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This course provides a practical foundation in evaluating scientific evidence, interpreting research quality, and applying real-world research and evaluation methods in integrative mental health contexts. Students learn to distinguish credible academic sources from non–peer-reviewed materials, compare single studies with systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and design research questions that inform applied inquiry and program evaluation. Emphasis is placed on critical appraisal, research design decision-making, data collection strategies, and communicating findings with integrity.
In this course, students will develop a complete program evaluation proposal addressing a self-chosen program or population, demonstrating the ability to synthesize evidence, apply appropriate methods, and evaluate outcomes ethically and effectively.
Explain how scientific evidence is systematically collected, evaluated, and used to inform research, clinical, or programmatic decision-making in integrative mental health contexts.
Assess the credibility and rigor of academic literature, including evaluating journal quality, explaining the peer-review process, and identifying levels of evidence (from expert opinion to systematic reviews and meta-analyses), and understand APA 7 (current) formatting for all academic standards and literature.
Compare the strengths and limitations of single studies versus systematic reviews and meta-analyses for informing applied decision-making in integrative mental health contexts.
Design a basic program evaluation plan, including defining objectives, selecting appropriate outcome metrics and data collection methods, and establishing evaluation criteria to determine program effectiveness.
Apply qualitative and quantitative research methods to pose and test novel, applied research or evaluation questions, including systematic observation, interviewing, content analysis, reliable assessment instrument development, and experimental or quasi-experimental designs, while demonstrating ethical data collection, analysis, and interpretation in real-world clinical or program settings.
Synthesize and communicate research and evaluation findings clearly for diverse audiences (academic, organizational, and practitioner), producing work suitable for publication and conveying results with integrity, appropriate evidence support, and ethical awareness.
Design an evaluation proposal that integrates ethical standards and an introduction to community-based and participatory approaches across research design, participant protection, cultural responsiveness, and responsible use of evidence, applying ethical best practices for applied research and evaluation, particularly in integrative mental health contexts involving historically underrepresented or marginalized populations.
Required Course Pack:
Required Textbooks:
View the required textbooks for this class, including ISBN, edition, and retail price, by visiting our Required Textbooks page.
Total Course Price:
View the total course price including tuition, fees, course materials, and shipping online here.
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