Week 6Group Intervention and Research Design Proposal

Assignment

Purpose

The purpose of this assignment is to design and present a group intervention proposal grounded in an evidence-based practice that addresses the needs of a specific population served by your practicum agency. Through the development of a group research design, this project aims to apply research methods and utilize empirical evidence to inform, assess, and enhance services. The recorded presentation will demonstrate your ability to integrate competencies related to research-informed practice and program evaluation.

Course Outcomes

This assignment provides documentation of student ability to meet the following course outcomes:

• CO 5: Apply research methods and evidence to inform, assess, and improve social work practices, social welfare policies, and social welfare programs (Competency 4, 6, 7).

Due Date

Students must complete the Group Intervention and Research Design Proposal assignment

Directions

Complete this assignment following the steps for each section below.

Section 1: Video

1. You are to propose a group intervention and research design proposal using an existing evidence-based practice to serve a population served by your practicum agency.
2. The proposal must be a recorded slide show with narration for your Agency Instructor, classmates, and course instructor to review.
3. The recording must be between 7 and 10 minutes.
4. Organize your presentation and slide deck using the format outlined below. You should have no more than 14 slides.
5. Immediately following each slide number and title heading, follow the instructions.
6. Please remember this is a narrated video in which you are using the slides to answer questions. Use speaker notes to organize your thoughts. Do not read directly from each slide. Each slide should have no more than 40 words.
7. You are encouraged to share your video presentation with your Agency Instructor and discuss it during supervision.

Section 2: Organization and Delivery

Organize your slide deck (PowerPoint presentation) and presentation using the following outline and format:

1. Slide 1: Create a title that informs the audience what they can expect. The title slide should include your name and the date.
2. Slide 2: About the Organization. Briefly describe your practicum site.
3. Slide 3: Target Population. Briefly describe the target population for the group intervention.
4. Slide 4: About the Group Intervention – Part 1. Briefly describe the evidence-based practice or program by describing (1) the intervention, (2) its goals, and (3) its essential components.
5. Slide 5: About the Group Intervention – Part 2. Briefly describe the (1) frequency, intensity, and duration of the intervention, (2) setting, and (3) resources (including staffing) needed to implement the intervention with fidelity.
6. Slide 6: Implementation Plan. Briefly describe how the intervention would be implemented. Be sure to include information on training, fidelity measures, costs, and other resources necessary to implement the intervention.
7. Slide 7: Research Question. What is your research question or hypothesis?
8. Slide 8: Dependent Variables. What are your dependent variables (identify at least two), and how will they be operationalized? Describe your use of measures and your rationale for choosing these measures.
9. Slide 9: Data Collection. How long will it take for you to collect data? Describe your use of pre- and post-tests and when they will be administered.
10. Slide 10: Recruitment. Briefly describe your recruitment strategy for participants/research subjects.
11. Slide 11: Research Design. Describe the research design you have selected for this proposal and your rationale for why it was chosen. Consider the needs of the agency and the ethics guiding your choice.
12. Slide 12: Control Group. Briefly describe your methods for creating a control group. Describe your rationale for using (or not using) randomization. If randomization is used, describe your procedures.
13. Slide 13: Reporting Results. Describe how you will communicate results back to your practicum and participants.
14. Slide 14: References. Include all references using APA format.

Section 3: Format

1. Use at least three academic and relevant sources not found in this lesson.
2. Sources should be no more than five years old unless they are historical references.
3. Correctly cite and use in-text citations.
4. Follow grammar, spelling, word usage, and punctuation rules consistent with formal, professional writing.
5. Abide by Chamberlain University’s academic integrity policy.

Once you complete the recording, please check the quality of the video to make sure the picture is clear and the sound is audible. If the video is not audible, the instructor will not accept it, and you will automatically receive a zero.

You must upload the video file to My Media in Canvas. Links to online video-sharing platforms will not be accepted. Go to My Media in Canvas and click Media Upload. Drag and drop the file or choose the file to upload. All standard video formats (e.g., MP4) are accepted. This will save your video to Kaltura Media. When you are ready to submit your assignment, click “Start Assignment.” Next, click Text Entry. In the Rich Content Editor, click Embed Kaltura Media. Locate your video and click Embed. After you have embedded your video, click Submit Assignment.

