Human Services Capston

Learner and Specialization Information

(MUST BE COMPETED)

Learners, please insert your answers directly into the expandable boxes that have been provided.

Learner Name

Learner Email

Learner ID Number

Mentor Name

Mentor Email

Specialization (check one)

|_| Leadership and Organizational Management

|_| Program Evaluation and Data Analytics

Specialization Chair Name

Specialization Chair Email

Committee Member #1 Name

Committee Member #1 Email

Committee Member #2 Name

Committee Member #2 Email

Capstone Type (check one)

|_| Research Paper

|_| Professional Product

Deliverable (check one)

Research Paper

|_| Action Research Monograph

|_| Program Evaluation

Professional Product

|_| Service Project

|_| Change Management Plan

Section 1. Topic Endorsement

Please, use single-spaced, Times Roman 11 pt. throughout the form – the boxes will expand as you input text.

1.1 Capstone Topic (2 paragraphs)

Clearly describe the topic of the Capstone Project.

This section should include:

· FIRST PARAGRAPH: State the topic of the capstone project. The topic statement should include the problem or opportunity for improvement in the project. The concepts of the topic must be clear and focused and well supported in the literature.

· Begin this paragraph with, “The topic is…”

· SECOND PARAGRAPH: Describe the significance of this topic to Human Services AND the specialization within your program. Include a statement about the practical implications of the project by describing the impact of this Capstone Project on the organization or community of interest.

Example - The topic of this capstone project is the effectiveness of a transitional summer program, Helping Others, Inc., on middle school students' chance of success (graduation) in high school.

The topic should be correctly formed:

· The topic should be appropriate for the specialization.

· The topic should use appropriate language for key concepts/phenomena.

· The type of action proposed should be clearly specified.

· The community of interest/organization/program or community and target population should be named.

· The concepts should be appropriately focused.

· The topic should be supported by at least ten (10) citations.

· The topic should be in alignment with current literature and the DHS Programs of Professional Practice.

Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements. Textbooks are not primary resources. Theses and dissertations are not considered peer-reviewed published articles. Use APA style in citing all resources.

1.2 Research Problem (2 Paragraphs)

Write a brief statement of the problem or need for improvement at the capstone site or program. Clearly describe the gap in current practice, service, process, policy, and/or the identified outcome. Identify the performance gap you wish to close and the potential root causes of the problem.

This section should include:

· FIRST PARAGRAPH: Write a brief statement that fully describes the problem being addressed. This paragraph introduces the problem that is informing the research and warrants the need for this study.

· Begin this paragraph with the statement, “The problem is…”

Example: The problem is that Helping Others, Inc’s transitional summer program has not consistently improved high school graduation rates.

· SECOND PARAGRAPH: Identify the need for the study. The need should be directly related to the problem presented in the first paragraph. It must clearly identify a gap in current practice, service, process, policy, or programs. It must clearly identify the need for the research and the desired outcome.

Example: This study is needed because high school graduation rates are decreasing in the service community where Helping Others Inc. provides its transitional summer program. Decreased graduation rates have negatively affected the unemployment rate in the area.

Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements. Textbooks are not primary resources. Theses and dissertations are not considered peer-reviewed published articles. Use APA style in citing all resources.

Learners

Specialization Chair Topic Approval

· After completing Section 1, Keystone or Capstone Learners should submit the DPP form to your Keystone Instructor or Capstone Mentor for approval.

· Collaborate with your Keystone Instructor or Capstone Mentor until you have approval for Section 1, “Topic Approval.”

· After you have received your Mentor’s approval for Section 1, your form will be submitted for SMR review.

|_| Approved

|_| Deferred

|_| Not Ready For Review

Reviewer Name:

Reviewer signature:

Date:

Comments:

Section 2. Rationale for Study

2.1 Capstone Project Problem Background

This section should further expound on the research problem and will include a brief SUMMARY of the review and synthesis of the research literature on the topic. This should include citations from at least 15 articles but should indicate that you have performed a full review of the literature on the topic.

This section should include:

· A statement about the body of existing literature on the topic.

· A summary of recent research findings on the topic that highlights the most relevant findings of the proposed study.

· A demonstration of how the proposed research could add to the existing literature on the topic.

Be sure to provide appropriate in text citations and include references in the reference section.

Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements. Textbooks are not primary resources. Theses and dissertations are not considered peer-reviewed published articles. Use APA style in citing all resources.

