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 assessment 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 APA for help with APA as needed.
Font and Font Size: Times New Roman, 12 points.
Do not use any AI, plagiarism, and paraphrase everything!
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and grading 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.
Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!
Step 1: Understand the Assignment Requirements
Your task is to compare theoretical research and program evaluation, considering various aspects such as purpose, research questions, design, data sources, ethical guidelines, and stakeholder involvement. To ensure you meet all the requirements, focus on the following areas:
- Purposes of the studies/evaluations
- Research questions
- Research design and evaluation type
- Data sources
- Data gathering methods
- Stakeholder involvement
- Legal and ethical guidelines
Step 2: Review the Studies/ Evaluations
You must first examine the theoretical research study and the program evaluation study. Pay attention to:
- Theoretical research: Focus on studies aimed at understanding and explaining phenomena, theories, or concepts.
- Program evaluation: Focus on assessing the effectiveness or impact of a program or intervention.
Step 3: Structure Your Paper
Organize your paper by addressing each required element with clear subheadings, ensuring a logical flow.
1. Introduction (1 paragraph)
- Briefly introduce the concepts of theoretical research and program evaluation.
- State the purpose of your comparison.
2. Purposes of Each Study/Evaluation (1-2 paragraphs)
- Theoretical Research: Explain the general purpose of the theoretical research (e.g., to explore or validate a theory).
- Program Evaluation: Discuss the purpose of the program evaluation (e.g., to assess the effectiveness of a program).
3. Research Questions (1 paragraph)
- Compare the research questions for each study/evaluation, highlighting the difference in their objectives.
- Theoretical Research: Discuss questions aimed at theory-building or understanding a concept.
- Program Evaluation: Focus on questions related to the impact or outcome of the program.
4. Research Design and Evaluation Type (1 paragraph)
- Describe the research design used in the theoretical research (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods).
- Explain the evaluation type (e.g., summative, formative) for the program evaluation.
5. Data Sources (1 paragraph)
- Theoretical Research: Identify the sources of data (e.g., existing literature, theoretical frameworks).
- Program Evaluation: Identify the sources of data (e.g., program participants, records, surveys).
6. Types of Data and Sources (1 paragraph)
- Explain the data type (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods) for each study/evaluation.
- Identify the sources (e.g., practitioners, clients, general population) used to gather data for each.
7. Data Gathering Methods (1 paragraph)
- Theoretical Research: Discuss methods like literature review, interviews, or theoretical modeling.
- Program Evaluation: Outline data collection methods such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, or direct observations.
8. Stakeholder Involvement (1 paragraph)
- Discuss how practitioners, stakeholders, or community members could be involved in each study.
- Theoretical Research: Could practitioners help develop theories or inform research questions?
- Program Evaluation: How could stakeholders be involved in the evaluation process (e.g., feedback, data collection)?
9. Legal and Ethical Guidelines (1-2 paragraphs)
- Legal Guidelines: Discuss any laws or policies that apply to data collection for both studies.
- Ethical Considerations: Consider potential ethical issues for each (e.g., privacy, informed consent, risk of harm). Discuss how participants’ confidentiality and rights would be protected.
- Address potential harm or distress (physical, psychological, financial) and how these risks could be minimized.
10. Conclusion (1 paragraph)
- Summarize your key points, emphasizing the comparison between theoretical research and program evaluation.
- Reiterate how both approaches contribute to advancing knowledge in their respective fields.
Step 4: Provide References
- Cite the required readings in APA format:
- Ravitch, S. M., & Carl, N. M. (2021). Qualitative research: Bridging the conceptual, theoretical, and methodological (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.
- Rubin, H. J., & Rubin, I. S. (2012). Qualitative interviewing: The art of hearing data (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
- Use additional scholarly references as needed to support your points.
Step 5: Proofread and Submit
- Check for clarity, grammar, and APA formatting.
- Ensure that you fully address each aspect of the assignment with proper citations and scholarly evidence.
- Ensure the paper meets the required length (5-6 pages) and is double-spaced with Times New Roman 12-point font.
By following this guide step by step, you will be able to craft a thorough and well-organized comparison of theoretical research and program evaluation!