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This resource contains example(s) of linking theory, research policy, and practice in Applied Social Studies-related disciplines. Follow the steps below to customise the slides for your course:

1. Choose an appropriate example extract from a student assignment (graded A)2. Copy the extract into the example slides (slide 4) 3. Highlight words and phrases that illustrate effective linking of theory, research,

policy, and practice4. Provide the full version of the assignment students identify further examples

(slide 5)5. Encourage the students to bring in their own writing (slide 5) 6. Delete guidance slide 1 in this resource before using in your sessions

Guidance on customising this resourceHow to link theory, research, policy and practice in assignments

Email PAD team for further guidance pad@beds.ac.uk

In this resource: Referring to relevant theory enables the author to ‘make sense’ of practice, by conceptualising the meaning of the practical activity. Similarly, grounding practice or own research in a broader body of research / literature provides broader context and invites comparison and interpretation. Introducing policy documents into the narrative helps the author build a critical argument around how well policy guidelines reflect, or support current practice situation; or, on the contrary, how the complexity of current practice points to limitations of official policy.

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Write to attract a higher grade:

How to link theory, research, policy and practice in your writing

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Discussion: How do we link theory, research, policy and practice in academic writing?

How to link theory, policy and practice in assignments

o What are the effective ways to link theory, research, policy and practice in your assignments?

o Why would your lecturers want to see this in your work?

o Think of various instances/ parts of assignments - where would it be most suitable to provide links between theory, research, policy and practice?

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Example: How does the author link theory, policy and practice in this report?

Is Garland’s (2001) “culture of control” theory evident in current policy in dealing with young

people who offend / at risk of offending with regard to Anti-Social behaviour (ASB) in Luton? If

evident how does this impact on implementation and type of offending behaviours?

Garland’s theory of “culture of control” is evident in the current policy and legislation

regarding ASB. Garland states that control and surveillance to monitor communities, spaces

and people is used in a way that prevents opportunities for offending. These changes in

legislation and policies affect the way the CJS deals with offenders. Since 1998 young

people can be arrested for disorderly behaviour and be subject of a civil order and in some

cases have a custodial sentence if breached.

This blurs the line between criminal and ASB and could be arguably criminalising

“youthful behaviour” (Haywood 2002). What is perceived as ASB could vary as

subjective and DO’s could encourage the displacement of ASB to other areas. SoLutiOns

state that a reduction of 2% in anti-social behaviour is successful; however there is little

evidence to measure the effectiveness of impact on anti-social behaviour initiatives. (YJB

2006, The Children’s Society 2011).

How to link theory, policy and practice in assignments

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Task 1:Can you identify other examples of linking theory, research, policy and practice in the provided text? Justify your answer.

Task 2:

Identify links between theory, research, policy and practice

in your own / your peers’ writing. Is it sufficient? Can you go

more in-depth?

How to link theory, policy and practice in assignments