Triangulation as a research strategy for identifying invisible colleges among biomedical scientists

A triangulation strategy, employing a number of network analysis techniques, was implemented in the study of a single social network of biomedical scientists specializing in lipid metabolism research. Here we present the results of co-word analysis of grants awarded to these scientist by the National Institutes of Health, network analysis (NEGOPY) and factor analysis of the scientists' responses on a sociometric roster instrument, preliminary results of a co-citation analysis of their publications, and qualitative analysis of their responses to interviews and questionnaires. The findings are discussed in light of the relative information that the various techniques contribute to the understanding of the social relationships among the members of this scientific speciality.     

Evaluation of a cross-cultural training program for Pakistani educators: Lessons learned and implications for program planning

In this paper, we share the results of a summative evaluation of PEILI, a US-based adult professional development/training program for secondary school Pakistani teachers. The evaluation was guided by the theories of cultural competence (American Psychological Association, 2003, Bamberger, 1999, Wadsworth, 2001) and established frameworks for the evaluation of professional development/training and instructional design (Bennett, 1975, Guskey, 2002, King, 2014, Kirkpatrick, 1967). The explicit and implicit stakeholder assumptions about the connections between program resources, activities, outputs, and outcomes are described. Participant knowledge and skills were measured via scores on a pre/posttest of professional knowledge, and a standards-based performance assessment rubric. In addition to measuring short-term program outcomes, we also sought to incorporate theory-driven thinking into the evaluation design. Hence, we examined participant self-efficacy and access to social capital, two evidenced-based determinants or “levers” that theoretically explain the transformative space between an intervention and its outcomes (Chen, 2012). Data about program determinants were collected and analyzed through a pre/posttest of self-efficacy and social network analysis. Key evaluation findings include participant acquisition of new instructional skills, increased self-efficacy, and the formation of a nascent professional support network. Lessons learned and implications for the design and evaluation of cross-cultural teacher professional development programs are discussed.     

Ben's Grille

Summary

Advantages of computer-based alcohol education over traditional written materials in improving alcohol related behavior are presented in this article. The program, “Ben's Grille” was created to promote public awareness of issues relating to the use and abuse of alcohol The program is described in detail along with directions for use. One component of the program, an interactive drama, is the focus of this article. Characters from which a play can select to play are described. Methods used in obtaining feedback about the game are specified. The author concludes that both students and teachers have had positive reactions to the program.     

Organizing evaluation to serve the needs of program planners and managers

Evaluation is often both conceptually and functionally separate from program planning and operations management. Though program managers may not see themselves as served well by the work of evaluation staffs, there are a number of potentially beneficial side effects to be realized from close collaboration between program administrators and evaluators. These flow only when the evaluation task is broadly defined and when both administrators and evaluators recognize their interdependence. Particular functional benefits to management from evaluation are described. Characteristics of interorganizational relations which might increase the probability of their attainment are then outlined and discussed.     

A supervised independent-living orientation program for adolescents

A program is described that provides for transition into a relatively unstructured supervised independent-living program for adolescents with a history of behavioral and emotional disturbance, often including delinquency and/or psychiatric hospitalization. Contracts used to define expectations, logistics, and conflicts experienced by the youths are discussed. Developmental issues are highlighted, focusing on the rapprochement subphase.     

Teaching Family Therapy: A Program Based on Training Objectives

This paper presents a set of specific training objectives which constitute a base for a one-year clinical training program at the Institute for Juvenile Research in Chicago. The training objectives include three categories of skills: observational, conceptual, and therapeutic. The training objectives and the program in which they are implemented are described.     

Ten steps to making evaluation matter

This paper proposes ten steps to make evaluations matter. The ten steps are a combination of the usual recommended practice such as developing program theory and implementing rigorous evaluation designs with a stronger focus on more unconventional steps including developing learning frameworks, exploring pathways of evaluation influence, and assessing spread and sustainability. Consideration of these steps can lead to a focused dialogue between program planners and evaluators and can result in more rigorously planned programs. The ten steps can also help in developing and implementing evaluation designs that have greater potential for policy and programmatic influence. The paper argues that there is a need to go beyond a formulaic approach to program evaluation design that often does not address the complexity of the programs. The complexity of the program will need to inform the design of the evaluation. The ten steps that are described in this paper are heavily informed by a Realist approach to evaluation. The Realist approach attempts to understand what is it about a program that makes it work.     

