Ch. 2 Weekly Reflection

  I found chapter two very informative about what areas we should be knowledgeable in, the things we should take into consideration, and what skills are required of us. The social work profession allows social workers to practice with certain freedoms, on account of the fact that we obtain a certain "body of knowledge and skills" about the field that can be accessed through journals, articles, and other publications. Our knowledge is obtained by forming a hypothesis, testing that hypothesis, developing a theory, and being objective and open to modifications (Cowles, L.A.F. 2003). Many of these hypothesis start with our very own observation of the events going on around us, that we can attempt to prove to be true by conducting research. 

  Social workers have four core areas of knowledge that are essential to the foundation and building upon of more specific areas of knowledge. The specific areas of knowledge can then be applied to various settings even within the health field and be used to help formulate intervention methods. I found this information very useful and feel that I can certainly apply it to any setting that I happen to work in in the future. The chapter also gives meaning of and defines the relationship between values and ethical guidelines  as well as our responsibilities as social workers. It is important to not only know what the principles and responsibilities are, but understand, truly consider, and use them as guidelines when making future practice decisions.I have heard these concepts on values and ethics in many of my other classes and found a study that showed the continued exposure and teaching of these concepts become a major and consistent component in the knowledge base of training social workers. (Kit Sum Syrine, Y., Ho, A., Man Chun Hui, L., & Chan, E. 2010)

References:

Cowles, L. A. F. (2003). Social work in the health field: A care perspective. Routledge.

Kit Sum Syrine, Y., Ho, A., Man Chun Hui, L., & Chan, E. (2010). Social Work Ethical Decision Making in an Inter

-Disciplinary Context. British Journal Of Social Work, 40(5), 1573-1590. doi:10.1093/bjsw/bcp065