What role does Garvin identify for social work practitioners when it comes to utilizing research?

Garvin emphasizes the role of social work practitioners as consumers of research. This is crucial because being a consumer implies that practitioners actively engage with research findings to apply evidence-based practices in their work. They utilize research to inform their interventions, enhance service delivery, and improve outcomes for clients. By consuming research, social workers are able to critically assess the validity and relevance of studies, which allows them to make informed decisions based on empirical evidence.

This idea is foundational to effective social work practice, as it fosters a continuous learning process where practitioners stay updated with the latest findings relevant to their field. Engaging with research equips social workers to advocate for effective policies and practices that benefit their clients and communities.