Discussion: The Relationship Between Research and Practice
All too often, the very idea of research creates anxiety instead of interest. Fear of statistics and resistance to the language of research can become a barrier to learning to analyze professional counseling literature. So, this course will begin with an exploration of your perceptions and biases about research.
Addressing these preconceived notions about research helps pave the way to understanding the role of research in counseling practice. Consider this: If you consulted your primary care physician for treatment of a disease, you would not want to learn that you were prescribed medication that was proven to be ineffective or to cause harm. The same is true for counseling practice. Counseling research helps keep clinicians up to date on what works and what does not.
For this Discussion, you will explore the relationship between research and practice and how you might anticipate using research in your future counseling work.
To Prepare
• Review the Learning Resources related to research and evidence-based practice and consider how these resources inform your Discussion.
• Review the Learning Resources related to how to search the Walden library for articles related to evidence-based practice.
• Search the Walden Library for one current (within last 10 years) peer-reviewed article in the professional counseling literature related to the use of empirical evidence in counseling practice.
• Reflect on how other disciplines use research in their work.
Based on your search experience through the Walden Library:
• Explain your perceptions, concerns, fears, or assumptions about research.
• Post any questions or concerns you have about successfully completing this course.
• Explain how you anticipate using research in your future clinical work citing the article that you choose from the counseling databases.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.