Applying Research to Making Life-Affecting Judgments and Decisions

Abstract

This keynote address argues that in order for baccalaureate and masters degree students to apply research to make better judgments and decisions in their life-affecting practice and in response to the information revolution, the helping professions need to redesign (from the bottom up) not overhaul (make a few changes in) the way research methods classes are taught. An alternative would perhaps be to integrate an entirely new evidence-based practice course into their curricula. Factors include the following: increasing Internet speed and access by practitioners, increasing access to bibliographic databases and full-text documents, organizations that synthesize evidence for practitioners, and new knowledge and skills for accessing and evaluating evidence specific to well-built practice questions.