The approach for this evaluation is really pretty simple. As mentioned very briefly above this is an outcome evaluation. However, the findings from the outcome evaluation may be used to address or further develop the process. The goal of the research is exploratory. This evaluation is looking to “assess the effects of an intervention process for the purpose of building a foundation for general ideas and tentative theories (Grinell, Gabor, Unrau, 2016, p. 487). ” The evaluator is looking into whether this eight week self harm group named Break the (SI)lence teaches effective coping skills to reduce self-harm.
The intervention process is the eight week group, and the general idea or theory the evaluator is looking to state is whether the group reduces self harm or not. This evaluation is going to be a quasi-experimental design, utilizing a pretest/posttest format. This type of design has been chosen because the evaluator is looking to see what impact the group has on this population. The evaluation questions will be given to the group members during group one and again during group eight. Any change in the measure can then be attributed to the treatment. The uestions are given in a likert scale format from one to five.
Five meaning strongly agree and one means strongly disagree. Therefore the data collected will be quantitative data. Again this evaluation supports the mission by working towards developing a group that will allow the agency to foster healthy family relationships, an after school program, and education. Sampling Plan The sampling strategy for this evaluation is simple. The evaluator is proposing to use convenience sampling. “Convenience sampling is a non-probability sampling procedure that relies on the closest and most available research articipants to constitute a sample (Grinell, Gabor, Unrau, 2016, p. 483).
The reason this sampling plan has been chosen is because the proposal is for one specific group at the agency. The group to be evaluated has only eight members. All eight members will be included in the research. Measurement The proposed measurement for this outcome evaluation is going to be a likert scale. The likert scale is a commonly used format for surveys (Allen, 2017). The respondents are going to rank how much they agree or disagree with the following statements. The statements on this measurement relate to the oals of the group, and the information that should be absorbed during the eight week group.
Group Evaluation Questionnaire Now that you have completed the group, it is time to reflect on what you have learned. Rate each statement from 1 to 5, with 5 = “strongly agree” and 1 = “strongly disagree. ” SI = Self Injury 1. You can recognize the upsetting emotions that may lead to your SI. emotions that lead to your Sl. 3. You can find replacement/ alternative activities when you feel like engaging in Sl. You can change the thoughts that trigger your SI. 5. You can develop a healthier lifestyle. 6. You can form a network of friends, including adults you can turn to for help. 7. You can develop an emergency plan to use when you are in a crisis. relationship with your parents, based on open communication. 9. You can be happier and find more pleasure in your life every day. therapist? ( Y) or (N ) Please Specify the Number of times per week you are currently engaging in self-injury. Data 2. You can control/manage the upsetting 4. 8. You can develop a better 10. You are in therapy with a counselor/ Collection The data collection methods for this evaluation again are simple.
The questionnaire will be given during group one to all participants in order to get a baseline. Following the conclusion of group the exact same questionnaire will be given to all participants again. The data collected from the pre and posttests will be examined and evaluated for changes in the participant’s answers. Keeping in mind the age of the participants there are only eleven questions on the evaluation and the language is kept straightforward and simple. The reason the evaluation will be given during group is to increase the chances of participants filling out the questionnaire.
Data Analysis In order to analyze the data from this evaluation the evaluator will be using descriptive statistics. “Descriptive statistics help describe and understand the features of a specific data set, by giving short summaries about the sample and measures of the data (Staff, 2015). ” The evaluation question is extremely specific to reduction of self harm. In order to evaluate this data, the evaluator will take the participants answers from the pretest on the number of times they engage in self harm per week and compute the mean. They would then do the same for the posttest.
Following that the smaller number would be divided by the larger number and then subtract one to get the percent of change. For instance if eight was the mean number of times the participants engaged in self harm before the group started and three the mean after the eight week group, the evaluator could conclude that there was a 62% reduction in self harm after the eight week group. Ethical Issues Fortunately for this evaluation proposal there are not too many ethical concerns to take into account. However, the biggest concern is the age of the participants.
Because all group embers will be under the age of eighteen, the evaluator will need to obtain written parental/guardian consent for the members to participate in the study, as well as assent from the participants themselves. The written consent will be discussed and reviewed during the initial intake. The initial intake happens before the first group, so this should eliminate any problems with members showing up to the first group without consent to participate. The parents/guardians will be given a copy of the questions for review during the intake so they are aware of the questions that will be asked of their children.
The risks for this study appear to be minimal. Members may feel pressure to answer a certain way for fear that the results may be shared with their parents or caregivers. However, confidentiality will be discussed and agreed upon by participants and parents during the intake process. Only “life altering” information/disclosures will be reported to parents or caregivers. The members would benefit from this evaluation in terms of the RWFRC being able to put out a better product. This evaluation is being designed to shed light on the new program that was designed and to ensure hat it is meeting the goals of the group.
There are no identified concerns that deal with race, gender, and ethnicity because the proposed study includes all members of the group. However, because all members of the group are girls between the ages of twelve and seventeen, the results of the study may not be generalizable to include other populations such as boys or individuals who are much younger or older than the target population. Consent Form When children are involved in research it is necessary to obtain their assent and the consent of their parents. Assent is a child’s agreement to participate in the research.
This gives the child the opportunity to decide if they want to take part, and to decline if they do not. The assent will be discussed during the intake process. Following is the assent form that will be given to the members of the group. Following that will be the consent form given to parents/guardians during the intake process as well. Participant Assent Project Title: Break the (SI)lence Evaluation Investigator: MSW Student Intern We are doing a research study about the effectiveness of this self-harm group. A research study is a way to learn more about people.
If you decide that you want to be part of this study, you will be asked to fill out an eleven-question evaluation at the start of group and again at the end of this eight-week group. questions should only take approximately 5-10 minutes to answer and you will be given time to do so during group one and group eight. Not everyone who takes part in this study will be of direct benefit. A benefit means that something good happens to you. We think the benefits will be that the group will continue to grow and develop here at the RWFRC, and that it will ontinue to help you and others in the community get the help they need.
When we are finished with this study we will write a report about what was learned. This report will not include your name or that you were in the study. You do not have to be in this study if you do not want to be. If you decide to stop after we begin, that’s okay too. Your parents also know about the study and their consent for you to participate will also be needed. If you agree to be in this study, please sign your name. I, want to be in this research study. (Sign your name here) (Date) Parental Consent
Project Title: Break the (SI)lence Evaluation Your child has been invited to join a research study with the Ron Wood Family Resource Center for their participation in the support group Break the (SI)lence. Please take whatever time you need to discuss the study with your family and friends, or anyone else you wish to. The decision to let you child join, or not to join, is up to you. In this research study, we are evaluating whether the group is successful in reducing your child’s self harm behaviors after participating in the eight-week group. Your child will be asked to complete an eleven question valuation two separate times.
Once during group one and then again during group eight. This questionnaire will take her about 5-10 minutes to complete. The questionnaire is anonymous and there will be no identifying information asked. The questions will use a scale of 1-5 with 5 meaning they strongly agree with the statement and 1 meaning they strongly disagree with the statement. Your child can stop participating at any time. There are no known risks for your child participating and we can’t guarantee that your child will personally experience benefits from participating in this study.
Others may benefit in the future from the information we find in this study. Your child’s name will not be used when data from this study is published. Every effort will be made to keep clinical records, research records, and other personal information confidential. To do this we used a locked file cabinet where charts are kept. Only the facilitators of group have access to those files. Participation in this study is voluntary. Your child has the right not to participate at all or to leave the study at any time. Permission for a Child to Participate in Research As parent or legal guardian, I authorize