Asking clients how they view themselves—in terms of ethnicity, race, national origin, and other dimensions of diversity—is a culturally humble and appropriate act. So, too, is learning more about a given population through research.
Evidence-based social work, as you recall, involves surveying the literature for the best available information on a particular practice issue and combining that with professional expertise and client preferences to make an educated decision. This same approach can be used in the context of diversity and culturally competent practice. Social work research has been conducted on many different global populations, and the evidence there can be used to guide practice. Remember, though, that there is no “one size fits all” technique for working with specific groups. These research findings must be tempered with the unique circumstances, characteristics, and wishes of a client.
For this Journal, you read peer-reviewed research articles on a global population of your choosing. Then you extract two principles to inform your practice with this population.
To Prepare
Reflect on what you learned about the global and displaced populations identified in this week’s Discussion. Select one population to further research.
Search in the Walden Library for at least two peer-reviewed research articles related to this population.
Submit a 1- to 2-page written journal or 4- to 5-minute video or audio journal in which you:
Identify the population you have selected.
Based on the two peer-reviewed research articles you found, identify and explain two principles to guide ongoing practice with this population.
Describe how your research into this population has informed you as a culturally competent social worker.
