Due on 6/1/15 @7 p.m. cst Urgent

Section 1. Learner and Program Information (to be completed by learner)

Learner Name

Learner Email

Mentor Name

Mentor Email

Specialization (Delete all specializations except for your own)

Area of Specialization Program Chair

· General Human Services Dr. Charles Lorbeer

· Health Care Administration Dr. Lonnie Wederski

· Management of Nonprofits Dr. Yvonne Kochanowski

· Social and Community Services Dr. Charles Lorbeer

· Criminal Justice Dr. Steven Barthelmeus

· Emergency Management Dr. Michael Kemp

· Public Safety Leadership Dr. Steven Barthelmeus

Program Chair Email

Section 2. Research Problem & Contributions to Research Theory

2.1 Research Problem

Describe the scientific problem. This paragraph goes beyond the social problem. E.g. We know X from the literature, we also know Y, but we don’t know Z and that is why this study’s research question is important.

The treatment approaches to the OEF and OIF veterans greatly impacts on the effectiveness of the treatment outcomes. As affirmed by Kracen et al. (2013), only 57% of the100 OEF and OIF veterans preferred individual over the group therapy. Moreover, Chard et al. (2010) describes that there is a major problem regarding the insufficient studies on the different treatment outcomes between the study populations. Furthermore, the current inaccurate diagnosis of the PTSD has become a significant contributor the emerging problems. As such, this study research strives to bridge the gap between the improper diagnostic criteria as well as illustrate the variables that might have a significant influence over the diagnosis and treatment outcomes in order to improve the VA health care for OEF and OIF veterans.

2.2 Advancing the Scientific Knowledge Base

Specifically describe how this research will advance scientific knowledge in your specialization area by answering all of these 3 questions using bullet points and in-text citations.

1. Does the study address something that is not known or has not been studied before—How is this study new or different from other studies?

· Yes, the study differs from the other studies that have been conducted since it majors on bridging the existing gap on the improper diagnostic procedures on the veterans suffering from the PTSD. Additionally, the study intends to bring fourth the multiple variables that affect the treatment and diagnosis outcomes.

2. If your research questions are studied, how could your findings impact your field of interest—“So What?”

· If my research questions are studied, the findings could impact my field of interest by influencing the diagnostic procedure for PTSD that is currently being used since it depicts that it is inaccurate.

3. What possible practical implications do you predict the results of your research will have? For instance, what will be the impact of these results on your sample, your site location, or your workplace—“Who Cares?”

· The possible practical implication that my research will have is the change of the existing diagnostic procedure and adaptation of more improved technology which will be more accurate.

2.3 Theoretical Foundation

List the major theory or theories that serve as the backbone of the study. List each theory, briefly describe it, and list a reference for each immediately below the theory.

Behavior Modeling Theory

The behavior modeling served as the backbone to the study. This theory stipulates that we obtain a sufficient amount of knowledge by not only doing but also by watching what other people do. It is noted that model looks at the need, enabling and the predisposing factors that tend to influence the veterans access to health care for the PTSD (DiClemente & Crosby, 2011). 

Reference

DiClemente, R. J., & Crosby, R. A. (2011). Health behavior theory for public health: Principles, foundations, and applications. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.

Cognitive Behavior Theory

The cognitive behavior theory illustrates that the people’s perceptions or their spontaneous thoughts regarding a situation tend to influence their emotional and behavioral reaction. It is crucial to note that these perceptions are often distorted when the individuals are distressed (Kendall & Hollon, 2013). 

Reference

Kendall, P. C., & Hollon, S. D. (Eds.). (2013). Cognitive-behavioral interventions: Theory, research, and procedures. Academic Press.

Cognitive Theory

The cognitive theory tends to explain the mental processes of an individual when influenced by extrinsic and intrinsic factors. It illustrates that analyzing the mental processes plays a major role in understanding the different processes in an individual (Rector et al., 2011). 

Reference

Rector, N. A., Stolar, N., & Grant, P. (2011). Schizophrenia: Cognitive theory, research, and therapy. Guilford Press.

2.4 Contribution to Research Theory

Explain how your study answers one of these 4 questions.

Provide a detailed explanation for at least one of the following questions.

· In what ways does the research test to confirm or refute theory?

The research confirms the behavior modeling by stipulating that the theory is often employed for identifying the veterans who might need PTSD treatment intervention. It is noted that the model looks at the need, enabling and the predisposing factors that tend to influence the veterans access to health care for the PTSD. Basically, these factors are used in determining if the veteran with PTSD will seek help for his/her mental issue.

2.5 Research Questions

List the research questions. The questions should align with the research problem. Be very specific here. PSL dissertations typically have between 2-6 research questions.

· What are the effects of the inaccurate diagnostic procedure that is currently being used?

· What is the effectiveness of the existing treatment methods that are administered to the OEF and OIF veterans?

· What variables might influence the diagnosis as well as the treatment outcome of PTSD?

· What new strategy can be employed to aid in an improved diagnosis of PTSD?