Rubric

MSW545_W6_Assignment RubricMSW545_W6_Assignment RubricCriteriaRatingsPtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeVideo Length10 ptsExcellent7–10 minutes, clear narration, engaging delivery8 ptsProficientSlightly over/under time5 ptsNeeds ImprovementTime is significantly off0 ptsUnsatisfactoryNo video10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSlide Design10 ptsExcellentSlides are visually appealing, concise (≤40 words), and support narration8 ptsProficientSlides mostly clear, minor wordiness5 ptsNeeds ImprovementSlides cluttered or hard to follow0 ptsUnsatisfactoryNo slides10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeNarration5 ptsExcellent7–10 minutes, clear narration, engaging delivery4 ptsProficientSlightly over/under time2.5 ptsNeeds ImprovementTime is significantly off0 ptsUnsatisfactoryNo video5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTitle5 ptsExcellentTitle is engaging and reflects content4 ptsProficientThe title is clear but generic2.5 ptsNeeds ImprovementTitle is vague or missing key info0 ptsUnsatisfactoryMissing or incomplete5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAbout the OrganizationDescription of practicum site5 ptsExcellentClear, concise, and relevant description4 ptsProficientClear, concise, and relevant description2.5 ptsNeeds ImprovementVague or lacks relevance0 ptsUnsatisfactoryMissing or off-topic5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTarget Population5 ptsExcellentWell-defined, specific, and relevant to the agency4 ptsProficientDefined but lacks specificity or depth2.5 ptsNeeds ImprovementUnclear or overly broad0 ptsUnsatisfactoryMissing or irrelevant5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeGroup Intervention Pt. 1Intervention, goals, components10 ptsExcellentThorough explanation with strong evidence base8 ptsProficientMostly clear, minor gaps in explanation5 ptsNeeds ImprovementLimited detail or weak connection to evidence0 ptsUnsatisfactoryMissing or poorly explained10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeGroup Intervention Pt. 2Frequency, setting, resources10 ptsExcellentAll elements are clearly described and feasible8 ptsProficientMost elements are described but some lack clarity5 ptsNeeds ImprovementElements are vague or unrealistic0 ptsUnsatisfactoryMissing or poorly developed10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeImplementation PlanTraining, fidelity, costs, resources10 ptsExcellentDetailed, feasible, and well-supported plan8 ptsProficientMostly complete, some elements underdeveloped5 ptsNeeds ImprovementPlan lacks depth or feasibility0 ptsUnsatisfactoryMissing or vague10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeResearch QuestionClear and researchable question10 ptsExcellentFocused, relevant, and clearly stated8 ptsProficientRelevant but could be more focused5 ptsNeeds ImprovementVague or too broad0 ptsUnsatisfactoryMissing or unclear10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDependent VariablesVariables and operationalization10 ptsExcellentClearly defined, measurable, and justified8 ptsProficientMostly clear, rationale could be stronger5 ptsNeeds ImprovementVariables unclear or poorly justified0 ptsUnsatisfactoryMissing or incorrect10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeData CollectionTimeline10 ptsExcellentClear timeline with appropriate pre/post-tests8 ptsProficientMostly clear, some gaps in timing or testing5 ptsNeeds ImprovementTimeline or testing unclear or incomplete0 ptsUnsatisfactoryMissing or not feasible10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeRecruitmentStrategy for participant recruitment10 ptsExcellentEthical, feasible, and clearly described8 ptsProficientMostly clear, some gaps in feasibility5 ptsNeeds ImprovementVague or unrealistic strategy0 ptsUnsatisfactoryMissing10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeResearch DesignDesign and rationale10 ptsExcellentAppropriate, ethical, and well-justified8 ptsProficientMostly appropriate, rationale could be stronger5 ptsNeeds ImprovementDesign lacks clarity or ethical consideration0 ptsUnsatisfactoryMissing10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeControl GroupControl group and randomization10 ptsExcellentClear rationale and procedures, ethically sound8 ptsProficientMostly clear, some details missing5 ptsNeeds ImprovementVague or ethically questionable0 ptsUnsatisfactoryMissing10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeReporting ResultsCommunication of findings5 ptsExcellentClear, ethical plan for sharing results4 ptsProficientMostly clear, some gaps in communication2.5 ptsNeeds ImprovementPlan is vague or impractical0 ptsUnsatisfactoryMissing or not addressed5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSourcesIncluded at least three academic and relevant references5 ptsExcellentAll sources recent, relevant, and correctly cited4 ptsProficientMinor APA errors or slightly outdated sources2.5 ptsNeeds ImprovementMultiple APA errors or weak sources0 ptsUnsatisfactoryMissing or not APA formatted5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAPA StyleAll citations and references are in correct APA format5 ptsExcellent0-1 errors.4 ptsProficient2 errors.2.5 ptsNeeds Improvement3 errors.0 ptsUnsatisfactory4 or more errors.5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting RequirementsCommunicate with minimal English grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation errors.5 ptsExcellent0-1 errors.4 ptsProficient2 errors.2.5 ptsNeeds Improvement3 errors.0 ptsUnsatisfactory4 or more errors.5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeLate Deduction0 ptsNo Points DeductedSubmitted on time0 ptsPoints DeductedNot Submitted on Time – Points Deducted (5% deduction per day) Score of 0 if more than 7 days late0 pts
Total Points: 150

