| Session Title: A Collaborative Practice-based Approach to Evaluation Research |
| Expert Lecture Session 548 to be held in Hopkins Room on Friday, November 9, 10:20 AM to 11:05 AM |
| Sponsored by the Social Work TIG |
| Chair(s): |
| Carrie Petrucci, EMT Associates Inc, cpetrucci@emt.org |
| Presenter(s): |
| Carrie Petrucci, EMT Associates Inc, cpetrucci@emt.org |
| Abstract: Putting the goals of practice first has been advocated as a means to produce relevant research that is both rigorous and utilized by practitioners (Epstein, 2001; Gingerich, 1990). Practice-based research (Epstein, 2001) emphasizes putting practice needs ahead of research needs, and ideally, the needs of both are met simultaneously. The availability of versatile computer database technology has created another way that researchers and practitioners can work together. This expert lecture will apply these concepts to evaluation research to outline the key elements of a collaborative practice-based evaluation approach that incorporates academic theory, existing research, practice knowledge, and computer technology. This will be accomplished through four project illustrations: a two-year curriculum development project with a probation department; a self-administered computerized screening tool in a DUI court; an outcomes measurement system for a job preparation program with a community-based agency working with parolees; and an internet-based concept mapping study. |