3.
Write a list of all the different methods for collecting evaluation data you can think of. While doing this exercise think about individual sessions, groups or program evaluations you have been part of. Some of these methods will be qualitative and others quantitative. What does each method you identify measure best?
Table 2
Different Methods for Collecting Evaluation Data
Method
Best Applications
Surveys/questionnaires
Respondent self-reports
Participant observation
Individual behaviors within an environmental context
Interviews
In-depth assessments
4.
Locate and record a definition of formative and summative evaluation.
A.
Formative evaluation: Formative evaluations strengthen or improve the object being evaluated -- they help form it by examining the delivery of the program or technology, the quality of its implementation, and the assessment of the organizational context, personnel, procedures, inputs, and so on (Trochim, 2006, p. 3).
B.
Summative evaluation: Summative evaluations, in contrast, examine the effects or outcomes of some object -- they summarize it by describing what happens subsequent to delivery of the program or technology; assessing whether the object can be said to have caused the outcome; determining the overall impact...
4).
5.
Locate an article through one of the library online databases that reports on an evaluation of a social work intervention using single subject design. Write a brief precis of the article, noting the strengths and limitations of the evaluation method. Post your summary and critique of the method on the DSO discussion site.
In their study, "Social Work Intervention and Failure to Thrive in Infants and Children," Marino, Weinman and Soudelier (2001) emphasize the need for social workers to actively participate in multidisciplinary interventions with mothers whose infants and children experience inordinately high levels of illness and inactivity. Individualized social work interventions can help reduce fear and stress levels and provide the emotional support mothers need during these experiences. The authors provide a useful case study vignette concerning how such individualized interventions can be used and what steps should be taken to provide this support.
References
Marino, R., Weinman, M.L. & Soudelier, K. (2001). Social work intervention and failure to thrive in infants and children. Health and Social Work, 26(2), 90.
Trochim, W.M. (2006). Introduction to evaluation. Retrieved from http://www.socialresearch methods.net/kb/intreval.htm.