Textbooks and Resources

Required Textbooks

The following books are required for this course:

• Title: Publication Manual of the American Psychological AssociationAuthors: American Psychological AssociationPublisher: American Psychological Association (APA)Publication Date: 2019-10-01Edition: 7thAPA CitationAmerican Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). American Psychological Association.
• Title: Research Methods in Social WorkAuthors: David RoysePublisher: CognellaPublication Date: 2024-12-03APA CitationRoyse, D. (2025). Research methods in social work (9th ed.). Cognella.
• Title: Intersectional Approach to Human Behavior in the Social EnvironmentAuthors: Elisabeth Counselman CarpenterPublication Date: 2024-11-07APA CitationCounselman-Carpenter, E. (2025). An intersectional approach to human behavior in the social environment: Decolonizing theory to practice (1st ed.). Cognella.
• Title: Generalist Social Work PracticeAuthors: Janice GaskerPublisher: SAGE PublicationsPublication Date: 2023-02-12APA CitationGasker, J. (2023). Generalist social work practice (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc.
• Title: Social Policy for Effective Practice: A Strengths PerspectiveAuthors: Rosemary Kennedy Chapin, Melinda LewisPublisher: RoutledgePublication Date: 2023-03-31Edition: 6thAPA CitationKennedy Chapin, R., & Lewis, M. (2023). Social policy for effective practice: A strengths perspective (6th ed.). Routledge.

Step 1: Understand the assignment before creating slides

Your goal is to propose an evidence-based group intervention and a feasible research design for evaluating its outcomes. You are not simply describing a program; you are explaining how the program would be implemented, measured, and evaluated ethically.

Your presentation must meet these requirements:

• 14 slides maximum, following the specified 14-slide outline.

• 7–10 minutes of recorded narration.

• No more than 40 words on each slide.

• Speaker notes that expand on the slide content rather than repeat it.

• At least three relevant academic sources, generally published within the last five years unless historically important.

• APA-style citations and references.

• A recorded video uploaded to Kaltura through Canvas, not merely an external video link.

Recommended timing: Aim for approximately 8 minutes and 30 seconds. That gives you time to explain your research design without rushing.

Step 2: Build the slide deck and prepare your narration

The following is a slide-by-slide template. Keep the slide text concise and use the narration notes to explain the reasoning. Replace the illustrative details with accurate information from your practicum agency.

