NCMHCE Research and Program Evaluation 5

Question 1

A researcher asks participants to rate their own mental health on a 1-10 scale before and after counseling. What is the primary measurement concern with this approach?

Accepted Answer

Social desirability bias inflating self-reported improvement

Answer

Self-report scales are particularly vulnerable to social desirability bias, where participants rate themselves more positively to appear well-adjusted.

Question 2

In qualitative research, which technique involves returning transcripts or summaries to participants so they can verify accuracy?

Accepted Answer

Member checking

Answer

Member checking (respondent validation) involves sharing findings with participants to confirm the researcher's interpretations are accurate.

Question 3

A program evaluator wants to understand the day-to-day operations of a crisis hotline to identify implementation barriers. Which evaluation approach is most fitting?

Accepted Answer

Process evaluation examining program activities and fidelity

Answer

Process evaluation examines how a program is implemented, its activities, and fidelity to the original design, identifying operational barriers.

Question 4

Which of the following is the correct sequence in the research process?

Accepted Answer

Research question → Literature review → Methodology → Data collection → Analysis

Answer

The standard research sequence begins with a question, situates it in existing literature, selects a methodology, collects data, and then analyzes results.

Question 5

A counseling agency uses program outcome data showing reduced client symptom scores to justify continued funding to a state board. This is an example of which evaluation purpose?

Accepted Answer

Accountability evaluation for stakeholder reporting

Answer

Accountability evaluation uses outcome data to demonstrate program effectiveness to funders, policymakers, or oversight bodies.

NCMHCE - National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination Practice Test

NCMHCE - National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination Practice Test

NCMHCE Research and Program Evaluation 5