Science and social work, essentially one would never think of these two working together. But look a little bit deeper and you will see that one builds of the other. In fact social work better benefits with some of the basic tools that science has to offer. For example the use of The Scientific Method and the act of research are key essentials to the practice of social work. “Social work research seeks to provide the practical knowledge that social workers need to solve the problem they confront.” (Rubin & Babbie, 2010). As a social worker one has the duty to help a client with their needs, but as resourceful social workers we also have to stride forward with the client. Therefore the client eventually will have no need to go back for help. The process to eventually reach this ultimate goal starts with the use of research. Research will better provide us with valuable information that can lead us to the root of the problem the scientific method plays an important role when looking for this. A social worker must “strive to keep an open mind about everything” (Rubin & Babbie, 2010). When using the scientific method in order to better help they client all the features including Tentative, replication, observation, unbiased and transparent must be used. A social worker should be mindful of all the options and questioning all possible choices they may have to better help the client. “A social work model of research ethics will consider how to balance highly valued ethical principles that are individually focused, such as self-determination and nonmalfeasance (the obligation to do no harm), with equally important values that have a collective focus, such as justice and beneficence (the obligation to bring about good).” (Antle & Regehr,2003). Over all research is essential to the field of social work for the bettering of our clients.
Antle, B. J., & Regehr, C. (2003). Beyond individual rights and freedoms: Metaethics in social work research. Social Work,48(1), 135-44. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/215271775?accountid=7078
Rubin, A., & Babbie, E. (2013). Brooks/Cole empowerment series: Essential research methods for social work. (3rd ed.). Australia: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning.
Written By,
Karen Soto
Social Work Learner
Tarleton State University