SOCW 6311/6070 Wk5 Discussions

SOCW 6311/6070 Wk5 Discussions
SOCW 6311/6070 Wk5 Discussions
Discussion 1: Qualitative Findings and Social Work Interventions
Evidence-based social work practice calls for the use of research
data to guide the development of social work interventions on the
micro, mezzo and/or macro-levels. Kearney (2001) described
ways qualitative research findings can inform practice. Qualitative
findings can help social workers understand the clients’
experiences and “what it may feel like” (Kearney, 2001). Therefore,
social workers can develop clinical interventions that take into
account the experiences of their clients. Qualitative findings can
also help social workers monitor their clients. For example, if after
reading a qualitative study on how domestic violence survivors
respond to stress, they can monitor for specific stress behaviors
and symptoms (Kearney, 2001). In addition, they can educate their
client what stress behaviors to look for and teach them specific
interventions to reduce stress (Kearney, 2001)
Given the increasing diversity that characterizes the landscape in
the United States, social workers need to take into account
culture when formulating interventions. Social workers can utilize
qualitative findings to plan interventions in a culturally meaningful
manner for the client.
To prepare for this Discussion, read Knight et al.’s (2014) study from
this week’s required resources. Carefully review the findings, the
photographs, and how the researchers wrote up the findings.