Which of the following should social workers avoid during evaluations or research?

Social workers should avoid conflicts of interest and dual relationships during evaluations or research because these situations can compromise the integrity and validity of the research findings. Conflicts of interest arise when a social worker's personal or financial interests could influence their professional judgment. Similarly, dual relationships—where a social worker interacts with a client in multiple roles—can cloud the objectivity required for accurate evaluations or research. Maintaining a clear boundary helps ensure that the research is conducted ethically and that the welfare of participants is protected.

In contrast, collaboration with colleagues, obtaining informed consent from participants, and engaging in open discussions about findings are all essential practices in research and evaluation. Collaboration can enhance the quality and rigor of the research, informed consent guarantees that participants are aware of and agree to their involvement, and open discussions can lead to greater transparency and shared knowledge. All these practices support ethical standards and the advancement of the field, making them critical components of professional conduct in social work research.