Church suppers,pony tails and mentors: Developing a program for street kids

Increasing number of teens are leaving their homes to live on the street, and communities are often confused as to how best to provide services for them. This article describes one community's response to this and the lessons learned. The program, its development, the services and the communication with other agencies are described.This research was funded in part by grants from the Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Funds.Ms. Roloff is affiliated with the program, Crosswalk.     

The goal-oriented approach to evaluation: Critique and case study from drug abuse treatment

The specification and measurement of program goals remains central to most evaluation research strategies, yet procedures for implementing this approach are not well-articulated. It is the purpose of this discussion to describe a stepwise procedure for programmatic goal setting and monitoring used in a demonstration drug treatment program for women. Three implementation steps are described: (a) goal setting, (b) checking for consistency, (c) monitoring and feedback. The advantages and limitations of this approach are discussed and useful complementary measurement strategies are suggested.     

Service Learning in a Small Groups Course

This paper describes a service learning program used in a Sociology of Small Groups course. Service learning programs attempt to apply knowledge learned in the classroom in a setting of community service. This paper advocates the use of service learning as a tool for applying social knowledge even in courses that are not traditionally linked with service learning. The usefulness of a service learning program in a group processes course is identified. Details on the content of the program, the methods of evaluation and the relevance to the course material are provided. Numerous examples of how service learning can lead to classroom enhancement activities are described.     

Interviewing Skills and Computer Assisted Instruction

Summary

This paper describes the use of the Interviewing Skills for Human Services (I View Skills) computer program that was incorporated into two undergraduate social work courses. The goals and objectives of the I View Skills program are described as well as how the program was integrated into the course curricula. Findings on the students' perceptions of the I View Skills program based on a     

Serving elders in greatest social and economic need: the challenge to the Elderly Nutrition Program

The federally funded Elderly Nutrition Program is mandated to serve elders in greatest social and economic need. Yet researchers have concluded that the program underserves certain groups of elders, including those who are socially impaired and homeless and members of ethnic and other minority groups. This paper reviews the issues involved in serving elders in greatest social and economic need and suggests that reaching all of these elders with program services is not only a laudable goal but also, based on innovative models briefly described, is clearly achievable.     

Service Elders in Greatest Social and Economic Need

The federally funded Elderly Nutrition Program is mandated to serve elders in greatest social and economic need. Yet researchers have concluded that the program underserves certain groups of elders, including those who are socially impaired and homeless and members of ethnic and other minority groups. This paper reviews the issues involved in serving elders in greatest social and economic need and suggests that reaching all of these elders with program services is not only a laudable goal but also, based on innovative models briefly described, is clearly achievable.     

Empowering Lesbian and Gay Foster Adolescents Through Mentoring Relationships

This article discusses a mentoring model as a resource for lesbian and gay adolescents in foster care. Interview data collected in a national study of foster adolescent mentoring programs led to the identification of elements of succesful programs. The authors apply these elements to the design of a model mentoring program for lesbian and gay adolescents. Such a model program would help to alleviate problems that are related to isolation, stigmatization, and lack of positive lesbian and gay role models. Selected lesbian and gay youth vignettes are described and implications drawn for program development.     

Patients' Evaluations of Gynecologic Services Provided by Nurse Practitioners

Abstract

The development, operating principles, and users' evaluations of a broad-based gynecologic program emphasizing effective birth control on a university campus are discussed. A major feature that is explored is the use of nurse practitioners as the primary service providers. The forces that resulted in the formation of the program and the methods used to enhance its effectiveness are described. The evaluations of 3,527 users over a three-year period are indicated by summarizing responses to a questionnaire covering the following topics; whether providing such a service was helpful, likelihood of arranging for the service elsewhere if unavailable at the health center, attitudes of staff, medical procedures used, availability of services, and the opportunity to thoroughly discuss concerns. The evaluations were seen as extremely supportive of both the program and the use of nurse practitioners in this setting.     

A remedial strategy for data analysis

Professional evaluators are often called upon to analyze data produced by a catastrophically inadequate evaluation design. This problem is occurring more frequently as accountability pressures force program experts into evaluation activities for which they are not trained. A remedial strategy involving diagnosis of error, application of a corrective procedure and sensitization of program personnel of the need for a more sophisticated stance, is proposed as a solution. A case study is described and the contribution of a remedial strategy to improved evaluation is outlined.