Read Chapters 3 – 10 from Joseph S. Wholey, Harry P. Hatry, and Kathryn E. Newcomer, editors, Handbook of Practical Program Evaluation, (Latest Edition) Prepare a concise written response to the question(s) posed below:

Question:

a. Explain the concept of randomized controlled trials

b. Assess the usefulness of randomized controlled trials in measuring program impact

c. Discuss two ways that bias may be introduced during the implementation of randomized controlled trials

Please use public administration examples to illustrate your understanding of the questions above.

 Topic: Select a major organization that was located in the Hurricane Katrina disaster area.  Research their experiences and prepare a report detailing the unexpected challenges the organization encountered in returning their operations to normal. Give suggestions on what might be added to the organizations contingency plan to mitigate those unexpected challenges.

Assignment should follow all APA rules and include a min. of (1) unique citation/reference per page.

Page count – 3 to 5 pages.

Reply must be at least 200-300 words. For each thread, you must support your assertions with at least 2 citations from sources such as your textbook, peer-reviewed journal articles, and the Bible. 

Field, A. P. (2018). Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics (5th ed.). Los Angeles, CA: Sage.

**Justin***

Correlational Studies: Variables and Research

Correlational studies use statistical data in order to provide more accurate estimates of relationships between variables. These variables include predictor and criterion variables to conduct a more conservative test of the data to more accurately prove or disprove the hypothesis and explain the difference in the empirical results (Becker, et al., 2016). The easiest way to have spotted the correlation between the two variables, in the hypothetical scenario presented, was to view if the variables established covary. According to Field (2018), To understand what covariance is, we first need to think back to the concept of variance that we met in Chapter 1. Remember that the variance of a single variable represents the average amount that the data vary from the mean (p. 251). Therefore, if two variables are related then changes will be reflected with similar changes in the other variables present. This similar reaction will be observed with equal or similar effects regarding the mean within the statistical data (Field, 2018). Correlational research studies involve the measuring of two variables, their relationships, dependent variables, and variables that have no interaction or effect on independent variables. If one variable is known then the study can estimate or predict what will happen with the other variable (Abbott & McKinney, 2013). Correlational research design allows researchers to understand and predict relationships between variables

Correlational Research Design

 Since variables and their relationships are measured in correlation research designs then deviations, if any are present, between the variables must be measured. According to Field (2018), Also, by adding the deviations, we would gain little insight into the relationship between the variables. In the single-variable case, we squared the deviations to eliminate the problem of positive and negative deviations canceling each other out (p. 252). Therefore, one must decide how many variables are involved and if deviations exist. The next step is to overcome the issue of dependence involving a measurement scale (Field, 2018). Field continues to explain that the conversion of the covariance into a standard is called standardization and a critical step in overcoming this research design issue. One may use the standard deviation to conclude on the measurement and convert the variable and by standardizing the covariance within a range of -1 or +1 then the researcher can also validate the variance of the variables (Field, 2018). According to Field (2018), This does not mean that the change in one variable causes the other to change, only that their changes coincide (p. 253). This is considered to be a critical step in the design process due to a calculation difference greater than -1 or +1 meaning that the research has a major flaw and the variables or calculations should be revisited. 

SPSS and Correlation Research

 This author would influence the use of correlation research by using SPSS data systems. The variables can be entered into the SPSS program and make it easier for variables and calculations to be correct and utilized in order to validate the hypothesis and discover the existent or non-existent relationship between the dependent variables. Each variable would be entered into the SPSS program and the bivariate correlations can be calculated. However, bias must be discovered first. According to Field (2018), The two most important ones in this context are linearity and normality (p. 257). SPSS systems can help discover bias and correlations between the two variables. SPSS systems then can help the research by discovering and calculating the confidence intervals by using a bootstrap (Field, 2018). The discovery of the two variables and the utilization of the SPSS system can help this author and co-authors calculate and eliminate bias and influence integrity in the design and conclusions drawn from the research. 

Conclusion

 Correlation research design is critical to the recognition of two or more variables and the effect that one has on the other without the influence of an independent variable. However, the SPSS system helps reduce issues within the research design, eliminate bias, and help reduce the amount of errors that can exist within statistics and their calculations. Truth and clarity is critical not only in professional academic studies but also life. John 7:18 states, Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him (New International Version). The use of the SPSS system can help researchers discover truth in academic studies and promote unbias research, which is critical to the exploration of the truth in the field of criminology. 

References

Abbott, M., & McKinney, J. (2013). Understanding and applying research design. Seatle, WA: Wiley.

Becker, T., Atnic, G., Breaugh, J., Carlson, K., Edwards, J., & Spector, P. (2016). Statistical control in correlational studies: 10 essential reccomendations for organizational researchers. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 157-167.

Field, A. (2018). Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics: North American Edition. London, UK: Sage.

Reply must be at least 200-300 words. For each thread, you must support your assertions with at least 2 citations from sources such as your textbook, peer-reviewed journal articles, and the Bible. 

Field, A. P. (2018). Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics (5th ed.). Los Angeles, CA: Sage.

