Use of Research in Social Work Practice: A Case Example from School Social Work

Chavkin tests the theory that there is a relationship between organizational structure and the use of research recommendations in school social work. Part I includes three chapters that explore the complex relationship between applied social science research and practice. Part II is the case example of the use of Costin's recommendation for changes in the goals and methods of school social service delivery. Part III presents the implications of the case for practice, policy, and theory, and provides suggestions for future research. Chavkin's organizational perspective adds to the information social workers have about why research findings are adopted in some organizations and not in others, and how organizational structure factors facilitate or inhibit adoption. Recommended for social work scholars and practitioners, researchers, and agency leaders.