Bruce A. Thyer

Science and Pseudoscience in Social Work Practice Bruce A. Thyer

Publisher Marketing: While many psychosocial interventions used in social work practice have strong research evidence supporting their efficacy, a surprising number do not, potentially resulting in harmful outcomes. In this book, the authors cast a critical eye on the reality of commonly used scientific and pseudoscientific practices in social work today. Stressing the need for separating research-based practices from those not supported by adequate levels of evidence, they examine the scientific and pseudoscientific bases for popular social work interventions used in a variety of treatment settings. The text describes the history and characteristics of pseudoscience, along with the misuse of legitimate research. It examines pseudoscience practices in clinical assessment; working with children, adolescents, and adults; treating individuals with developmental difficulties; and how social work education training can and should discourage pseudoscience. The concluding chapter describes pathways through which social work practice can become more firmly grounded in contemporary scientific research. With the aim of promoting critical thinking among social work students and practitioners regarding the research behind popular interventions, this engaging book will be of value for courses in critical thinking and EBP and useful for all social work students and practitioners. Key Features: Promotes critical thinking regarding the evidence-based research-or lack thereof-behind a variety of social work interventions Written by renowned social work educators Addresses the history and characteristics of pseudoscience Examines pseudoscience practices in assessment and work with children, adolescents, adults, and individuals with developmental difficulties Presented in a clear and engaging style

Contributor Bio:  Pignotti, Monica Monica G. Pignotti, MSW, PhD, is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in the state of New York. She has taught social work practice, social work research, and diversity in social work courses. Dr. Pignotti has authored numerous book chapters and articles in professional journals, and keeps a blog on potentially harmful and other questionable therapies. She is a member of the Association for Psychological Science and Society for a Science of Clinical Psychology. Contributor Bio:  Thyer, Bruce Bruce A. Thyer, MSW, PhD, is Professor and former Dean, College of Social Work, Florida State University. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Dr. Thyer has served in elected national leadership roles with the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR), the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work, the Council on Social Work Education, and the Association for Professional Behavior Analysts. He is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association (APA), the Association for Psychological Science (APS), the Social Work Academy of the National Academies of Practice, and the Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR). Dr. Thyer founded and continues to edit one of social work's premier journals, Research on Social Work Practice. He has written over 250 articles in professional journals, over 100 book chapters, and produced over 35 books. His research interests involve the promotion of evidence-based practice, evaluation research, applied behavior analysis, and clinical social work theory and practice.