UniversityLibraryCurrent studentsStaff intranet
University of Sydney
University of Sydney
View Item 
  • Sydney eScholarship Home
  • Postgraduate Theses
  • Sydney Digital Theses (Open Access)
  • View Item
  • Sydney eScholarship Home
  • Postgraduate Theses
  • Sydney Digital Theses (Open Access)
  • View Item
JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

The research utilisation nexus : putting research into practice : an examination of research utilisation in a child welfare practice context in New South Wales

Thumbnail
View/Open
CJ Thomas PhD Thesis 2011.pdf (PDF, 1.88MB)
Date
2011
Author
Thomas, Catherine, J.
Metadata
Show full item record
Abstract
Evidence-based practice and policy is a relatively new concept in a human service perspective. There is literature on the broad concept of translating such an approach from the medical field to a human service setting, but there is little literature of an evidence-based approach in a child welfare context. The aim of the research was to establish how managers, practitioners and policy-makers in a child welfare context in New South Wales use research to inform practice and policy-making. This thesis addresses an absence of academic literature both nationally and internationally on the topic, and adds to the understanding of the influences on the uptake of evidence-based practice and policy-making. The research was undertaken by a single case study approach over the period 2007 – 2010. The case study generated both qualitative and quantitative information (via document analysis, focus groups, manager surveys and semi-structured interviews) that was examined in an intensive manner. This thesis argues that firstly, there are determinants in the three spheres of influence (individual, work environment, and organisational) that impact on research utilisation within the case study organisation; that these three spheres need to be working in conjunction with each other to optimise the environment for research use, and that the organisational sphere of influence is the most integral to ensuring this occurs as it provides the platform or framework for the other spheres of influence to operate in. Secondly, that the uses of research (instrumental, conceptual and symbolic) are used simultaneously within the case study organisation; they are not static or mutually exclusive; they are dynamic. It is also argued that there is a possible fourth use type of research use which is ‘wider influence’. Thirdly, the application of research and expert knowledge generally falls into three key areas of informing direct practice outcomes, development work, and professional development practices. This assists the practitioner and policy-maker to legitimise their decision-making and professional judgement in both policy and practice settings, and finally, a new ‘typology of research users’ is proposed.
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/2123/8406
Collections
  • Sydney Digital Theses (Open Access) [4718]

Browse

All of Sydney eScholarshipCommunities & CollectionsBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjectsThis CollectionBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjects

My Account

LoginRegister

Statistics

Most Popular ItemsStatistics by CountryMost Popular Authors

Links

University homeLibraryCurrent studentsStaff intranet

Repository

  • About us
  • FAQ
  • Policies & guidelines
  • Email us
  • Non-UniKey login
Leadership for good starts here

Media

  • News
  • Find an expert
  • Media contacts

Student links

  • Log in to University systems
  • Study dates
  • Student handbooks
  • Timetables
  • Library

About us

  • Our world rankings
  • Faculties and schools
  • Centres and institutes
  • Campus locations
  • Maps and locations

Connect

  • Contact us
  • Find a staff member
  • Careers at Sydney
  • Events
  • Emergencies and personal safety
Inspired: Campaign to support the University of SydneyGroup of Eight
Disclaimer
Privacy
Accessibility
Website feedback
ABN: 15 211 513 464
CRICOS Number: 00026A
Disclaimer
Privacy
Accessibility
Website feedback
ABN: 15 211 513 464
CRICOS Number: 00026A