*This will not be your Capstone Project literature review but an initial foundation. You will continue to add to your literature review throughout your Capstone.

2.2 Need for the Project and Evidence to Make Change

Provide a rationale supported by current information regarding the need for this Capstone Project.

This section should include:

· The results of a needs assessment or an analysis for the project.

· A description of issues identified in the workplace, project, or community.

· Any relevant population and organizational demographics and statistics related to the proposed Capstone Project.

· A description of why the study is important.

· A description of whom the study will benefit.

Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements. Textbooks are not primary resources. Theses and dissertations are not considered peer-reviewed published articles. Use APA style in citing all resources.

2.3 Theoretical Foundations

Briefly describe the primary theoretical framework or model to be used for the study that will serve as the lens through which you will view the research problem and research questions.

NOTE: The theoretical foundation should be a theory from your discipline that supports the topic and should reflect on how you understand the topic and constructs in the study. To select the theory of model for the study, review the DHS Programs of Professional Practice.

This section should include:

· A review or discussion of the theory that will guide the project.

· An explanation of how the theory or model defines the variables or constructs of the study.

· An explanation of how the theory or model will guide the study.

· A list and explanation of any study assumptions.

Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements. Textbooks are not primary resources. Theses and dissertations are not considered peer-reviewed published articles. Use APA style in citing all resources.

2.4 Researchers Positionality

In this section, you will define your role, position, and how positionality will impact your research study.

This section should include:

· The title of your role or position in the organization, program, or community in your site.

· A description of your job duties at the site.

· A description of how your position will impact the research project.

· A statement that identifies if you are an insider (work or volunteer with the organization) or outsider, or a collaborator with insiders (no affiliation, but working with stakeholders within the organization).

Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements. Textbooks are not primary resources. Theses and dissertations are not considered peer-reviewed published articles. Use APA style in citing all resources.

2.5 Practical Implications

Please describe the specific practical implications of your findings that can be used by the stakeholders.

This section should include:

· A minimum of two (2) paragraphs. Every statement must be supported by the literature.

· A description of the specific practical implications (who may benefit) from the research that can be used by any or all of the following stakeholders:

· the population being studied,

· practitioners, clinicians, or medical practitioners,

· community-based service providers or health organizations,

· educators, colleges/universities or

· the wider community itself.

Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements. Textbooks are not primary resources. Theses and dissertations are not considered peer-reviewed published articles. Use APA style in citing all resources.

REMEMBER

NOTE: Be cognizant of the limitations and scope of the proposed research. Do not promise practical implications that are beyond the scope of the research.

Section 3. Research Theory

3.1 Purpose of the Study

State the purpose of the study. The purpose of the study is to answer the research question or provide practical answers to a problem or weaknesses of the current practice, service, or process, policy.

This section should include:

· A summary of the intended outcomes of the study.

· An identification of who can benefit from this research and how they might benefit.

· A statement of the purpose of the study and the need that it addresses.

· A statement about the outcomes or findings of the Capstone Project and how they will be sustained.

Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements. Textbooks are not primary resources. Theses and dissertations are not considered peer-reviewed published articles. Use APA style in citing all resources.

3.2 Research Question(s)

List the primary research question and any sub-questions that the proposed study will address. The research question(s) should be correctly formed.

This section should include a research question(s) or sub-questions that:

· Align with the research problem, the research topic, and the Capstone title.

· Identify the intended analysis.

· Is phrased in a way that will be answered by the intended methodology and analyses.

· Identify the specific variables to be explored, use language consistent with the research design or approach, and clearly identify the population being studied.

Qualitative Example: How can DHS caseworkers help the homeless population become self-sufficient?

Quantitative Example: How does employee morale in millennial research analysts affect creativity?

Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements. Textbooks are not primary resources. Theses and dissertations are not considered peer-reviewed published articles. Use APA style in citing all resources.

3.3 Capstone Project Title

The Capstone Project Title should be correctly formed:

· The title should be aligned with the Research Problem (1.2) and Research Question (2.2), (use the same terminology for all).

· The title should reflect the key variables or constructs to be studied.

· The title should reflect the method to be employed in the research.

· The title should be concise (12 words or less).

Section 4. Research Methodology

4.1 Summary of methodology

Briefly describe the Capstone Project research design.

This section should include:

· A description of the methodology (qualitative or quantitative).

· A description of the design (case study, generic qualitative, correlation, etc.).

