Integrating a Practice Orientation into the Research Curriculum: The Effect on Knowledge and Attitudes

A panel study of an MSW research curriculum was conducted to evaluate the effect of integrating a practice orientation into the research courses. The study followed a cohort of 60 students throughout their tenure in the program. Information on students' knowledge, attitudes, and experiences with research was collected at four points in time. The findings indicate that students became more favorable in their attitudes toward research and that they became more knowledgeable about research methods and statistics. Students also reported that they planned to engage in activities that are characteristic of empirically-based practice. These findings support the curriculum changes of the past decade that have moved to close the gap between research and practice.