Studying the contemporary practice turn and methods in participatory practice research: Conference paper

When research on social work practices is conducted, researchers might aim to inform practice, yet isolate the foundation of the research from the practitioners who are likely to apply such knowledge in practice and thereby promote potential improvements. Participatory practice research, as an example of practice-informed research, strives for enhancements by involving e.g. practitioners and service users to make inquiries about relevant research questions to raise and more. Involvement in my research means participation: either as part of a data-target group of practitioners or as participants of an advisory-like practice board. However, if scholars discuss practices as subtle and/or common sense contexts, difficulties emerge in enhancing practice and grasping the practice agents. We have to discuss understandings of practice and methods to be able to study practice under conditions with practice represented in fostering the conducted research.