Evidence-based practice (EBP) has emerged as an alternative to traditional social work practice and has ignited a new round in the decades-old debate about the relationship between knowledge and practice in the field. This article identifies several limitations inherent in the EBP perspective and argues that it would be unfortunate if EBP were to…

Presents metatheoretical framework built on prior conceptualizations regarding nature of social work practice. Framework consists of practice system imbedded in societal metastructure, which is system's suprasystem. Notes that framework comprehensively incorporates specific and diverse practice perspectives and theories and analyzes their place in…

Discusses heuristic approach to scientific social work research as philosophy of research that draws from contemporary philosophy of science and cultural, cognitive, and linguistic studies and that endorses research as tool for advocacy. Presents fundamental concepts of heuristic model, emphasizing how new conceptual foundations can facilitate…

Provides feminist analysis of Germain and Gitterman's life model of practice, revealing that the life model fails to address the problematic nature of the concept of goodness-of-fit, particularly in relation to practice with women. The life model is an example of a paradigm that does not clarify the societal problems sufficiently. (Author/ABL)

Focuses on boundaries clinicians draw between ethical and clinical responses in their work. Focuses particularly on psychodynamic practice in presenting three clinical vignettes. Vignettes highlight worker responses to one client's stealing and feelings of entitlement about it, another client's racism, and another's sexual abuse by previous…

Reviews criticism of empirical clinical practice which uses gender differences and conflict between quantitative and qualitative research methodologies to describe rift between practitioners and researchers. Offers alternative view emphasizing view's congruence with ethics of good practice and feminist perspectives. Addresses criticism of use of…

Suggests that clinical social work methods will become increasingly problem-oriented in assessment, more active in intervention, more specific in setting treatment goals, briefer in duration, and more amenable to evaluation. Presents clinical-administrative model and discusses implications for social work education and research. (Author/NB)

Notes that empirical clinical practice has become important approach to social work practice. Analyzes metatheoretical and methodological justification for empirical clinical practice. Based on analysis, concludes that argument for empirical clinical practice as dominant approach to social work practice is weak and that alternative approaches…

This article explores the work of theorist and philosopher Mikhail Bakhtin and acknowledges him as a new voice to social work. In a larger context his ideas can help the profession in the transition to postmodernity. In particular, the authors explore two of his key concepts--dialogue and carnival. (Author)

Presents an integrated dissemination model for social work and, through the use of a case example, illustrates the practical application of the model. The OPTIONS (OutPatient Treatment In Ontario Services) project is an example of the effective dissemination of two research-based addiction treatment modalities to nearly 1,000 direct practice…

This article argues for an invigorated, more complex understanding of the body in social work theory, practice, and research. Drawing from scholarship in the humanities, social sciences, and social work, a framework involving three dimensions of the body is proposed for integration with accepted ecological practice models. (Author)