CPCE Research & Program Evaluation 5

Question 1

A researcher collects data from the same participants at ages 10, 15, and 20 to study how career aspirations change over time. This is a(n):

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal study

Answer

A longitudinal study follows the same participants over an extended time period to observe how variables change or develop.

Question 2

Which reliability coefficient refers to the consistency of a test when administered twice to the same group over a period of time?

Accepted Answer

Test-retest reliability

Answer

Test-retest reliability measures the stability of scores across two administrations of the same instrument separated by a time interval.

Question 3

In a mixed-methods study, a counselor collects quantitative survey data and then uses qualitative interviews to explain unexpected survey findings. This sequential design is called:

Accepted Answer

Explanatory sequential design

Answer

An explanatory sequential design starts with quantitative data collection and uses subsequent qualitative data to explain or elaborate on the quantitative results.

Question 4

A counselor educator evaluates a training program by comparing students' counseling skill scores before training (pretest) and after training (posttest) using one group. The greatest threat to internal validity in this design is:

Accepted Answer

History and maturation

Answer

In one-group pretest-posttest designs, history (external events) and maturation (participants naturally changing over time) are major threats because there is no control group to rule them out.

Question 5

When reviewing research for evidence-based practice, a counselor finds that a meta-analysis exists on the treatment of social anxiety. Compared to a single randomized trial, a meta-analysis provides:

Accepted Answer

A quantitative synthesis of effect sizes across multiple studies

Answer

Meta-analysis statistically combines findings from multiple studies to produce an overall estimate of effect size, providing stronger evidence than any single study.

Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam Practice Test

Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Exam Practice Test

CPCE Research & Program Evaluation 5