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BJSW Advance Access published online on November 30, 2007
British Journal of Social Work, doi:10.1093/bjsw/bcm117
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© The Author 2007. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The British Association of Social Workers. All rights reserved

Article

Evidence-Based Practice in Social Work: Lessons from Judgment and Decision-Making Theory

Guido M. J. van de Luitgaarden 1 *

1 Zuyd University, CESRT, PO Box 634, 6200 AP Maastricht, The Netherlands

* To whom correspondence should be addressed.
Guido M. J. van de Luitgaarden, E-mail: g.van.de.luitgaarden{at}hszuyd.nl


  Abstract

This paper introduces a critique of the experimentalist strand of the evidence-based practice movement in social work. It does so by drawing on the available body of knowledge that is found within the field of judgment and decision making. The nexus between experimentalist evidence-based practice and rational choice approaches to social work decision making is demonstrated. Subsequently, it argues that the properties of social work decision tasks are more likely to facilitate naturalistic than analytical decision making strategies. Recognition-primed decision making is introduced as a possible alternative to practice guidelines and decision aids. Finally, the consequences of embracing the principles of recognition-primed decision making are considered regarding social work practice, education and research.

Keywords: evidence-based practice, judgment and decision making, naturalistic decision making, rational choice theory, recognition-primed decision making, social work, decision tasks.
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