SOCW6311 Walden University Week 9 Process Evaluation Discussion
Due 04/26/2019
Respond to at least two colleagues’ improvements to the process evaluation report in the Social Work Research Qualitative Groups case study by doing the following:
- Explain how your colleagues’ reports improved upon that of the case study.
- Suggest further improvements.
Response to Ellis
The process evaluation that I chose was the client satisfaction with the practice. This was evaluated by obtaining feedback from clients through informal conversations as well as questionnaires through basic questions (Dudley, 2014). This type of evaluation is useful for monitoring programs as well as how effective the program is for the clients goals, which is why I chose this type of evaluation due to its ability to grasp effectiveness and personal success rates. The series of questions that are asked can allow for the client to express their happiness with the services, how helpful the program is for them personally as well as what is not helpful, as well as what areas can be strengthened (Dudley, 2014).
A process evaluation uses evidence-based data to gauge the effectiveness of programs (Bliss & Emshoff, 2002). There is six stages of process evaluations, when conducting the client satisfaction with the practice evaluation we would we relying on stage number four: Determining Evaluation Questions (Bliss & Emshoff, 2002). In this stage the informants that would be utilized are the clinical staff as well as the clients involved in the questionnaires. The questions allow for the program to become stronger and more effective which directly affects the staff involved, as well as the clients who are processing goal satisfaction within the agency. The questions asked would be questions that reflect the client’s personal growth they see within the agency and how they can feel more supported through the program. Examples of these questions would be, what are strengths that support your recovery within the program and/or what areas can be improved? Through these questions data will be collected and examined through how to grow, what needs to be added, and how to reach more clients.
In the case study using qualitative groups, they use a focus group to conduct and explore outcomes of the social service agencies on the West Coast. The focus group were asked questions in a discussion type of forum, data was analyzed through data analysis software package that focused on and counted themes and patterns which resulted in adding another component to the agency through their findings (Plummer, Mackris, & Brocksen, 2014). This is similar to the evaluation that I chose – client satisfaction with program, due to that fact that it is gathering information directly from individuals and using that data to add and strengthen the program, however to identify a gap, the qualitative group used an open discussion forum which took away anonymity and in the evaluation I chose was a questioner that allowed individuals to express themselves through their privacy. If I were the facilitator I would discuss the focus of the group as well as identify the goals and allow for the individuals to complete a questionnaire to allow for them to add their own personal/private thoughts.
References:
Bliss, M.J., & Emshoff, J. G. (2002). Workbook for designing a process evaluation.
Dudley, J. R. (2014). Social work evaluation: Enhancing what we do. (2nd ed.) Chicago, IL: Lyceum Books.
Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen S. (Eds.). (2014b). Social work case studies: Concentration year. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader].
Response to Reginald
The process evaluation that you chose. Stage of program implementation
For the purpose of this assignment, I chose to conduct an open-ended, in person interview. Somewhat similar to a focus group, interviews will assess for personal experiences and perspectives regarding cross-system collaboration (Plummer, Makris & Brcksen, 2014). With face to face interviews, evaluators ask questions such as who, what, when, where, why and how? By answering these question and elaborating on the answer, the evaluator can collect data on how participants feel about the study. Participants can also answer freely and not have to be worried bout other participants’ answers and feelings like they may have to in a group setting (Tutty & Rothery, 2010). The stage of program implementation in which the evaluation occurred is Determining Program Components. Program components are identified by answering the questions who, what, when, where, and how as they pertain to your program (Bliss & Emshoff, 2002).
Based upon your comparison of the case study and the program evaluation report that you chose, improve upon the information presented in the case study by identifying gaps in information.
Although feedback was provided, answers may have been skewed due to participants not wanting to be truthful around other participants. Maximizing the chance of a high response rate by clients is another factor to consider. Interviews are conducted with an interviewer present, their response rates are usually much higher than when using a questionnaire (Dudley, 2014). Different methods of data collection can prevent an evaluation from having gaps in information. Questionnaires could also be administered along with the interviews to hopefully gain a better understanding.
Fill in these gaps as if you were the facilitator of the focus group. Clearly identify the purpose of the process evaluation and the questions asked.
Process evaluation uses empirical data to assess the delivery of programs. Process evaluation verifies what the program is and whether it is being implemented as designed. Thus, process evaluation asks “what, who, when, where, why and how” (Bliss & Emshoff, 2002). As the facilitator, I would have discussed the purpose of the study with the participants in an effort for them to understand the content that needs to be provided. The questions asked would be strictly related to populations served by the representing agencies and any unmet needs they may have. This could also be useful in formulating a logic model.
References
Bliss, M. J., & Emshoff, J. G. (2002). Workbook for designing a process evaluation. Retrieved from http://beta.roadsafetyevaluation.com/evaluationgui… (PDF)
Dudley, J. R. (2014). Social work evaluation: Enhancing what we do. (2nd ed.) Chicago, IL: Lyceum Books.
Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen S. (Eds.). (2014b). Social work case studies: Concentration year. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader].
Tutty, L. M., & Rothery, M. A. (2010). Needs assessments. In B. Thyer (Ed.), The handbook of social work research methods (2nd ed.,pp. 149–162). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. (PDF)
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