CAPSTONE: Week 8 Assignment: The Question, Theory, and Survey Instrument
Selection

Preparation
In this assignment, you will write a narrowly focused research or program evaluation

question that is focused on your topic, has measurable variables, and addresses

diversity, equity, or inclusion issues.

Research/Program Evaluation Question
As a guide refer to the following example of a process for narrowing a research problem

and writing a research question. (Please see below)

● Social Problem: Opioid Addiction in the state of Florida
● General Question: How can opioid addiction be combatted?
● Research Question: How effective or medication assisted treatment centers

are?

Theory
Once a research question is established, select one human service theory which was

presented during the MS Program to apply to your proposal:

● Behavioral theory.
● Change theory.
● Cognitive theory.
● Critical race theory.
● Developmental theory.
● Feminist theory.
● Functionalist theory.
● Gender theory.
● Identity formation theory.

● Self-efficacy theory.
● Sense of community theory.
● Systems theory.
● Transformational theory.
● Queer theory.

Survey Instrument(s)
The next step is to select select one to two published survey instrument(s) that are held

in the Capella Library collection.

● Go to the Articles, Books and More
● Links to an external site.
● section of the Capella Library
● Links to an external site.
● .
● Click Databases A–Z
● Links to an external site.
● .
● Scroll down to the “P” category and click on PsycTESTS.
● Enter search terms for your topic in Search field.
● Review the options and select a survey you believe would be appropriate for

your project. You can modify survey questions for your proposal.

Instructions
Include the following components in your assignment.

Introduction
● Provide a short introduction to the paper.

Research/Program Evaluation Question
● Write one research question or program evaluation question that identifies the

population, the problem of focus, and relates to a diversity, equity, or inclusion
issue.

Theory
● Provide an overview of the human service theory selected that can be

appropriately applied to the social problem/program objective, including an
explanation of how at least two constructs from the theory relate to the
problem/program objective.

Survey Instrument
● Discuss the value of survey research.
● Present a published survey instrument held in the Capella Library collection

and evaluate how the survey questions address the variables in the proposed
research question/program evaluation question or could be modified to
address them.

Conclusion
● Provide a short conclusion to the paper.

Additional Requirements
● References: Include a minimum of four peer-reviewed journal articles

published within the last five years.
● Length of paper: 3–4 pages.
● Communication: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional,

and respectful of the diversity, dignity, and integrity of others, consistent with
expectations for members of the human services profession. Written
communication should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.

● APA Style and Format : Use appropriate APA style and formatting for
citations and references. Refer to Academic Writer

● Links to an external site.
● or Evidence and APA
● Links to an external site.
● in the Capella Writing Center.

Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the

following course competencies and grading criteria:

● Competency 1: Apply laws, legal issues, professional ethics and cultural
competence to the human services profession.

○ Write a narrowly focused research question or program evaluation
question that identifies the population and problem and relates to a
diversity, equity, or inclusion issue.

● Competency 3: Collaborate with diverse stakeholders within the community to
coordinate and manage direct-service programs to best meet client,
organizational, and community needs and promote empowerment,
community engagement, advocacy, and collaboration in for-profit, nonprofit,
and government organizations.

○ Discuss the value of survey research.
● Competency 4: Apply interdisciplinary knowledge and research skills to better

understand human functioning and conduct a systematic analysis of service
needs, interventions, and evaluate outcomes.

○ Present a published survey instrument held in the Capella Library
collection and evaluate how the survey questions address the
variables in the proposed research question/program evaluation
question or could be modified to address them.

● Competency 5: Employ human services management skills to address the
scope of conditions that can promote or inhibit human functioning:
conceptualize problems, contribute in collaborative settings, and
communicate recommendations regarding direct care, resource
management, and service delivery.

○ Provide an overview of the human service theory selected that can
be appropriately applied to the social problem/program objective,
including an explanation of how at least two constructs from the
theory relate to the problem/program objective.

● Competency 6: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and
respectful of the diversity, dignity, and integrity of others, consistent with
expectations for members of the human services profession.

○ Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and
respectful of the diversity, dignity, and integrity of others, consistent
with expectations for members of the human services profession.