Program Evaluation and Methodology

Assignment Overview

Now that you have completed the literature review and have a solid theoretical grounding for your problem statement, you will be determining the methodology for your program evaluation. The purpose of this assignment is for you to learn how to use scientific methods to conduct a program evaluation using an appropriate methodology based on the provided case study and data.

By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following EPAs and advance practice behaviors:

• EPA 2.1.2: Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice.
  • APB 2.1.2.B: Integrate the ethical and effective use of technology at all levels of advanced generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
    • Related Assignment Criteria:
      • 6. Discuss ethical issues pertaining to the selected method of program evaluation.

Assignment Description

In this assignment, you will describe how to evaluate the program you identified in Unit 3. You will also determine the methodology for this program evaluation and indicate other details such as associated research questions, definitions of variables, sampling and data collection procedures, applicable instruments, and discussion of ethical issues pertaining to human subjects.

Assignment Instructions

Using the program you identified in the Unit 3 assignment, Research Literature Review, design a program evaluation plan. Use the following outline:

• Introduction: State the topics that will be covered in this section.
• Organization description: Describe the program or service (program focus, resources, population, clients served, and the theory of change). Include a description of the stakeholders and evaluation purpose.
• Research questions and hypotheses:Revisit research questions and hypotheses established in the Unit 3 assignment, Research Literature Review.
• Definition of variables and terms in the study: Define your major variables in a clear and concise manner, and distinguish between independent and dependent variables. Every variable that is identified in the research questions should be defined clearly in this section in terms of what it is and how it will be measured.
• Description of the methodology (study design): Explain whether your study is qualitative, quantitative, or both and whether it is cross-sectional (single point in time) or longitudinal (more than one measure from the same people). Explain how you are going to determine the efficacy of your program (for example, pre-tests and post-tests, comparison to a similar group of people not receiving program services). Explain if you are comparing the group getting the intervention to any other group on the outcomes of interest (a control or comparison group). Explain if you are using more than one source of data to "triangulate" measures of your outcome of interest (for example, rates of participation, qualitative interviews, and a satisfaction survey).
• Sampling procedures:Distinguish between the population and your sample. Provide some basic demographic information that you would anticipate. State how many people are taking part in the study and how you will go about sampling them. If you are using a control or comparison group, explain how the control/comparison group will be selected or how people are assigned to that group.
• Instrumentation: Do you plan to use a standardized instrument or will you design your own? Why? Every variable that is addressed in your research questions and operational definitions should also be addressed in this section. Describe the validity and reliability of your instrument(s). Note that you must include at least one quantitative measure. Include your instruments, including any qualitative interview protocols, in an appendix.
• Data collection and procedures: Describe exactly what you plan to do and when. Explain how and when you will collect each measure, and how and when you will begin the intervention and for how long
• Human protection:Discuss ethical issues pertaining to the method of program evaluation you selected. Discuss how you will address and minimize these issues. Include a sample informed consent (and minor assent, if necessary) as an appendix.

Additional Requirements

The assignment you submit is expected to meet the following requirements:

• Written communication:Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
• APA formatting:Resources and citations are formatted according to APA style and formatting standards.
• Cited resources: Cite any pre-existing instruments that you choose to use and the textbook in referencing theory of change and organization stakeholders.
• Length of paper: 5–7 double-spaced pages.
• Font and font size:Times New Roman, 12 point.
• Due date:Assignment must be submitted to your instructor in the courseroom no later than 11:59 p.m. on Sunday of this week.

Note: Your instructor may also use the Writing Feedback Tool to provide feedback on your writing. In the tool, click the linked resources for helpful writing information.

Required Textbooks

Aldrich, J. O., & Cunningham, J. B. (2016). Using IBM SPSS statistics: An interactive hands-on approach (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

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