Final answer:
Being an evidence-based practitioner is rooted in the use of Empirical Evidence and Scientific Research to inform practice. These foundations ensure interventions are based on facts rather than biased opinions or untested assumptions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two main reasons to be an evidence-based practitioner are c) Empirical Evidence and Scientific Research. As an evidence-based practitioner, relying on rational and systematic methods to reach conclusions is of utmost importance. Empirical evidence is derived from direct experience and scientifically gathered data, ensuring that the practitioner's decisions and practices are grounded in reality and not biased by subjective factors like intuition or tradition.
Scientific research and empirical evidence distinguish facts from opinions. Facts are observable realities confirmed through robust scientific inquiry. This approach minimizes the risk of confirmation bias, where one may be inclined to prefer evidence which confirms existing beliefs over contradictory information. It's important for practitioners to remain flexible and objective, using evidence to support their work, rather than allowing preconceived notions to dictate their understanding of the truth.
The process of scientific research includes forming a hypothesis, conducting experiments, and synthesizing information from various sources to support a thesis or draw new conclusions. This foundation allows practitioners to base their interventions and judgments on robust and replicable evidence rather than on anecdotes, intuition, or untested theories.