· A description of the type of action research (participatory action, critical action research, action science research, or appreciative inquiry).

· A description of what data will be collected (validated instruments, interviews, archival data, organization policies, and procedures, etc.).

· A description of data analysis that will be used (thematic analysis, descriptive statistics, inferential statistics).

4.2a Quantitative Measures and Instruments

List and describe each variable and the data collection instrument or measurement tool you will use to collect these data. These should include standardized questionnaires, demographic data, and surveys, etc. See Appendix A for an example of a completed chart. Only standardized instruments can be used in quantitative studies.

Attach a copy of each instrument you plan to use as an appendix to the Capstone research form.

*Insert more rows as needed

4.2b Qualitative Constructs and Interview Guide

List and describe each qualitative construct and the data collection method you will use to collect these data. Include the alignment of the data collection source with the concept. See Appendix B for an example of a completed chart.

Attach a copy of the interview guide you plan to use

as an appendix to the Research Plan.

*Insert more rows as needed

*4.3 Field Tests

Only complete if the research study is greater than minimal risk.

Field tests must be completed for qualitative interview questions if the study is greater than minimal risk.

According to 45 CFR 46.102(i), minimal risk means, "The probability and magnitude of harm or discomfort anticipated in the research are not greater in and of themselves than those ordinarily encountered in daily life or during the performance of routine physical or psychological examinations or tests."

If you are unclear about the nature of the study, please consult with the Research Chair or Capella’s IRB. IRB approval is not required before a field test is conducted. The results of the field test should be submitted as part of the IRB application once the DPP is approved. Field test experts should be practitioners in the field that are knowledgeable about the topic. You may use a Capella faculty who has a relevant background.

This section should include:

· A list of the original interview questions (before the field test).

· A rationale for each original interview question that explains how the question will provide answers to the specific research question.

· The identification of field test experts (name and credentials).

· A description of the suggestions, comments, or recommendations from the field test experts.

· A list of the final, updated interview questions.

4.4 Data Analysis

Detail the actual data analyses to be conducted to address each research question.

For each research question and sub-question provide the following:

· A description of the data source.

· A description of how raw data will be analyzed (transcription, calculation of scaled variables, etc.).

· A description of how data will be managed, processed, and prepared.

· The method of qualitative analysis or statistical analysis.

· A description of how data will be stored and protected.

4.5 Sample Size

For each data source, describe the sample size, and provide references to support sample size decisions.

4.6 Assumptions

Identify the key (A) theoretical, (B) topical, and (C) methodological assumptions of the Capstone Project.

This section should include:

A. A description of the theoretical assumptions which will include the fundamental constructs of the theoretical foundation that you selected in Section 2.3.

B. A description of the topical assumptions which will include the assumptions revealed from previous research, the literature on the topic, and assumptions made by researchers in the field.

C. A description of the methodological assumptions which will include an explanation of the epistemological, ontological, and axiological philosophical assumptions that support the research methodology.

4.7 Limitations

Evaluate the weaknesses of the Capstone Project at this time.

This section should include:

· The areas that need to be improved before starting the Capstone Project.

· The areas that cannot be improved.

· The reasons for not redesigning to address any of the limitations identified.

Section 5 Sample and Design (Approach)

5.1 Sampling and Recruitment

For each data source, describe the sampling plan. Describe how you plan to select the sample. Include the steps you will take to recruit participants.

This section should include:

· A brief description of the data source, the sampling plan, and inclusion and exclusion criteria.

· The recruitment strategies (where applicable).

5.2 Expected Site

Describe the organization or site(s) from which you expect to draw the sample.

This section should include:

· The name of the agency.

· The type of agency (profit, nonprofit, government).

· The population served.

· The agency’s mission and/or human services they provide.

5.3 Site Permission

This section should include:

· The name of the authorized individual allowing the use of the organization or site.

· A statement of whether the site has an IRB.

· The process to obtain permission to access the stakeholders, population, or data source.

5.4 Participant Contact

How will potential participants first be contacted? How will participants be contacted following the study?

5.5 Action Plan and Time Frame

Describe the steps and time it will take to complete the Capstone Project. Provide a quarter-by-quarter listing of activities from start to finish. Describe the exact procedures that will be needed to carry out this study. This should read like a recipe for conducting the study. Be sure to include all the necessary details so that someone else would be able to follow this to replicate the study. (See Appendix C for an example of a completed chart.)

