Underlying theoretical positions, perceptions and foundations in practice research

This chapter clarifies and examines some of the concepts and theoretical positions that influence and challenge practice research. It creates a balance between the need to further develop and define practice research. The chapter presents pertinent theories and the background that has helped to foster practice research. Then the chapter also considers important definitions used in practice research in the light of the ongoing discussions and development of this field. In spite of immediate differences between evidence-based research and practice research, both approaches focus on social work practice. The concept of evidence-based research in social work aims at describing the effects of social work–the direct connection between an intervention and the effect of this intervention. The randomized controlled trials does not provide an explanation of what is going on inside the black box–it only demonstrates a statistical connection between intervention and its effect.