Conducting practice research

ABSTRACT The conduct of practice research is both similar and different from traditional social science and social work research. It is similar in terms of common research methods applied to essential social work practice issues. But practice research is quite different when it comes to framing and negotiating the research questions, engaging in participatory data analysis, and using research findings. This paper introduces core elements of practice research to social work scholars and researchers in relation the evolving context of social service delivery in China. This analysis features the evolving definition of practice research along with the principles that guide the conduct of practice research. Included in this discussion is a comparative analysis with other research methods and an illustrative case related to evidence-informed practice. It concludes with a discussion of considerations for scholars and researchers invested in the improvement of social services in diverse Chinese contexts.