Developing good practitioner research: an agenda for research commissioners, agencies and practitioners

Abstract

We set out how we see the agenda arising from developing good practitioner research. We begin by identifying what we mean by practitioner research. We then review what we know about the nature and practice of practitioner research in the UK. We consider how practitioner research is related to the wider category of practice research. We then identify what the experience of doing practitioner research is like for those involved. The findings are heavily influenced by a recent review of practitioner research in the field of social work and social care with adults, and a separate study of social workers working with children and families. We conclude with some questions that may help steer how good practitioner research can be taken forward. The article is linked to a comment on the adequacy and implications of the paper as a basis for development work in China and Hong Kong.