Evidence-Based Practice in Social Work: Lessons from Judgment and Decision-Making Theory

This paper introduces a critique of the experimentalist strand of the evidence-based practice movement in social work. It does so by drawing on the available body of knowledge that is found within the field of judgment and decision making. The nexus between experimentalist evidence-based practice an...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The British journal of social work 2009-03, Vol.39 (2), p.243-260
Main Author: van de Luitgaarden, Guido M. J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alternative Approaches
Child abuse
Decision Making
decision tasks
Decision theory
Evidence Based Practice
Experimentalism
Game theory
Health outcomes
Judgement
Judgment
judgment and decision making
Judgments
Knowledge
Medical practice
naturalistic decision making
Professional practices
Professional training
Property
Rational Choice
Rational choice theory
recognition-primed decision making
Social Movements
Social Work
Social Work Education
Tasks
Theory
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Summary:This paper introduces a critique of the experimentalist strand of the evidence-based practice movement in social work. It does so by drawing on the available body of knowledge that is found within the field of judgment and decision making. The nexus between experimentalist evidence-based practice and rational choice approaches to social work decision making is demonstrated. Subsequently, it argues that the properties of social work decision tasks are more likely to facilitate naturalistic than analytical decision making strategies. Recognition-primed decision making is introduced as a possible alternative to practice guidelines and decision aids. Finally, the consequences of embracing the principles of recognition-primed decision making are considered regarding social work practice, education and research.
ISSN:0045-3102
1468-263X
DOI:10.1093/bjsw/bcm117