopting evidence-based practice or evidence-based programs. By Day 5 Respond to at least two colleagues by noting the similarities and differences in the factors that would support or impede your colleague’s implementation of evidence-based practice as noted in his or her post to those that would impact your implementation of evidence-based practice as noted in your original post. Offer a solution for addressing one of the factors that would impede your colleague’s implementation of evidence-based practice. Required Readings Document: Thyer, B. (2010). Introductory principles of social work research. In B. Thyer (Ed.), The handbook of social work research methods (2nd ed., pp.1–8). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE. (PDF) Copyright 2010 by Sage Publications, Inc. Reprinted by permission of Sage Publications, Inc. via the Copyright Clearance Center. Document: Cooney, S. M., Huser, C. M., Small, S., & O’Connor, C. (2007). Evidence-based programs: An overview. What Works, Wisconsin —Research to Practice Series, (6), 1–8. Retrieved from http://whatworks.uwex.edu/attachment/whatworks_06.pdf (PDF) Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin Madison/Extension. Document: O’Connor, C., Small, S. A., & Cooney, S. M. (2007). Program fidelity and adaptation: Meeting local needs without compromising program effectiveness. What Works, Wisconsin —Research to Practice Series, (4), 1–6. Retrieved from http://whatworks.uwex.edu/attachment/whatworks_04.pdf (PDF) Madison, WI: University of Wisconsi.

1. Consider the following quotation: “Often times, potential users
of research knowledge are unconnected to those who do the
research, and consequently a huge gap ensues between research
knowledge and practice behaviors” (Barwick, M., Boudell, K.,
Stasiulis, E., Ferguson, H., Blase, K., & Fixsen, D., 2005).
Social workers must work to close the gap perceived by the
authors of this quote.
In your previous research course, you addressed the concept of
evidence-based practice. However, it is important not to fall
into a habit of using the term “evidence-based practice” without
a clear understanding of its meaning. In particular, it is
important to understand what standards of evidence must exist
to classify an intervention or a program as evidence based. In
this assignment, you are to clarify your understanding of the
nature of evidence-based practice and analyze the challenges
and opportunities for implementing evidence-based practice in
your current social work practice.
To prepare for this Discussion, read the Learning Resources that
provide information about different aspects of the evidence-
based practice concept. As you read, consider how evidence-
based practice or evidence- based programs might be used in a
social work agency where you work or where you had a
practicum experience.
By Day 3
Post
a description of the distinguishing characteristics of evidenced-
based practice. Then provide an evaluation of factors that might
support or impede your efforts in adopting evidence-based
practice or evidence-based programs.
By Day 5

2. Respond
to
at least two
colleagues by noting the similarities and differences in the
factors that would support or impede your colleague’s
implementation of evidence-based practice as noted in his or her
post to those that would impact your implementation of
evidence-based practice as noted in your original post. Offer a
solution for addressing one of the factors that would impede
your colleague’s implementation of evidence-based practice.
Required Readings
Document:
Thyer, B. (2010). Introductory principles of social work
research. In B. Thyer (Ed.),
The handbook of social work research methods
(2nd ed., pp.1–8). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE. (PDF)
Copyright 2010 by Sage Publications, Inc.
Reprinted by permission of Sage Publications, Inc. via the
Copyright Clearance Center.
Document:
Cooney, S. M., Huser, C. M., Small, S., & O’Connor, C.
(2007). Evidence-based programs: An overview.
What Works, Wisconsin —Research to Practice Series,
(6), 1–8. Retrieved from
http://whatworks.uwex.edu/attachment/whatworks_06.pdf (PDF)
Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin Madison/Extension.
Document:

3. O’Connor, C., Small, S. A., & Cooney, S. M. (2007). Program
fidelity and adaptation: Meeting local needs without
compromising program effectiveness.
What Works, Wisconsin —Research to Practice Series,
(4), 1–6. Retrieved from
http://whatworks.uwex.edu/attachment/whatworks_04.pdf (PDF)
Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin Madison/Extension.
Document:
Small, S. A., Cooney, S. M., Eastman G. & O’Connor, C.
(2007). Guidelines for selecting an evidence-based program:
Balancing community needs, program quality, and
organizational resources.
What Works, Wisconsin —Research to Practice Series,
(3), 1–6. Retrieved from
whatworks.uwex.edu/attachment/whatworks_03.pdf (PDF)
Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin Madison/Extension.
University of Wisconsin Extension. (2007). Research to practice
report briefs. Retrieved from
http://whatworks.uwex.edu/Pages/1researchbriefs.html
Document:
Small, S. A., Reynolds, A. J., O’Connor, C., & Cooney, S. M.
(2005).
What works, Wisconsin: What science tells us about cost-
effective programs for juvenile delinquency prevention.
Retrieved from
http://whatworks.uwex.edu/attachment/whatworkswisconsin.pdf
(PDF)
Madison, WI: University of Wisconsin Madison/Extension.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

4. (2018).
Evidence-based practices resource center.
Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/ebp-resource-center
The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child
Welfare. (2018).
Program registry.
Retrieved from http://www.cebc4cw.org/home/
Social Work Policy Institution (2018).
Evidence-based practice.
Retrieved from
http://www.socialworkpolicy.org/research/evidence-based-
practice-2.html#resources
Whittaker, J. (2009). Evidence-based intervention and services
for high-risk youth: A North American perspective on the
challenges of integration for policy, practice, and research.
Child & Family Social Work, 14
(2), 166–177.
Required Media
Laureate Education (Producer). (2013d).
MSW homepage
[Interactive media]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
Laureate Education (Producer). (2013a).
Bradley family episode 4
[Video file]. In Sessions. Retrieved from
https://class.waldenu.edu
Note:
The approximate length of this media piece is 2 minutes.

5. Accessible player --Downloads--Download Video
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