The document discusses the importance of evidence-based practice in social work, highlighting the gap between research knowledge and practical application. It emphasizes the need for social workers to understand the standards defining evidence-based interventions and to identify factors that may support or hinder their implementation. The assignment requires a 300-word discussion post that outlines the characteristics of evidence-based practice and evaluates challenges and opportunities within the context of social work.

1. Discussion: Characteristics, Challenges, and Opportunities of
Evidence-Based Design
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.
Provide a 300-word Discussion Post containing the following
Headings, Content, and Details:
- A description of the distinguishing characteristics of

2. 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.
Must contain 3 references and citations form the following
materials only.
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)

3. 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.
(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/

4. National Association of Social workers. (n.d.). Evidence-based
practice. https://www.socialworkers.org/News/Research-
Data/Social-Work-Policy-Research/Evidence-Based-Practice
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.