Educational Psychology and the Dissemination of Evidence to Professional Practice

The purpose of this reflective practice paper is twofold: firstly, to review the concepts of evidence-based practice (EBP) and practice-based evidence (PBE) within the discipline of educational psychology and, secondly, to consider how research evidence can be effectively disseminated to inform educational psychologists’ (EPs’) professional practice. The unique contribution that EPs can make to the evidence base is described before exploring the extent to which EPs’ general practice is based on the best available scientific evidence. Finally, a dissemination plan is outlined that includes a discussion regarding the critical role of Implementation Science (Blase et al., 2012). The paper concludes that, although sparse, the existing literature suggests EPs are not basing their practice on well-evidenced techniques. Also, effective dissemination must include Implementation Science if sustainable changes are to be made at an organisational level.