Instruction
Discussion: Understanding Survey Research
Survey methodology is a common form of research in the counseling profession. The results of these surveys can help you to make decisions about how you practice as a professional counselor. For example, a survey may help you to identify the mental health needs of clients in your community, to determine if couples would be receptive to a pre-marital counseling service, or to help you identify the various specializations of counselors in your state. Because survey data can inform your decision making process as a professional counselor, it is important for you to understand the fundamental principles of survey design and the types of data analysis used in survey research.
In this discussion you have the opportunity to review professional counseling journals and select articles related to your specialization that have employed survey methodology. Through review of your learning resources for this week you will be able to develop a preliminary understanding of how to evaluate the articles you selected. You also will be able to learn from your fellow students through their thoughts and comments.
Find an article that utilizes a survey to research the topic you selected in week 1. Utilizing your understanding of survey research, discuss the following questions:
Give a brief synopsis of the study, including the survey research that was conducted
Select one part of the data collection that you found interesting. Why?
Select one part of the data collection that you would change if you were doing this study. Why?
Complete your initial post by Day 4 a brief synopsis of the literature that was reviewed in your selected article. Explain the implications of the research, as represented in the literature review, to practice in the area represented. Support your initial post with at least two cited resources. In order to be eligible for maximum points, respond by Day 6 to two or more peers (with responses on separate days) , which may include your instructor, who provided different examples/articles than the one you selected. Include all references in APA format and respond by doing one or more of the following:
Asking a probing question
Sharing an insight from having read someone's posting
Offering and supporting an opinion
Validating an idea with your own experience
Making a suggestion
Expanding on peers or instructor postings
Return to this Discussion in a few days to read the responses to your initial posting. Note what you have learned and/or any insights you have gained as a result of the comments your colleagues made. See the discussion board rubric for details with respect to grading.