Discussion Post: Use of Group Designs in Program Evaluation
Group programs are common in social work. Just as with other types of programs, social workers must understand the options available to them and know how to select the appropriate research design.
For this Discussion, you evaluate group research design methods that can be used for an outcome evaluation of a foster parent training program. You also generate criteria to be measured in the program.
To prepare for this Discussion, review the "Social Work Research: Planning a Program Evaluation" case study in this resources, Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen S. (Eds.). (2014b). Social work case studies: Concentration year, and the section of "Basic Guide to Outcomes-Based Evaluation for Nonprofit Organizations with Very Limited Resources", titled "Overview of Methods to Collect Information."
Post (2 to 3) your explanation of which group research design and data collection method from those outlined in the Resources you selected as appropriate for the "Social Work Research: "Planning a Program Evaluation" case study and why.
Then, generate criteria to be measured using the research design by identifying a specific outcome and a method for measuring that outcome. Specify who will collect the data and how the data will be collected.
The response must include a reference list. Using one-inch margins, double-space, Times New Roman 12 pnt font and APA style of writing and citations.
Reference
• Dudley, J. R. (2014). Social work evaluation: Enhancing what we do. (2nd ed.) Chicago, IL: Lyceum Books.
o Chapters 9, "Is the Intervention Effective?" (pp. 213-250)
o Chapter 10, "Analyzing Evaluation Data" (pp. 255-275)
• McNamara, C. (2006a). Contents of an evaluation plan. In Basic guide to program evaluation (including outcomes evaluation).
• McNamara, C. (2006b). Reasons for priority on implementing outcomes-based evaluation.In Basic guide to outcomes-based evaluation for nonprofit organizations with very limited resources.
• Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen S. (Eds.). (2014b). Social work case studies: Concentration year. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader].
• Read the following section: "Social Work Research- Planning a Program Evaluation"