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

Correlational research

Answer

Case study research

Answer

Descriptive research

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

The degree to which results can be generalized to other populations

Answer

The consistency of a measurement instrument across time and raters

Answer

The ethical standards followed during data collection

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

Social support causes lower depression scores

Answer

There is no meaningful relationship between social support and depression

Answer

Social support explains 65% of the variance in depression

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

Research participants are selected fairly without exploiting vulnerable populations

Answer

Informed consent is obtained from all participants before the study begins

Answer

Research participants are free from coercion and can withdraw at any time

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

Using only treatments with randomized controlled trial (RCT) support, regardless of client preferences

Answer

Applying theoretical knowledge without regard to current research findings

Answer

Following agency policies regardless of available research evidence

Question 6

A counselor conducting a program evaluation wants to assess whether a 10-week psychoeducation group reduced participants' symptoms of anxiety. Which type of evaluation is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Outcome evaluation

Answer

Needs assessment

Answer

Process evaluation

Answer

Cost-benefit analysis