Question 1

Almost all social program planning involves complex factors. Program planners must identify these factors and use them in the development of a program hypothesis. These factors are called intervening variables.

Accepted Answer

Intervening variables are factors that mediate the relationship between program interventions and outcomes, and identifying them is crucial in the development of a program hypothesis to ensure the program's effectiveness.

Question 2

Most human service professionals would probably argue that because they are action oriented and not researchers, their primary concern is not to solve problems and not to test hypotheses.

Accepted Answer

Most human service professionals are action-oriented and not researchers, so their primary concern is not to solve problems or test hypotheses.

Question 3

Effective program design is problem solving not a hypothesis-generating activity.

Accepted Answer

Effective program design involves both problem-solving and hypothesis generation to create solutions and anticipate potential issues.

Question 4

The basis of "informed hunches" about program design is in the research literature that describes the etiology of the problem.

Accepted Answer

Informed hunches about program design are based on the research literature that describes the etiology (the cause, set of causes, or manner of causation) of the problem, as this provides a grounded understanding of the problem's origins and nature, which is essential for designing effective interventions or programs.

Question 5

Program evaluation cannot begin until the program has come to the end of its cycle.

Accepted Answer

Program evaluation can begin at any stage of the program cycle to assess its design, implementation, and outcomes, allowing for ongoing improvements.

Question 6

Program planning, design, and evaluation are tightly connected to each other in effective program planning.

Accepted Answer

Program planning, design, and evaluation are interconnected processes where planning sets the foundation, design focuses on how to implement the plan, and evaluation assesses the effectiveness and outcomes, informing future planning and design adjustments.

Question 7

The concept of intervening variables denies the existence of multi-causal models in understanding the complex problems that human service workers encounter.

Accepted Answer

Intervening variables do not deny the existence of multi-causal models; instead, they are part of such models, explaining how and why different causes lead to certain outcomes by mediating the effects of independent variables on dependent variables.

Question 8

The etiology of the social problem is not to identify the factors associated with the condition, but to focus on the solution.

Accepted Answer

The etiology of a social problem involves identifying and understanding the factors and conditions that contribute to the existence of the problem, not just focusing on the solution.

Question 9

The shift in focus from large-scale national issues to local concerns is that it consciously recognizes root causes and determines them to be beyond the impact of local limitations, but translates the social problems into a framework that makes it manageable at the local level.

Accepted Answer

This approach acknowledges that while the root causes of social problems may originate from broader, systemic issues, addressing them at a local level allows for more tailored, manageable solutions that can directly impact the community.

Question 10

Individuals or groups create a "frame of reference" around a social problem that is shaped by a value system.

Accepted Answer

A "frame of reference" around a social problem is indeed shaped by the value system of individuals or groups, influencing how they perceive and approach the issue.

Question 11

The labeling of a condition as a "social problem" provides a rationale for ___________ in the situation.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The labeling of a condition as a...

Question 12

The ______________ has provided the basis for the program hypothesis.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The ______________ has provided the basis for...

Question 13

A ___________should focus clearly and consistently on causes or factors associated with causes.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A ___________should focus clearly and consistently on...

Question 14

The importance of determining what aspect of the problem has three foci: 1) ______________, 2) early intervention once the problem exists, and 3) attempting to ameliorate the consequences of the problem.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The importance of determining what aspect of...

Question 15

____________statements (if-then, means-end) that explain not only what we will do but why we are doing it.

Accepted Answer

The answer of ____________statements (if-then, means-end) that explain not only...

Question 16

"Relational statements explain not only what we will do but also why we are doing it. It is our rationale not only for taking action." Explain what this means in the context of program planning and give two examples of and if-then, means-end statements.

Accepted Answer

The answer of "Relational statements explain not only what we...

Question 17

The program hypothesis forms the basis for setting the goals and objectives from the program design. That allows the program planner to begin the framework for the program evaluation. Discuss and illustrate the steps a planner would take to move from the program hypothesis to goals and objectives and a framework for evaluation of a social problem of your choice.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The program hypothesis forms the basis for...

Question 18

The "Program Hypothesis to Evaluation" system gives the planner the ability to link program data to cost data. As the evaluator for a program of your choice, describe, and illustrate how you make those linkages.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The "Program Hypothesis to Evaluation" system gives...

Quiz 5: Selecting the Appropriate Intervention Strategy