**PAUL**

In a correlational study, we look at whether or not two variables are related, not necessarily what caused them. Suppose you found a strong correlation between two variables. How would you propose to a colleague that you could investigate if there was a cause and effect? An experimental design would allow the researcher to have the most control over exposure to the treatment which would be the independent variable. Researchers use a correlational research design to measure 2 or more variables to investigate the extent to which the variables are related (Seeram, 2019). The researcher should attempt to understand and assess the statistical relationship between the two variables without any type external or internal influences.   A correlation coefficient which is a mathematical measure of the relation between two data sets would entice further investigative research into a experimental design (Mitchell, 1985). Correlation is useful for describing and establishing the statistical significance of the comovement of two variables (Mellinger & Hanson, 2017). If there is a strong correlation between two variables, I would propose investigating a cause and effect relationship through an experimental design.

In my own law enforcement experience I would relate the investigative finding between the correlation of two variables from two different data sets to writing an affidavit for an arrest warrant. Like a researcher who experiences a correlation, a law enforcement officer has more than reasonable suspicion when he or she collects a fingerprint from a crime scene that matches a suspect. Although a fingerprint match was obtained, further investigative research would be required such as processing a search warrant for the criminal instrument and identifying witnesses. Just like quantitative research, all the evidence needs to flow with the results derived from a totality of evidence involved.            

This would allow the researcher to measure the outcome or the dependent variable to see if there is a cause and effect relationship. Overall, experimental designs have the purpose of identifying this type of relationship.  

            Another example from a law enforcement perspective of correlation is the use of informants. We have to measure the information and test if the information is credible and reliable for the purpose of employing further investigative assets and resources. If an informant provides information, it is our job as investigators to test the information through corroborative efforts.  If the information proves correctly then the informant is deemed reliable and credible. Reliability refers to the consistency, stability, or repeatability of results when a particular measurement procedure or instrument is used (Mellinger & Hanson, 2017).

However, if the information provided is unsubstantiated then we attempt to understand the true intention of the information.  It is possible, for example, to obtain consistent but wrong or misleading measurements.          

From a Christian worldview perspective, aspects of Scripture that are necessarily independent within a naturalistic world view, such as the structure of the Wheel or the correlation between the sixty-six chapters of Isaiah are found to be united by highly correlated word distributions which adds value to the absolute scientific proof of God’s divine design of His Holy Word (Gareiou & Zervas, 2018).  

Shouler 5/ Soccio 7 
(500 Word Reflection Due on Discussion Board by the 15th)

https://studylib.net/doc/8429009/archetypes-of-wisdom

https://books.google.com/books?id=aF_sDQAAQBAJ&pg=PT25&lpg=PT25&dq=The+Everything+Guide+to+Understanding+Philosophy:+Understand+the+basic+concepts+of+the+greatest+thinkers+of+all+time+by+kenneth+Shouler+chapter+1&source=bl&ots=qx2L3Pz5uR&sig=ACfU3U07pcvxA6Qy0aXnQpvoCq9wCxgBng&hl=en&ppis=_e&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjs3cLO4uzmAhXNqp4KHRS5CoYQ6AEwA3oECAoQAQ#v=onepage&q=The%20Everything%20Guide%20to%20Understanding%20Philosophy%3A%20Understand%20the%20basic%20concepts%20of%20the%20greatest%20thinkers%20of%20all%20time%20by%20kenneth%20Shouler%20chapter%201&f=false

This statement just needs a reply to

Judith Jarvis Thompson makes her case for abortion in this article from 1971. It is still one of the most referenced pro-choice arguments, even today. While Thompson does not think the unborn is a person, she is willing to grant it for arguments sake. Even if the unborn is a person, she still believes abortion is justifiable in at least some cases, especially when a woman becomes pregnant against her will. When Thompson uses these stories to make her point, I think that the unplugging the violinist analogy helps to show her opinion in a removed scenario. The fact that she tells this story this way makes you think outside of the box. If I were to get up and unplug my back from him he will die, if I stay for nine months he will live it really takes you there to that situation. However, no it is not the same. God has no mistakes when he creates and allows a life to be formed in the womb.

          In section 4 we read about how Thompson argues that, if a woman engages in sexual intercourse voluntarily but becomes pregnant against her will she is still responsible to carry the child to term. This is when she uses the people-seeds analogy to argue her point.  I think that this argument once again is very eye-opening to read about a situation very similar. But again, this still goes back to my original point. God makes no mistakes. Her analogies are disanalogous by the fact that sex, windows, and their screens are not the same thing. There are other options for this child and mother besides abortion. If this person does not want children there are many people that do, that cannot.   

             In section 7 of the article, Thompson discusses that parents have an obligation to care for their children and not harm them. According to Thompson, that obligation begins when they do not try to prevent the pregnancy. Then they do not get an abortion and lastly, they bring the child home. I do not believe she argues this point as well as she argued the others. I think that parenthood has a large difference between pregnancy and the violinist illustration. It is hard for me to envision being kidnapped and surgically hooked to someone that is relying on me to live. However, I have had two miscarriages. Those two innocent lives that my body could just not hold. The emotions that my husband and I had to go through were nothing like the analogies that Thompson could toss into her argument. Now, I have a son that is three years old. I carried my son in my womb for nine months. For me, the moment that everything became real was when I first felt him kick. However, the first time I saw his cluster of cells he was my child, a child of God.

