LMHC Counseling Research and Program Evaluation

Question 1

Which type of research design allows a researcher to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables?

Accepted Answer

True experimental research

Answer

True experimental research uses random assignment to control and experimental groups, allowing researchers to attribute differences in outcomes to the independent variable.

Question 2

In research on counseling outcomes, the term 'internal validity' refers to:

Accepted Answer

The degree to which the study accurately measures the relationship between the independent and dependent variables

Answer

Internal validity is the confidence that the independent variable caused changes in the dependent variable — that the results are not due to confounding variables.

Question 3

A counselor reads a research study reporting that the correlation between social support and depression is r = -0.65. Which of the following is the BEST interpretation of this finding?

Accepted Answer

Higher social support is strongly associated with lower depression scores

Answer

r = -0.65 indicates a strong negative correlation — as social support increases, depression scores tend to decrease. Correlation does not imply causation.

Question 4

The ethical principle of 'beneficence' in research (as outlined in the Belmont Report) requires that:

Accepted Answer

Researchers maximize benefits and minimize harms to research participants

Answer

The Belmont Report's principle of beneficence requires researchers to maximize benefits and minimize risks to participants.

Question 5

Which of the following BEST describes 'evidence-based practice' (EBP) as applied in counseling?

Accepted Answer

Integrating the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and client values and preferences

Answer

EBP is the integration of the best research evidence, clinical expertise, and client values/preferences — not strict adherence to RCT findings alone.

(LMHC) Licensed Mental Health Counselor Certification Practice Test

(LMHC) Licensed Mental Health Counselor Certification Practice Test

LMHC Counseling Research and Program Evaluation