This section should include:

· A step-by-step description of exactly how the research will be conducted.

*Insert more rows as needed

5.6 Action Research Feedback Loop and Dissemination Plan

Describe the plan for providing feedback to stakeholders and the dissemination of the Capstone Project findings.

This section should include:

· The specific type of meeting (focus group, board meeting, community meeting, presentation meeting, etc.).

· The specific audience (executive administrators, directors, board members, stakeholders, etc.).

· The type of information that will be disseminated (written executive summary, verbal presentation of results, etc.).

· The key messages based on stakeholder feedback.

· The timeline for the feedback.

5.7 Action That Will Result from This Project

Describe the action sought by the project and how the action plan will be implemented.

For example, the development of a task force that will be implemented by the organization with community members.

Section 6. Ethics

6.1 Ethical Considerations

Describe any ethical considerations given the sample and/or topic.

This section should include:

· An explanation of how you plan to protect participants during recruitment, data collection, and data analysis.

· A description of any ethical concerns related to researcher positionality and how the concerns will be addressed.

· A description of any possible coercion and how it will be avoided.

6.2 Risk Assessment

Describe any risk to the participants and/or the organization. Reference the CITIT course for more information about minimal risk studies.

This section should include:

· A statement of whether the study is more than minimal risk.

· A statement of whether the study collects data from a vulnerable population.

· A description of any special steps will be taken to protect participants.

Section 7. References

List all references used in proper APA Style. You should include a minimum of 30 for the research plan but will need at least 50 for the Final Capstone Project.

First DPP Review

|_| Approved

|_| Deferred

|_| Not Ready For Review

Reviewer Name:

Reviewer signature:

Date:

Second DPP Review

|_| Approved

|_| Deferred

|_| Not Ready For Review

Reviewer Name:

Reviewer signature:

Date:

Third DPP Review

|_| Approved

|_| Deferred

Reviewer Name:

Reviewer signature:

Date:

Variable Type

Variable Name

Survey/Questions/

Calculations

(see attached survey)

Variable Level of Measure-ment

Instrument Name

Reliability Estimates

Demo-

graphics

Gender

Q#1

Nominal

N/A

Age

Q#2

Interval

N/A

Ethnicity

Q#3

Nominal

N/A

Type of neighborhood

Q#4

Nominal

N/A

Independent Variables

Cultural competence

Q# 5 through Q# 19

All items on the scale will be summed together

1= Totally unprepared

2= Somewhat unprepared

3= Prepared but need practice

4= Ready to practice

5= Competent

*The total number of questions in the cultural competency scale is 14. The range for the scale equals 14 to 70.

The higher the number, the higher the level of cultural competency.

Ordinal

Attitude, Skills, Knowledge (ASK)

Cronbach’s alpha in other studies ranged between .91-.95 for social work practitioners

Data Source

Specific Data Source

Constructs of Interest

Specific Interview Question

Archival Documents

Agency Background Information

Service statistics including numbers served, types of services provided, client demographics; diagnostic profiles (frequency and distribution); agency budgets, funding sources, the board of directors composition; staff data including licenses represented, years of service, length of employment, attrition rates, gender, racial and ethnic composition.

Attitude toward gay men and women and gay affirmative practice.

N/A

Researcher Observation

For the purposes of this case study, research observation will include participant as an observer (researcher spends an extended amount of time in the setting but does not play an actual role) and observer as a participant (researcher interacts, interviews, and questions people within the setting) as the observational approaches. Field notes will document the content of these observations and experiences within the setting and will provide a primary source of reflective data for the case study. Field notes must be detailed and descriptive, containing both the observed data and the researcher’s responses, feelings, and impressions of the setting (Patton, 2002).

Attitude toward gay men and women and gay affirmative practice.

N/A

Individual Interviews

Agency personnel

Attitude toward gay men and women and gay affirmative practice.

Can you describe the overall attitude of the agency toward discussing gay and lesbian issues? (see attached interview)

Program Statements/Website Review/Media Review

Agency mission statements, agency values/vision statements, diversity statements, client handbooks, brochures, web sites, Facebook, and other social media sites, newspaper clippings, video representations, electronic communications.

Attitude toward gay men and women and gay affirmative practice.

Quarter

Activity

Estimated time frame

Q1 2017

Recruit agency supervisors

Weeks 1-4

Q1 2017

Conduct face to face interviews with agency supervisors

Weeks 1-10