Description
Unit 3:
Theoretical and Clinical Foundations of Research
INTRODUCTION
Designing, implementing, and analyzing a research project requires advance planning and cannot be completed haphazardly. In fact, there are a number of steps and strategies to consider. Researchers often begin by reading, analyzing, and evaluating the existing literature on their proposed research problem or therapeutic program. This involves considering previous research, the literature recommendations for additional research, and so on.
Equally important, researchers must review and understand the specific design issues and cautiously select a methodology that is best suited for the objectives of the proposed research. It is here that researchers fine-tune their design selection and participant recruitment process, and consider validity and reliability issues and analytical procedures. Principles of Multiculturalism and Diversity
Principles of Multiculturalism and Diversity
The substance abuse treatment field has begun an increasingly sophisticated discussion of multicultural issues in recent years. As research into the etiology and consequences of addiction has expanded, so too has the understanding of significant differences in use, abuse, and treatment of chemical dependency by diverse cultural, racial, and ethnic groups in the United States. As clinicians, we will find ourselves working with a diverse population of clients. It is essential for us to be well-versed in the various multicultural differences, including sexual orientation, gender, and race. Principles of Multiculturalism and Diversity
OBJECTIVES
To successfully complete this learning unit, you will be expected to:
1. Evaluate any concerns or issues on your proposed topic.
2. Identify and critique the necessary components of your research proposal.
3. Apply current research findings as they relate to your research.
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Studies Readings
Read the following in Royse, Thyer, and Padgett’s Program Evaluation: An Introduction to an Evidence-Based Approach:
-
- Chapter 10, “Cost-Effectiveness and Cost Analysis,” pages 283–298.
- Chapter 11, “Measurement Tools and Strategies,” pages 301–328.
- Chapter 12, “Selecting the Best Evaluation Measure for Your Project,” pages 331–347.
- Chapter 13, “Pragmatic Issues,” pages 351–375.Read the Smith and Brinson article, “Multiculturalism, Diversity, and Social Advocacy: A 17-Year Content Analysis of Counselor Education and Supervision.”Use the Library to locate three peer-reviewed journal articles that are relevant to your final project. Use the articles you located to complete this unit’s “Plan of Action for Your Study” discussion.
Optional – Library Articles Principles of Multiculturalism and Diversity
You may choose to read these articles, available in the Library, to augment your understanding of this unit’s topics.
- Whitley’s (2007) article, “Mixed-Methods Studies,” in Journal of Mental Health, volume 16, issue 6, pages 697–701.
- The Howard, Hill, Maxwell, Baptista, Farias, Coelho, Coulter-Kern, and Coulter-Kern (2009) article, “What’s Wrong with Research Literatures? And How to Make Them Right,” in Review of General Psychology, volume 13, issue 2, pages 146–166. Principles of Multiculturalism and DiversityDiscussion 1: 1 page needed with minimum of 250 words and 2 references.Plan of Action for Your Study
Selecting a research methodology or program evaluation drives the other significant components of your study such as planning the clinical study or program, the literature review, participant selection, design issues, and validity issues. Other variables that drive these components are your selected population and the purpose of your study. Based on the readings of this unit and the three peer-reviewed journal articles you located in the Library, provide a succinct and detailed summary of your plan of action for implementing your study, and any research or clinical concerns. Principles of Multiculturalism and Diversity
Discussion 2: 1 page needed with minimum of 250 words and 2 references.
Principles of Multiculturalism and Diversity
Discuss how your project will address the diversity issues (gender, race, or other multicultural factor) in the treatment of addicted clients. Include an analysis of evidence-based approaches to treating substance abuse among diverse populations. Principles of Multiculturalism and Diversity