A investigação na prática do Serviço Social e a sua relação ontológica com os princípios e valores da profissão

This paper is part of the second theme of the X International Social Work Seminar, and presents a reflection, fromthe literature review, on the existence of different conceptions regarding what can be considered practiceresearch and particularly addressing the space of consensus, which is its congruence with the ethos of theprofession and its values (Pain, 2011). In this sense, and as mentioned, practice research is closely related to thevalues that govern Social Work (Smith, 2012; Wade & Neuman, 2007), thus defending itself as an ontologicalrelation. The importance of the interrelation between practice research in Social Work and the values that arepresent throughout the research process, highlights the important role of the intervener, namely in formulating theresearch question(s), in guiding and defining participation and ensuring that the data collection instruments are inaccordance with the principles of Social Work (in particular social justice). On the basis of these arguments, thiscommunication intends to contribute to: 1) an analysis that relates the nature of social work and research in theperspective of its principles, values and ethics; 2) reflection on the relevance of research in the context of practiceand possible challenges in working with people in situations of vulnerability (Powell, 2005); 3) the reinforcement ofthe idea that practice research, besides improving practice and informing practice, also intends to transform it(Dominelli, 2005).