These thoughts are normal and warrant a response. Trends indicate increasing use of research by practitioners. Research can provide new concepts and perspectives. To clarify abstract ideas making them more concrete.
Research can produce methods of assessing change.
To challenge accepted beliefs. To generate hypotheses and questions relevant to practice. The focus on research is not a new requirement within the social work profession. For example, in 1963 Mary E. MacDonald wrote the origins of social work research are lost in the origins of social work itself. Social Work practice is imbedded with an inherent need to critically assess and evaluate on a continuous basis.