AAS Program Evaluation & Outcomes 3

Question 1

An evaluator uses the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) as an outcome measure pre- and post-intervention. Which psychometric property is MOST critical to verify before using it in this way?

Accepted Answer

Test-retest reliability and sensitivity to change

Answer

To detect change over time, an instrument must be reliable and sensitive to genuine change (responsiveness), not just stable.

Question 2

Cost-effectiveness analysis in suicide prevention compares program costs against:

Accepted Answer

Outcomes achieved per unit of cost

Answer

Cost-effectiveness analysis expresses program costs relative to a defined unit of outcome, such as cost per suicide attempt prevented.

Question 3

Which evaluation approach is MOST aligned with community-based participatory research principles in suicide prevention?

Accepted Answer

Engaging community members as co-investigators in study design and interpretation

Answer

CBPR involves community members as equal partners throughout the evaluation process, increasing cultural relevance and buy-in.

Question 4

Dosage in program evaluation refers to:

Accepted Answer

The amount of the intervention participants actually receive

Answer

Dosage measures how much of the intended intervention each participant received, which affects interpretation of outcomes.

Question 5

A zero-suicide initiative hospital reports a 40% reduction in inpatient suicides. The most significant threat to the internal validity of this finding is:

Accepted Answer

Regression to the mean, especially if the initiative followed an unusually high-rate period

Answer

If the program was implemented after an abnormally high-rate period, regression to the mean—not the intervention—may explain the decrease.

(AAS) American Association of Suicidology Certification Practice Test

(AAS) American Association of Suicidology Certification Practice Test

AAS Program Evaluation & Outcomes 3