Preparation

This assignment involves applying your knowledge of the types of research by reading an original source of each type. Read the following theoretical study and program evaluation samples to complete your assignment:

• Week 3 Assignment: Applying Knowledge of Types of ResearchLinks to an external site. reading list.

Instructions

• Compare the similarities and differences between theoretical research and program evaluation.
  • What were the stated purposes of each study/evaluation?
  • What were the research questions for each study/evaluation?
  • What type of research design and type of evaluation was used for each study/evaluation?
• Identify the sources of data the authors use to answer their question.
  • What were the specific data (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods) and sources (e.g., general population, practitioners, clients) used for each study/evaluation?
  • How was data gathered for each study/evaluation?
• Discuss how each study/evaluation could have involved practitioners, stakeholders, or community members.
  • What were some possible roles of potential stakeholders in developing and implementing the study/evaluation?
• Evaluate the legal and ethical guidelines that may apply to the study/evaluation.
  • What are the ethical considerations when working with participants and potential stakeholders in each study/evaluation?
    • For example, what are the sources of potential harm (physical, psychological, financial) or distress to some participants (e.g., offensive culturally incompetent questions, threats to self-esteem, transportation costs)?
    • Are there any relevant laws or policies governing the source of data?

Additional Requirements

Your assignment should also meet the following requirements:

• Written Communication:
  • Convey purpose in a well-organized text, incorporating appropriate evidence and tone in grammatically sound sentences.
  • Apply APA style and formatting to scholarly writing.
• Length: 5–6 typed, double-spaced pages.
• Format: Use current APA style and format for references, in-text citations, and headings as appropriate. Visit Evidence and APALinks to an external site. for help with APA as needed.
• Font and Font Size: Times New Roman, 12 points.

Competencies Measured

By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:

• Competency 1: Explain the differences between action research and theoretical research.
  • Compare the similarities and differences between theoretical research and program evaluation.
• Competency 2: Explain how laws, regulations, and ethical implications must be considered when conducting research.
  • Evaluate the legal and ethical guidelines that may apply to the study/evaluation.
• Competency 3: Explain the difference between quantitative and qualitative methodologies and when to use each one in human services settings.
  • Identify the sources of data the authors use to answer their question.
• Competency 4: Choose appropriate methodologies to investigate organizational and community concerns.
  • Discuss how each study/evaluation could have involved practitioners, stakeholders, or community members.
• Competency 5: Convey clear meaning through appropriate word choice and usage.
  • Convey purpose in a well-organized text, incorporating appropriate evidence and tone in grammatically sound sentences.
  • Apply APA style and formatting to scholarly writing.