Module 1 Summary

In Module 1, we covered a range of topics related to the sources of knowledge social workers might utilize in practice. One of the major themes of this module was that there are many different sources of knowledge available to us as human beings, and additional sources to consider in relation to ourselves as professional social workers. The contents of the first chapter reflected different ways of knowing that might also help us to better understand our clients and colleagues, as well as ourselves. The Chapter 1 contents set the stage for Chapter 2, creating a context for understanding one of the major ways of knowing related to professional social work practice: evidence derived through research. Finally, Chapter 3 addressed issues in professional responsibility to engage in research that is both ethical and characterized by integrity. Using this first module as a springboard, we are now ready to begin looking more closely at the nature of the evidence that informs social work practice.