This section provides you with a range of research links that are useful for evidence-informed practice. The purpose is to provide a selective rather than a comprehensive set of links in order to guide you through the often bewilderingly wide range of online resources that allow you to access either research or information about research. All the sites identified are freely available - we have not listed subscription services. Most of the links therefore relate primarily to the research environment underpinning the practice of social care and partner agencies with children and families. Each link has been provided with a brief descriptor.

how are the research links organised?

The Research Links are organised under different headings - databases, gateways, government research, online journals, online libraries, research organisations and evidence based initiatives. Certain of the sites fit into one or more of the categories found on the menu.

what is the difference between a gateway and a database?

Gateway websites provide an entry point to an extensive and wide range of other web sites within a given area (The National Library of Health is a good example). Databases provide you with direct access to details of recommended research studies (occasionally material will be in full text but often all you will find provided are publication details and a brief abstract - CareData is a good example of a database).

what are research organisations?

The organisations listed under this heading provide research funding, research sources or research findings related to work with children and families (for example the Nuffield Foundation, University websites and voluntary organisations such as the National Children's Bureau).

what online journals are included?

Journal information on the web varies enormously - some are published in print as well, some are only on the web, some can be viewed in full for free, some you have to pay for and some can be read in full online and others only give the titles of articles. Relatively few online journals are available without a subscription. A number of journals do, however, provide a search facility for articles, index of contents and, occasionally, abstracts. Details of these can be found in the research in practice journals list that lists key journals. The only journals we have included are those that are fully available online but note that many of these will limit what is available from current issues. A note of this can be found under each entry.

what online libraries are included?

Again most online libraries are only available with a subscription. We have listed here the limited number of libraries that can be freely accessed.

are there any other sections of this website that can provide related information?

If you are trying to find some research on a particular topic it may be worth searching the whole site via the 'key text' search mechanism. This will provide you with a 'hyper-texted' list to all relevant links on theresearch in practicewebsite.

If you wish to narrow down your search you can focus on a particular section of the website. The most useful sections for 'finding' relevant research include:

our publications - these can be accessed via the main menu (click the hyperlink)

the Register of Researchers - this is a database that holds details of lead childcare researchers, together with a list of their research topics and research methods, their current research projects and their key publications

the Research and Policy Updates - these are sent out to our network on a monthly basis. Each update identifies newly published research articles and summaries, newly commissioned research, and new books

workshop reports and symposium reports contain summaries of the research messages discussed at our Learning Events.

evidencebank,

This database hold details of research reviews and summaries of research related to the broad category of children in need.This database can be searched by topic, free text, or by kind of research method.

research resources
This contains a list of helpful research resources, including a research glossary, a list of key journals, a list of completed research reviews and ket learning and development links.

Do contact Elizabeth@rip.org.uk if you want to recommend any useful research links.


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