What is the difference between a theory, model, method and approach in social work?

Social work students, and indeed practitioners, often lack confidence in understanding the difference between a theory, a model, a method and an approach in social work practice. In this film Siobhan Maclean explains her framework for understanding these important concepts in practice. This will be useful for anyone seeking to be more theory informed in practice.

[MarkTAllenby]

One of the biggest confusions in this comes from how we think about language. Lots of people assume that words reflect reality. If you start from that point, you can get very wound up about what is a theory, what is a model, what is a method, and what is an approach. A more helpful way to think about language is that it is not about what words mean, but how we use them. Words do not have fixed, static meanings, but they have uses that can be helpful or confusing. This means that we can use the same word in different ways.

So yes, we are most likely to use the word theory when we are describing, explaining or predicting. When we use the word model, we are often using it as a way to intervene, but we can also use model as a term for visualising something that is intangible. A gengram is a model of the family. Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory gives rise to a model of development based on a series of circles which helps us to describe the settings in which development occurs.

It is important to develop the courage to think less about what words mean, and more about how words are used in specific contexts.

Theories help us answer the question 'why is it the way it is'.
Models help us answer the questions 'what is it' and 'what should I do'.
Methods help us answer the question 'how can I do it'.
Approaches help us answer the question 'why should I do it'.

Finally, thanks for the video. I am sharing it with my students.

[anthonygikuri]

This video came just minutes before sending my supervisor a horrible proposal. At least it made me think twice. Thank you

[sadhanayoga]

in year 3 of Applied Social Studies degree... and this finally explains with clarity the mechanisms of TMMP. Thank you

[agnesfaifua]

You definitely have the best delivery of lessons on YouTube. Please continue to load more vids. Wishing you were my teacher! Blessings ❤👌🙏🙏

[charlotteburton]

This was so helpful, I just begun working on my Master's in Social Work, and this really helped me put all of the moving parts into perspective.

[jaisonkuriakose]

It really helped me to understand the theory, approach, practice, model and method

[keepcalm]

So wonderful to come across this presentation, practiced social for more than 5 years now...still interchange and less appreciate this big words.

[stefanonearchou]

i love siobhan Macleans manner of explaining what is often viewed as quite complex social work issues- her sessions were so helpful when i was a NQSW- i feel rather hungry now though

[terrymary]

This is absolutely brilliant. Thank you Siobhan. I have saved this video for a regular visit.
Many a time I get confused about those concepts. with your explanation with examples simplified it. You capped it up with pictorial representation of Head+Heart+Hand.

[asifalvi]

Ma'am, I'm so glad to find your precious YouTube channel. I'm currently pursuing my B.S.S. degree in Social Welfare at the Institute of Social Welfare & Research, University of Dhaka. I'm a first year undergraduate student. I would love to know more about social work from you.
Thanks once again for this video.

[leratokekana]

You really explained and symplified....i like how you used "food" as an illustrations. please continue uploading videos like this.

[NicoleCap]

Best description ever! Why can't what I read just say that?! I just started MSW program but do not have a BSW so this really helps explain the difference. So glad I watched this video! Thank you!!

[mansi]

Highly appreciate your food analogy and human body example towards the end. It tied everything together to beautifully, in such a memorable way. Thank you 🌻

[skyesconception]

Thanks so much Siobhan, that was quite a handy piece of discussion especially for me as a social work student. I do not think anybody could have explained it better. the difference between those 4 has never been so clear for me. it is indeed a privilege to be one of your subscribers. thanks indeed

[weihongyan]

Oh, my Lord! what a professor! You the best! Love it~ I watch your program every day!

[jorgeberumen]

I appreciate the clarity you provided in this video.

[tutorthony]

Simply awesome explanation of theory, model, method, and approach, Mam Siobhan! Its crystal clear! Thank you very much!

[andreeaapostol]

Thank you for uploading these videos. They are very useful and your explanations are so easy to understand. Thanks a lot for what you are doing!

[SaneleEricksonDlamini]

Thank you for sharing this highly informative explanation, Siobhan Maclean! I like the analogy of food in explaining easily confused Social Work concepts. Well done!

[pradiptakadambari]

very well explained ! very helpful for social workers. I have been also using cooking in teaching social work students. Finds your analogue more fit to explain the differences.