Module 5 Introduction

As we conclude our two-course sequence about research and statistics for social work, we work on skills related to how social work professionals present evidence about interventions to various audiences and constituents. For example, we may use evidence to help clients/client systems make informed decisions about the array of intervention options available to them. Or, we may use evidence to inform program staff, program/policy decision makers, and potential funders about “best practice” interventions. These presentation skills build on the data reporting topics explored throughout the two courses. We also revisit how to graphically display findings as related to intervention and evaluation research, as well as continuing to practice elements from the American Psychological Association (APA) style guidelines for professional writing. This module concludes the two-course sequence with summaries of topics presented in the two courses and the Excel workbook exercises, as well as some thoughts about the future.

READING OBJECTIVES

After engaging with these reading materials and learning resources, you should be able to:

• Formulate a strategy for coordinating information and evidence about interventions generated from a search of literature;
• Generate a structured outline of a report about intervention evidence;
• Describe what it means to identifyas an evidence-informed social worker;
• Recognize major topics covered in this course;
• Define a plan for continuing education and how this relates to the professional Code of Ethics.