Slide 1: Title and purpose

About 20 seconds

Suggested slide text

Evaluating Group CBT for Adults Experiencing Depressive Symptoms Your Name Chamberlain University | MSW545 Date

Speaker notes: Introduce yourself and explain that your presentation proposes a group intervention, identifies measurable outcomes, and describes a research design to evaluate whether the intervention benefits the selected population.

Slide 2: About the organization

About 30 seconds

Suggested slide text

[Agency Name] • Community-based social services • Mental health and supportive services • Individual and group support • Referrals and community partnerships

Speaker notes: Describe your actual practicum agency, its mission, services, and the community it serves. Explain how the proposed intervention fits its existing services and addresses an identified service gap. Do not invent agency details.

Slide 3: Target population

About 30 seconds

Suggested slide text

Adults experiencing depressive symptoms • Age 18 and older • Connected to agency services • Appropriate for group-based support • Diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds

Speaker notes: Explain who would be eligible, why this population needs the intervention, and what barriers participants might face, such as cost, transportation, stigma, or limited access to individual therapy. Define eligibility with agency clinical staff.

Slide 4: About the group intervention — Part 1

About 45 seconds

Suggested slide text

Evidence-Based Practice: Group CBT • Identify unhelpful thought patterns • Practice cognitive restructuring • Develop behavioral activation skills • Strengthen coping and problem-solving

Speaker notes: Explain that group CBT helps participants identify relationships among thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Sessions may include psychoeducation, guided practice, homework, and peer support. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis supports the evidence base for group CBT for adult depression (Wong et al., 2024).

Slide 5: About the group intervention — Part 2

About 35 seconds

Suggested slide text

Format: 8 weekly sessions Duration: 90 minutes per session Group size: 6–10 participants Setting: Private agency room Staff: Trained facilitator and co-facilitator

Speaker notes: Present these figures as a proposed schedule, not a universal CBT requirement. Explain how a consistent schedule, private space, trained staff, accessible materials, and appropriate group size support participation. Confirm the intervention manual’s recommended dosage and agency capacity before finalizing.

Slide 6: Implementation plan

About 45 seconds

Suggested slide text

• Obtain agency approval • Train and supervise facilitators • Follow a structured session manual • Monitor fidelity and attendance • Budget staffing, materials, and space

Speaker notes: Describe preparation, staff training, referral procedures, and weekly supervision. Estimate costs using actual agency pay rates, staff hours, training fees, materials, and space. Monitor fidelity through session checklists and supervision. Document adaptations and protect the intervention’s essential components.

Slide 7: Research question

About 30 seconds

Suggested slide text

Research Question: Among eligible agency clients, does an eight-week group CBT program reduce depressive symptoms more than usual services over the same period?

Speaker notes: Explain that the question identifies the target population, intervention, comparison condition, outcome, and timeframe. The corresponding hypothesis is that participants receiving group CBT will show a greater average reduction in depressive symptom scores than participants receiving usual services.

Slide 8: Dependent variables

About 45 seconds

Suggested slide text

1. Depressive symptoms: PHQ-9 total score 2. Anxiety symptoms: GAD-7 total score Both measured before and after the intervention.

Speaker notes: Explain that the PHQ-9 measures depressive symptom severity and the GAD-7 measures anxiety symptom severity. Both are standardized self-report measures. Compare score changes from baseline to post-intervention, and explain that lower scores indicate fewer reported symptoms. Use authorized measures and appropriate supervision.

Slide 9: Data collection

About 35 seconds

Suggested slide text

Week 0: Consent and baseline measures Weeks 1–8: Intervention and attendance Week 8: Post-tests Week 12: Optional follow-up

Speaker notes: Explain that baseline measures are collected before the first session and repeated after the final session for both groups. The optional four-week follow-up can assess whether improvements are maintained. Allow additional time for recruitment, consent, and secure data preparation.

Slide 10: Recruitment

About 30 seconds

Suggested slide text

• Agency-approved referrals • Flyers and voluntary invitations • Screen for eligibility • Obtain informed consent • Explain confidentiality and withdrawal rights

Speaker notes: Describe how eligible clients will hear about the study through approved referral channels. Participation must be voluntary, and declining must not affect access to services. Explain eligibility screening, informed consent, privacy safeguards, and the right to withdraw without penalty.