            Thompson does not believe all abortions are justifiable. In her mind, she says that someone that is raped it is justifiable. However, if there was a women that was seven months pregnant that wanted to take a trip aboard and wanted to have an abortion it would not be justified. She saves this piece of information until the very end of her discussion. She is pro- chioce, this that and the other then wham, pro-life.  

Psalm 13-14 tells us, For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mothers womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 

Resources:

Thomson, J. J. (1971). A Defense of Abortion. Philosophy & Public Affairs, 1(1). Retrieved from https://spot.colorado.edu/~heathwoo/Phil160,Fall02/thomson.htm

Students are required to prepare a policy analysis paper on a specific policy in one of the following policy topic areas:

Immigration policy (example policies: Immigration Act, refugee policies, undocumented migrants)

Assignment Guidelines

Writing a successful academic essay is a process that requires several elements and steps.

        Clearly define the topic/question you are looking to address
        Research the topic using relevant scholarly and reputable sources
        Develop a Research Proposal in which you will outline your topic, some preliminary research, and an outline of how you intend to structure the essay
        Using feedback from your TA and peers, restructure and find additional sources as necessary
        Write your first draft, edit, re-edit, spell-check, have someone else read it, and submit it

First identify what is going on at this stage of cognitive development. Be specific.  Now look around and identify how we entertain and teach our children between 2 and 6.  What tools and activities are we actually using with children at this age? How does this fit with what is appropriate? If you were tasked with creating books, reading material, toys, activities, games and entertainment for this age range what would you create?  In your responses, how do you respond to the fact that the parents who work in silicon valley and the tech industry prohibit their children or highly monitor their children’s screen time? What’s that all about?  Please note- not all questions need to be addressed in your initial post. Feel free to address some of the questions in your follow up posts.

article for silicon valley question:
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/26/style/silicon-valley-nannies.html

Module 05 Project

Executive Summary for Wellness Program

Competency
Create professional documents for presenting research, analysis, and business strategy recommendations.
Scenario
You work at a small startup company and recently began an informal competition among a few of your co-workers counting your daily steps. The program went well. It was a great team building exercise and others in your company seemed interested in participating. You decided that you wanted to turn this into a formal company-wide initiative.
In your investigation you found information about other companies that not only had similar programs, but that they had fully developed wellness programs. Further, your investigation revealed the benefits for both employees and employers. For employees, you found that those who participate enjoy reduced healthcare costs and a sense of engagement in the workplace. The benefits to employers include things like reduced workers compensation claims, lower absenteeism and higher overall productivity.
As a result, you determined that all could benefit from not just a step program, but a formalized wellness program. You then distributed a very brief survey to determine the level of interest and what aspects of wellness your coworkers showed interest. You distributed a survey to all employees (30) and the results of your survey are displayed below:

           
Would you participate in a wellness program?    Rate your level of interest in the following wellness topics
1 = least interested 5= very interested       
    Weight management    Nutrition    Stress management
Yes    5    5    3
Yes    3    3    5
No    1    1    5
Yes    3    5    5
No    1    1    5
Yes    5    5    3
No    1    1    1
Yes    3    3    5
No    1    1    1
Yes    2    3    3
Yes    3    3    3
Yes    5    5    5
No    1    1    1
Yes    5    5    5
Yes    3    3    4
No    1    1    1
Yes    4    3    2
 
At first glance it looks as though there is a strong interest in implementing a company-wide wellness program, but you also see a couple of other interesting things in the data. You have decided to use the data you have gathered and present it to senior management to persuade them that a wellness program will benefit everyone.
Instructions
You have decided the best way to approach senior management about your idea is through an executive summary. In your document you should include information you found in your initial investigation, such as cost savings and higher productivity levels at companies with wellness programs. It should also highlight the key findings of your research, as you realize senior management is very busy and will not be interested in a long detailed document.
* Write an introductory paragraph that includes the following:
    * The three most interesting findings from your survey.
    * Cite one external source that describes benefits of wellness programs for employers.
    * Describe the data analysis techniques used to interpret your data.
Be sure to include the method you used.Create an infographic that includes charts, graphs, or tables to display the three most interesting findings you mention above. Each graphic display should be accompanied by a brief text description of the data and why it is important. Also, include two relevant external sources.

 

Provide an executive summary to your team on how to credential providers. You will need to consider the following:

  • Type of provider being credentialed
  • Steps they will go thru to be credentialed
  • Educational background needed
  • Does this provider have an NPI number?
  • State the provider will work in
  • Is there a standard application?
  • Is an onsite visit needed; why or why not
  • Who gets credentialed (list at least 5 specialties)
  • Are all facilities credentialed?

Gather your research from at least 2 sources, other than your textbook. Cite your sources using APA guidelines. All submitted work should be free of grammatical errors.