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Home > Arhiva > 2010 > Numar: 4 > Swings and Roundabouts: from Evaluation to Evidence-Informed Practice in Social Services

 Swings and Roundabouts: from Evaluation to Evidence-Informed Practice in Social Services

    by:
  • Alison Petch (Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services (IRISS), 151 West George Street, Glasgow G1 5PY, Scotland, UK, Tel: 0141 228 6377, E-mail: alison.petch@iriss.org.uk)

The development of evaluative strategies and of the use of evidence in the social services is explored, identifying contrasting conceptual approaches which have characterized both areas. It is argued that much of this debate is based on false dichotomies and that the practice context will often define what can be achieved. Different interpretations of what constitutes evidence are discussed and practical strategies for ensuring that evidence-informed practice is embedded at the core of organizations are presented. The particular opportunities of practitioner research are explored.

Keywords: evaluation, evidence-based, evidence-informed, practitioner research, effectiveness