Record Details

‘Everyday knowledge’: A mixed-methods study using factor analysis and narrative approaches to explore social worker’s knowledge

Social Work and Social Sciences Review

View Archive Info
 
 
Field Value
 
Title ‘Everyday knowledge’: A mixed-methods study using factor analysis and narrative approaches to explore social worker’s knowledge
 
Creator Hothersall, Steve J; Edge Hill University
 
Description This study explored how social workers defined, produced, used, developed and disseminated knowledge within their everyday practice. A mixed-methods approach utilised Q-factor/Centroid (Exploratory) Factor Analysis (CFA) (n=37) and post-Q-sort semi-structured interviews to identify latent variables relating to perceptions and practices concerning ‘knowledge work’. Results suggest that the type of practice social workers were engaged in, the context and nature of the practice situation itself and expectations of employing organisations had a significant influence on practitioner knowledge and the way research findings were utilised. Conclusions suggest that the range of knowledge currently seen to be required in order to inform social worker practice is highly influenced by systemic factors, and the profession needs to reconsider its stance regarding the forms and types of knowledge deemed to be acceptable in and for practice. The findings have significant implications for both qualifying education and post-qualifying training and development. Original data is available for inspection upon written request to the author.Keywords: practice-based knowledge; mixed methods; epistemology; pragmatism.
 
Publisher Whiting & Birch Ltd
 
Contributor I would like to thank Professor Tim Kelly and Dr Ian Barron at the University of Dundee for their advice, guidance and assistance during this inquiry, as well as acknowledging a debt of gratitude to all the participants and others who gave up their val
 
Date 2017-09-07
 
Type info:eu-repo/semantics/article
info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion
Peer-reviewed Article
 
Format application/pdf
 
Identifier https://journals.whitingbirch.net/index.php/SWSSR/article/view/1071
10.1921/swssr.v19i2.1071
 
Source Social Work and Social Sciences Review; Vol 19, No 2
1746-6105
0953-5225
 
Language eng
 
Relation https://journals.whitingbirch.net/index.php/SWSSR/article/view/1071/1028
 
Rights Copyright (c) 2017 Social Work and Social Sciences Review