Research Evidence, Research Evidence Use, and Social Work’s Impact

Social work’s impact depends not only on producing research evidence but also on using it effectively. This article distinguishes research evidence from research evidence use, which is defined as the processes through which evidence is acquired or generated, interpreted, and applied to policy and practice decisions. It argues that contemporary evidence-based policy frameworks, particularly “what works” clearinghouses, have elevated the importance of rigorous evidence while simultaneously narrowing what counts as useful evidence, privileging intervention effectiveness studies over other forms of inquiry needed for system improvement. This narrow conception limits both evidence production and evidence use. The article proposes improvement science as an alternative organizing framework that connects diverse forms of research evidence, evidence use, action, and outcomes through continuous learning. Strengthening social work’s impact therefore requires an evidence ecosystem that supports both the production of relevant evidence and the capability of social workers and organizations to interpret and apply that evidence to the decisions that shape policy, practice, and outcomes.