What is the role of theory in research on social work practice?

The social work profession suffers from a dearth of empirically based studi es of practice outcomes. One reason for this is the message conveyed in res earch texts, doctoral program standards, and disciplinary guidelines that r esearch should build and test theory, rather than solve applied problems. S ince many legitimate for,ns of empirical, scientific research do not involv e theory testing, social work should consider itself less an academic disci pline that advances social and behavioral science knowledge and more an app lied profession that Finds solutions to psychosocial problems. Research inq uiries along these lines may or may not in volve direct theory testing or d evelopment.