LSP Program Evaluation & Consultation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A school psychologist is asked to evaluate a district-wide social-emotional learning (SEL) initiative after two years. Which evaluation design best addresses questions of program effectiveness?
- A retrospective case study of a single school
- A randomized controlled trial comparing SEL and non-SEL schools (Correct answer)
- A cost analysis of materials purchased
- A satisfaction survey completed by program developers
Correct answer: A randomized controlled trial comparing SEL and non-SEL schools
A randomized controlled trial provides the strongest evidence of causal effectiveness by controlling for confounding variables.
Question 2: During a consultation with a teacher struggling with classroom management, the psychologist focuses on modifying environmental antecedents rather than student behavior directly. This approach is most consistent with:
- Psychodynamic consultation
- Behavioral-ecological consultation (Correct answer)
- Client-centered consultation
- Organizational development consultation
Correct answer: Behavioral-ecological consultation
Behavioral-ecological consultation examines and modifies environmental antecedents and setting events that influence student behavior.
Question 3: A program evaluator uses both teacher interview data and standardized test scores to assess a reading intervention. This practice exemplifies:
- Triangulation (Correct answer)
- Reactivity control
- Summative weighting
- Fidelity testing
Correct answer: Triangulation
Triangulation involves using multiple data sources or methods to cross-validate findings and strengthen conclusions.
Question 4: A consultee initially resists implementing a recommended behavioral intervention, insisting it 'won't work.' According to Caplan's mental health consultation model, this resistance most likely reflects:
- Theme interference (Correct answer)
- Lack of knowledge
- Poor rapport with the consultant
- Skill deficit in the consultee
Correct answer: Theme interference
Caplan described theme interference as when past unresolved issues distort a consultee's objective assessment of a current case.
Question 5: Which type of program evaluation focuses on whether a program is being implemented as intended?
- Outcome evaluation
- Cost-benefit evaluation
- Process/fidelity evaluation (Correct answer)
- Needs assessment
Correct answer: Process/fidelity evaluation
Process or fidelity evaluation examines whether program components are delivered as designed before attributing outcomes to the program.
Question 6: A psychologist consulting with a pediatric medical team primarily serves as a liaison between the family and the medical staff. This role is best described as:
- Expert consultant
- Collaborative problem-solver
- Systems change agent
- Triadic-dependent consultant (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Triadic-dependent consultant
The triadic-dependent model positions the consultant as an expert who works between parties, with the consultee dependent on consultant expertise.
Question 7: When conducting a needs assessment for a new mental health program, the FIRST step should be:
- Selecting outcome measures
- Identifying and engaging key stakeholders (Correct answer)
- Developing program logic models
- Determining budget allocations
Correct answer: Identifying and engaging key stakeholders
Stakeholder engagement at the outset ensures the needs assessment reflects the community's actual priorities and increases buy-in for subsequent steps.
LSP Program Evaluation & Consultation 2
A school psychologist is asked to evaluate a district-wide social-emotional learning (SEL) initiative after two years.
Which evaluation design best addresses questions of program effectiveness?