CACREP core area 8 of 9
Research & Program Evaluation for the NCE
18 topics, each with a free study summary, a cheat sheet, and a practice question with rationales. New to this area? Start with the Research and statistics for the NCE overview.
Research Designs
- Experimental & quasi-experimental designrandom assignment, control groups, internal validity logicFrequently tested
- Correlational & descriptive researchcorrelation vs. causation, survey methods
- Single-subject designsABAB logic, baseline, clinical utility
- Qualitative traditionsgrounded theory, phenomenology, ethnography, case study: distinguishing among themFrequently tested
- Mixed methodsconvergent and sequential logics
Statistics for Counselors
- Descriptive statisticscentral tendency, variability, distribution shape, outlier effectsHigh-yield
- Hypothesis testingnull/alternative, Type I & II errors, p-values, significance vs. importanceHigh-yield
- Choosing inferential testst-test, ANOVA, chi-square, regression: which applies whenFrequently tested
- Effect size & clinical significancewhy p isn't enough, common effect-size metrics
- Correlation coefficientsdirection, magnitude, restriction of range
Validity, Sampling & Ethics
- Threats to internal validityhistory, maturation, testing, instrumentation, selection, attritionFrequently tested
- External validity & generalizabilitypopulation and ecological generalization limits
- Sampling methodsprobability vs. nonprobability types
- Research ethics & IRBinformed consent, deception rules, vulnerable populationsFrequently tested
Evaluation & Evidence-Based Practice
- Evidence-based practicethe three-legged stool, hierarchy of evidence, meta-analysisFrequently tested
- Program evaluationneeds assessment, formative vs. summative, outcome measurementFrequently tested
- Action researchcycle and purpose in counseling settings
- Reading research criticallycommon flaws, publication bias awareness
Study this area with practice that adapts
Practice questions, flashcards, and a spaced-review queue for every topic, plus timed NCE practice exams. Start with a free topic.