10 Conducting Needs Assessment in Program Evaluation One of the key reasons for conducting research in the counseling profession is to determine best practices. However, because research can be fallible, it is important that you are able to critically evaluate professional literature. When quantitative and qualitative methods are combined, critical analysis becomes a more complex process. In this Discussion, you analyze the utility of mixed methods research for determining evidence-based practices in counseling and evaluate the strengths and limitations of mixed methods research. With these thoughts in mind: Provide an analysis of the utility of mixed methods designs for informing evidence-based practice. Readings Course Text: Counseling Research: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods Chapter 13, `Mixed Methods Designs` Article: Hanson, W. E., Creswell, J. W., Plano Clark, V. L., Petska, K. S., & Creswell, D. J. (2005). Mixed methods research design in counseling psychology. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 52, 224235. Article: Leech, N., & Onwuegbuzie, A. (2010). Guidelines for conducting and reporting mixed research in the field of counseling and beyond. Journal of Counseling and Development, 88(1), 6170. Article: Torres, L. (2009). Latino definitions of success: A cultural model of intercultural competence. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 31, 576593

10 Conducting Needs Assessment in Program Evaluation One of the key reasons for conducting research in the counseling profession is to determine best practices. However, because research can be fallible, it is important that you are able to critically evaluate professional literature. When quantitative and qualitative methods are combined, critical analysis becomes a more complex process. In this Discussion, you analyze the utility of mixed methods research for determining evidence-based practices in counseling and evaluate the strengths and limitations of mixed methods research. With these thoughts in mind: Provide an analysis of the utility of mixed methods designs for informing evidence-based practice. Readings Course Text: Counseling Research: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods Chapter 13, `Mixed Methods Designs` Article: Hanson, W. E., Creswell, J. W., Plano Clark, V. L., Petska, K. S., & Creswell, D. J. (2005). Mixed methods research design in counseling psychology. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 52, 224235. Article: Leech, N., & Onwuegbuzie, A. (2010). Guidelines for conducting and reporting mixed research in the field of counseling and beyond. Journal of Counseling and Development, 88(1), 6170. Article: Torres, L. (2009). Latino definitions of success: A cultural model of intercultural competence. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 31, 576593