Homework: Social Work Outcomes Evaluation
Part I
Discussion: 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 week's resources, Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen S. (Eds.). (2014b). Social work case studies: Concentration year. The section of "Basic Guide to Outcomes-Based Evaluation for Nonprofit Organizations with Very Limited Resources", titled "Overview of Methods to Collect Information."
Post 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.
Part II
Task: Designing a Plan for Outcome Evaluation
Social workers can apply knowledge and skills learned from conducting one type of evaluation to others. Moreover, evaluations themselves can inform and com`plement each other throughout the life of a program. You apply all that you have learned about program evaluation throughout this course to aid you in program evaluation.
To prepare for this Homework, review "Basic Guide to Program Evaluation (Including Outcomes Evaluation)", Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen S. (Eds.). (2014b). Social work case studies: Concentration year. Especially the sections titled "Outcomes-Based Evaluation" and "Contents of an Evaluation Plan." Then, select a program that you would like to evaluate. You should build on work that you have done in previous homeworks, but be sure to self-cite any written work that you have already submitted. Complete as many areas of the "Contents of an Evaluation Plan" as possible, leaving out items that assume you have already collected and analyzed the data.
Submit a 4 to 5 pages paper that outlines a plan for a program evaluation focused on outcomes. Be specific and elaborate. Include the following information:
a. The purpose of the evaluation, including specific questions to be answered
b. The outcomes to be evaluated
c. The indicators or instruments to be used to measure those outcomes, including the strengths and limitations of those measures to be used to evaluate the outcomes
d. A rationale for selecting among the six group research designs
e. The methods for collecting, organizing and analyzing data
Format your homework according to the give formatting requirements:
• The answer must be using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, typed, with one-inch margins on all sides.
• The response also includes a cover page containing the student's name, the title of the homework, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
• Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.