Correlates of Attitudes Toward Evidence-Based Practice Among MSW Students Preparing for Direct Practice

This study aims to identify correlates of attitudes toward evidence-based treatment (EBT) and the evidence-based practice (EBP) process among master’s of social work (MSW) students who intend to be direct service practitioners. Participating MSW students (N =165) were recruited from an advanced research methods course at one university in the Southwest United States. Higher score to feasibility of implementing EBP at their field placement agencies predicted more positive attitudes toward EBT and the EBP process. Research knowledge and previous exposure to EBP were positively associated with the EBP process. Findings suggest that MSW programs could benefit from training social work students in EBT and the EBP process within field education, as well as during the first year of an MSW program.