Assignment 2: Identifying Assessments and Interventions Paper (10 pages maximum excluding references)
This assignment has two focus areas: First it will address how we identify and measure client problems using assessment measures/tools by choosing the best assessment for a problem of interest to you. Since misguided assessments may lead to misguided treatments, understanding the nature and scope of a client’s problems is a critical first step in the helping relationship. Since this class is focused on therapy/intervention models with individuals, families, and groups, you will be looking particularly at problem of interest to you, focusing on understanding the issues which impact mental health and/or functioning that would require direct intervention. Therefore, the first section of Assignment 2 will focus on choosing the best assessment for a problem of interest to you. For example, homeless may be an issue of interest to you. Individuals with homelessness may struggle with substances, PTSD, depression, anxiety, difficulty in making choices, despair and lack of motivation. So, if homelessness is the issue that you are focused on for assignment two then you could look for assessments related to an assessment tool to measure anxiety in the homeless population (or maybe PTSD in that population, etc.) Then for the second part of the assignment you would look for three prevention programs, interventions or treatment approaches related to the topic you selected (e.g., anxiety interventions for those that are unhoused). Similarly, if you are looking at the problem of domestic violence specify what you are wanting to assess: depression? The level of crisis? Trauma impact?
This assignment will then help you with Assignment 3 and 4, which build on this assignment.
Part 1
To begin assignment 2, students will select a problem area of interest and importance (e.g., adolescent drug use; domestic violence, post-traumatic stress disorder) and search for assessment measures that would assist in measuring the identified problem. Once a problem has been selected, complete the tasks below:
· Briefly describe the scope and importance of the problem (no more than 1.5 pages).
· Construct a question to guide an evidence-based search for quality assessments for the problem that interests you (e.g., assessments for: adolescent substance use; domestic violence; PTSD). Importantly, we are not trying to identify treatment approaches for your selected problem at this point; we are trying to assess and measure the problem itself. Thus, your search should not include terms related to treatment or intervention.
· Select and describe the way you searched for the best evidence to identify the most suitable assessment protocols and instruments/measures for your problem area. Make sure to include your search terms, search parameters, and databases you explored (note what internet search engines, websites, Cochrane/Campbell Collaborations, or other sources such as EBSCO, PsychInfo, etc.)
· Appraise the two best assessment protocols (i.e., measures) by considering feasibility, validity and reliability, accessibility, and overall appropriateness for the designated client population. This section requires at least three articles that use systematic reviews, meta-analysis, or a research study for your data.
Part 2
The second focus area of assignment 2 relates to intervention. Using the same problem, complete the task below:
· Construct an effectiveness question based on preventing or treating the client problem previously identified (Focusing on either prevention or treatment is fine, but do not do both).
· Select and describe the way you searched for the best evidence to identify the three most suitable prevention programs, interventions, or treatment approaches. Make sure to include your search terms, search parameters, and databases you explored (note what internet search engines, websites, Cochrane/Campbell Collaborations, or other sources such as EBSCO, PsychInfo, etc.). Consider meta-analyses, systematic reviews, outcome studies, and other levels of evidence, but aim to identify the best available approaches for addressing the problem of interest.
· Based on your results, choose and appraise one prevention program, intervention, or treatment approach (provide the rationale for your choice) by considering cost, theoretical basis, scope of literature, general acceptance, risk, and level of empirical support. This section requires at least three articles that use systematic reviews, meta-analysis, or a research study for your data.
Student Self-Evaluation Component
After completing your assignment, review the grading rubric and submit a completed grading rubric with points assigned and comments/feedback provided related to the scores they assigned to their work. Please provide a specific example for any comments/feedback provided.
Assignment 2 should be submitted to SafeAssign.
Assignment 2 Rubric
Components
Point value
Points earned
Comments/feedback
1. Brief description of the scope and importance of the problem.
5 pts
2. Construct an assessment question to guide an
evidence-based search in a field of practice of interest to you.
5 pts
3. Select a search strategy to
identify the most suitable assessment protocols in this field of practice,
assuming certain client characteristics and problems.
5 pts
4. Appraise two assessment protocols (those you are
most impressed by) by considering feasibility, validity and reliability,
accessibility, and overall appropriateness for the designated client
population.
8 pts
5. Construct one effectiveness question to prevent or treat the
problem
5 pts
6. Select and describe a search strategy to identify three
prevention programs, interventions, or
treatment approaches. Consider systematic reviews, outcome studies, and other
levels of evidence.
5 pts
7. Appraise one prevention program, intervention, or treatment approach (provide the
rationale for your choice) by considering cost, feasibility, and level of
empirical support.
8 pts
8. APA format; organization; clear and coherent writing.
2 pts
9. Self-grading component:
Student completed self-grading by submitting this grading rubric with
points assigned and comments/feedback provided related to the scores they
assigned to their work.
2 pts