Slide 11: Research design

About 40 seconds

Suggested slide text

Quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design • Intervention and comparison groups • Compare changes over time • Protect privacy and voluntary participation

Speaker notes: Justify a quasi-experimental design if the agency cannot randomly assign clients. Comparing changes between groups provides stronger evidence than evaluating only intervention participants, although selection differences may influence results. Obtain required institutional and agency approvals before collecting research data.

Slide 12: Control group

About 40 seconds

Suggested slide text

Comparison group: Usual agency services • Same assessment schedule • No withdrawal of standard care • Match eligibility criteria • Randomize only if feasible and approved

Speaker notes: Explain that the comparison group continues receiving usual services. Random assignment can reduce selection bias when feasible, ethical, and approved. If randomization is not feasible, use comparable eligibility criteria and document baseline differences. Do not deny necessary services to create a control group.

Slide 13: Reporting results

About 30 seconds

Suggested slide text

• Share an accessible summary • Present group-level findings • Discuss limitations and improvements • Protect participant identities • Recommend next steps

Speaker notes: Explain that results will be shared with the agency instructor, leadership, and participants in an accessible summary. Report outcome changes, participation, limitations, and recommendations without identifying individuals. Describe findings honestly, including results that do not support the hypothesis.

Slide 14: References

About 15 seconds

Suggested slide text

References Wong et al. (2024) Öst et al. (2023) Cuijpers et al. (2023) Full APA references below.

Speaker notes: Briefly acknowledge the research supporting your intervention and design. The actual slide should contain complete APA references, not just abbreviated citations. Because full references may exceed 40 words, confirm with your instructor whether the word limit excludes the references slide.

Step 3: Strengthen your research design

Your instructor will expect you to justify why your chosen intervention and evaluation method are appropriate. Explain the following points in your narration.

Step 4: Use academic sources published within the required timeframe

Your assignment requires at least three relevant academic sources that were not included in the lesson. These peer-reviewed articles are suitable starting points for the illustrative group CBT proposal.

Source 1: Evidence for group CBT

Wong et al. (2024) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis examining group CBT for adults experiencing depression. This source is particularly relevant to Slides 4 and 5.

Read the article on PubMed

PubMed

Source 2: CBT in routine clinical practice

Öst et al. (2023) reviewed CBT for adult depressive disorders in routine clinical settings. Use this research when explaining how evidence-based interventions may be evaluated in real-world service environments.

Read the article on PubMed

PubMed

Source 3: Evidence across treatment comparisons

Cuijpers et al. (2023) analyzed 409 trials involving 52,702 participants to examine CBT for depression across different comparison conditions. This article can help justify the intervention and discuss the importance of comparison groups.

Read the article on PubMed

PubMed

Additional resource: Implementing evidence-based practices

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides guidance on selecting, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based practices.

Explore the SAMHSA Evidence-Based Practices Resource Center

SAMHSA

APA 7 reference examples

Use the following entries as a starting point for Slide 14. Verify each source’s details against the published article before submitting.

Remember to add an appropriate in-text citation on each slide where you use research evidence, such as (Wong et al., 2024). Format the reference list with double spacing and hanging indents. For APA guidance, consult the American Psychological Association official reference examples guide.

https://apastyle.apa.org

Step 5: Prepare your narration and recording

A 7–10-minute presentation requires more explanation than the slide text alone provides. Use the following workflow to prepare your recording.

1. Write speaker notes in your own words for each slide, explaining the rationale behind your decisions and connecting them to research.
2. Practice speaking naturally instead of reading slide text word for word.
3. Time your full presentation. Aim for approximately 8 minutes and 30 seconds.
4. Use a consistent slide design, readable fonts, and simple visuals that support the research content.
5. Record your slideshow with narration and check that the picture is clear and the audio is audible throughout.
6. Upload the finished video to My Media in Canvas, then embed the Kaltura video in the assignment submission as instructed.

Step 6: Final submission checklist