Evaluating Culturally Sensitive Practice Through Single-System Design: Methodological Issues and Strategies

Abstract

Over the past 10 years, there has been an increasing emphasis on having social workers develop culturally sensitive interventions. However, relatively little attention has been given to evaluating the effectiveness of these new approaches. Concurrently, there has been a significant promotion of single-system design methodology as a practical means of evaluation that can readily be utilized by direct practitioners. Therefore, the application of single-system design to the evaluation of culturally sensitive practice is a logical methodological approach. This article describes how single-system design methodology can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of culturally sensitive social work interventions. Methodological issues that arise in utilizing this particular technique with culturally diverse clients will be discussed, along with strategies to address these methodological issues.

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