Critical Thinking and the Process of Evidence-Based Practice

In Critical Thinking and the Process of Evidence-Based Practice, Eileen Gambrill provides a focused overview of the implementation of evidence-based practices necessary for competent and ethical practice. This authoritative book introduces readers to the origins and controversies regarding evidence-based practices and concisely addresses the most common obstacles practitioners encounter. Though evidence-based practice (EBP) is designed to help individualpractitioners and clients make informed decisions, since its early development, misunderstandings about what does and does not qualify as scientifically-sound findings have led to widespread misrepresentations of EBP's role in the profession. This text addresses the most widely encountered misunderstandings, andguides readers through the necessary steps of making decisions based on both knowledge and ignorance. The book further discusses ethical and evidentiary issues, and includes chapters on clinical expertise, argumentation, avoiding fallacies, and common organizational and personal obstacles to optimizing the quality of services. It will serve as a necessary resource to professionals as well as students in the helping professions.

"As the book provides a clear summary of the scientific method as a whole, with concise summaries of potential pitfalls when applying this, it would also be of significant value for students, trainees, and anyone involved in designing and appraising research."

Eileen Gambrill, PhD, is Professor of the Graduate School in the School of Social Welfare at the University of California at Berkeley. She is a Licensed Psychologist in the State of California.