Eclecticism, Empiricism, Minimalism, and Task-centered Practice: A Response to Gambrill

Abstract

ample resources, and strong administrative support. But whether such models develop in academia or agencies, one element is absolutely crucial-the opportunity to try out and develop theories and methods in the crucible of actual practice. As I argued in my article, empirical practice needs to become more a part of the social agency world, if the movement is to make a substantial difference in social work practice. Epstein doubts that this will happen, and she may be right. However, some long-term trends are at work. One of these is a gradual shift toward greater use of empirical methods and greater use of research generally in social work practice. This trend emerged with the early professionalization of social work and is still inching along. Although its effects may appear to be imperceptible in many areas, one can point today to the use of a wide range of research-based methods and other research applications, only glimmerings of which were in evidence in earlier years. This is so, one hopes, because research does in fact contribute to better practice. Another trend, related to the first, is the growing influence in agencies of recent generations of social workers better trained in research-based practice than their predecessors. A third trend is continuing pressure on social work for accountability to funding sources and other constituencies, a pressure causing some agencies to become more receptive to research and its products. As these trends continue, one can expect a more research-oriented social work, even though research-and here I concur with Epstein-will be only one of a number of influences on what practitioners do with clients.