Parentingresearch.org
Definitions
What are best practices? What does
research-based really mean? We'll try to tell you here how these terms are
often used, and how we are using them here in Parenting Research
documents.
Best Practices
The term best practices is commonly
used in a number of different ways. It can mean programs that have been shown
by research to be effective in bringing about improvements in parenting or in
child behaviors. Such programs are often referred to as proven programs.
Alternatively, the best practices can
mean characteristics different programs hold in common that represent high
quality practices, practices associated by research with positive outcomes for
children and families. This is the definition used here by Parenting
Research. See the best practices documents and links for more
specific information.
Model Programs
Definitions vary for this term also. Model
programs often refer to programs that have been evaluated and have been found
to be effective. Sometimes, the term is used for programs that are considered
effective but not as effective as proven programs (see definition
below).
Parenting Education
Parenting is the art and science of caring
for and raising children. This responsibility is not always carried by a
biological parent of a child, but may be done by one or more other care-giving
adults - or even by an older sibling. In parenting education, we teach
about the process of parenting to all those who are interested, parent or not.
This is one of the major reasons we use the term parenting education
rather than parent education.
Proven Programs
Proven programs are those programs that have been formally evaluated
and shown to be effective in bringing about improvements in either parent
knowledge, parent behaviors, or child behaviors. See best practices
links for web sites that list proven programs.
Research-Based
Research-based is NOT the same as best
practice or proven program. There are many commercially-available program packages that claim to be
"research-based." Beware! This is basically meaningless, unless the
program designates specifically in what way it is research-based.
If a program is truly research-based, it
should be clear in what ways it is supported by research. The most reliable
research-based programs are proven or model programs, shown to be
effective in improving parent or child behaviors or other outcomes by rigorous
evaluations.
Other programs might be research-based if
they cite a number of research studies that support the validity of their basic
approach. One example is programs that teach problem solving skills to children
and families. Many studies have shown the value of such skills for improved
family functioning and child behavior.