TCC Research Methods & Program Evaluation

Question 1

In counseling research, which type of validity refers to the extent to which a study's findings can be generalized to populations and settings beyond the original study?

Accepted Answer

External validity

Answer

External validity concerns the generalizability of research findings — whether results obtained from a specific sample in a specific setting apply to other populations, settings, and times.

Question 2

A Texas school counselor conducts a needs assessment by surveying students, teachers, and parents about concerns. This type of evaluation is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Needs assessment

Answer

A needs assessment identifies discrepancies between current and desired conditions by gathering data from stakeholders, and is used to determine priorities for a counseling program.

Question 3

Which research design provides the strongest evidence of causality between a counseling intervention and client outcomes?

Accepted Answer

Randomized controlled trial (RCT)

Answer

A randomized controlled trial, in which participants are randomly assigned to treatment and control groups, provides the strongest evidence of causality by controlling for confounding variables.

Question 4

In the context of the ASCA National Model, what does 'accountability' specifically require school counselors to demonstrate?

Accepted Answer

The impact of their counseling program on student achievement and outcomes through data

Answer

ASCA's accountability component requires school counselors to collect and analyze data to demonstrate how the comprehensive school counseling program affects student academic achievement, attendance, and behavior outcomes.

Question 5

A counselor notes that clients who attend more sessions also show greater symptom reduction. This is an example of which type of correlation?

Accepted Answer

Positive correlation

Answer

A positive correlation means that as one variable increases (number of sessions), the other variable also increases (symptom reduction), though correlation does not establish causation.

(TCC) Texas Counselor Certification Practice Test

(TCC) Texas Counselor Certification Practice Test

TCC Research Methods & Program Evaluation