Outline
Introduction
Genesis 2:19 – 20
Describe how Adam demonstrated the use of the concept of classification?
"Genesis 6:12 – 22
Describe how Noah demonstrated the use of the concept of measurement?
"Exodus 18:13 - 27
Describe how Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, demonstrated the concept of program evaluation?
"Daniel 1:1 – 21
Describe how Daniel and Melzar demonstrated the following: the use of a stated or implied research question and/or hypothesis; the use of one or more aspects of research methodology (participants, instruments, procedures).
Speculate on the specific type of research design Daniel used to conduct his study
Conclusion- -Types of research I am comfortable conducting as a counselor
Sociology: Research Design and Program evaluation- Christian World View
Introduction
Christian world view has various interpretations depending on the personal philosophy of the Christian. My worldview can be described as an act of faith of truth and knowledge. I believe this because I experience it to be true and logical in accordance with God's law. As such, I tend not to judge everything by logic, and declare it illogical; valid or invalid.
In this sense of seeking knowledge and truth when applying a research design foor for us to understand that it is a scientific method adapted by a researcher to test research questions or validate hypotheses. It is considered the blueprint of the research since it details questions that will be investigated; the population and sample to be used as well as the way data will be collected and interpreted. There are several research designs within the sciences (Ader et.al, 2008)
However, social science methodology utilizes distinct designs applicable to the science. They are either quantitative or qualitative which can be cross-sectional descriptive in nature or observational explanatory adaptations. Case studies and experiments are not usually used in social sciences (Ader et.al, 2008).
Program evaluations are relatively new interventions within social sciences. This entails a systematic approach towards collecting, analyzing and utilizing information to answer questions similar to those found in a research design. The difference is that it specifically addresses programs and not social phenomena as when research designs are used (Boulmetis, et.al.2005). In the following pages of this document, the writer will answer questions pertaining to research designs and program evaluations adapted by the various characters cited.
As such, when research design and program evaluation is utilized in the sciences they have their distinct functions of investigation and assessment. While research design influence the nature of the investigation or the way it ought to be conducted; program evaluation takes the process beyond investigation toward informing how changes ought to be instituted within a given setting.
Genesis 2:19 – 20
Describe how Adam demonstrated the use of the concept of classification?
Concept of classification according to Piaget embodies three major dimensions. A person can classify an object or social phenomenon based on memory and the naming of it, secondly it can be by way of understanding what it means enough to describe it verbally and thirdly it could be explained using one’s own understanding of it in relation to similar situations or objects ( Hjørland, 2009). In Genesis 2: 19-20 it would appear that Adam classified the animals from memory because when they were brought to him he named them (Holy Bible, 2011)
Genesis 6:12 – 22
Describe how Noah demonstrated the use of the concept of measurement?
In sociology a concept is a general idea which can be perceived by anyone. Thus, concept of measurement meant that the instructions given to Noah by God had to be perceived from his paradigm of measurement to process the ideas delivered to him into a structure exactly the way it was perceived by God.
More importantly, in this sense there had to be some synchronicity of ideology as to what constitutes measurement from Noah’s interpretation of God. According to scripture (Holy Bible, 2011) the length had to be 300 cubits; a concept measurement which had to be applied from instructions. The others pertained to50 cubits breadth and 30 cubits height. Noah complied with all that was commanded which indicated that he understood the basic concept of measurement since there was no where in scripture that he asked again for instructions neither repeated them for verification.
Exodus 18:13 - 27
Describe how Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, demonstrated the
Concept of program evaluation?
Thereafter, the conclusion offered suggestions0 for eminent changes. Precisely, Jethro developed a design for adjustment and the structures through which it can occur. Importantly, it established hierarchy of command and subordinate staffing. Actually, it could be interpreted as a bureaucracy whereby Moses was seen only if the situation was too difficult for the officers operating beneath his command. In such a way the program could be sustained and tasks shared among many.
Daniel 1:1 – 21
Describe how Daniel and Melzar demonstrated the following: the use of a stated or implied
Research question and/or hypothesis; the use of one or more aspects of research
Methodology (participants, instruments, procedures)
The use of implied research question and/or hypothesis could be found in verse 12 with Daniel’s reiteration that for ten days they would deprive themselves of the king’s meat and would not be harmed in their bodies (Holy Bible, 2011). It was a challenge embodied within a research hypothesis. Daniel could be detected as the focus of this research as a case study subject and also a participant observer (Haralambos & Holborn, 2004).
Melzar can be interpreted as the researcher working on behalf of the King. Obviously, the instruments in this research were administered by Melzar. They took the form of meat and wine/ pulp and water. This research design contained a control which consisted of the men who ate the king’s meat and drank wine. Daniel and his men were the subjects being researched.
There was a time frame through which the research experiment extended. It lasted 10 days after which data was collected. Even though no specific scientific data analyses were employed to determine the validity of the Null hypothesis it was a clear case from outward evidence that Daniel’s hypothesis was true. Conclusions were drawn in favor of Daniel and his men. Hence, Melzar concluded his research, conceding to feed Daniel and his team the food they requested.
Speculate on the specific type of research design Daniel used to conduct his study
Therefore, he placed himself at the point of investigating the merit of Daniel’s statement which formed the hypothesis of the design. Clearly, it was a comparative cross sectional study involving two sets of variables, meat and wine/ pulse and water. Interchangeable these were concepts to be researched in terms of their effectiveness when eaten.
Despite how the procedures for this research were conducted enough evidence exists for conclusions to be determined by a both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Qualitative relates to how the men in both the control and primary study appeared after 10 days as well as from the quantitative paradigm the amounts of food they consumed during the time.
Conclusively, when taken in a twenty-first century context of a research design, it was not a survey whereby administered questionnaire predicted the outcome. If there was anything to be administered it was the instruments contained in food conceived as meat and wine/ pulse and water. Did the design establish internal and external validity? Yes! They were pre-tested and re-tested prior to being administered.
Conclusion
Types of research I am comfortable conducting as a counselor
As a counselor based on the types of research designs discussed in class I am most comfortable with cross sectional mixed designs. They need to use questionnaires as the instruments and adapt a survey type of methodology in execution of procedures. Pretesting of instruments must be part of the internal validity process to ensure that subjectivity is minimal or eliminated.
Precisely, from a Christian world view as a counselor it is important to realize the sociology of living since society and human interactions are based on interrelations within specific groups. Therefore, the role of a counselor is often to investigate any social phenomenon that presents itself during one’s practice. Accuracy of conclusions depends on a firm research design that would enable the most appropriate valid results.
Reference
Adèr, H. J., Mellenbergh, G. J., & Hand, D. J. (2008). Advising on research methods: a
consultant's companion. Huizen: Johannes van Kessel Publishing.
Boulmetis, John, Dutwin, Phyllis (2005). The ABCs of Evaluation.
Haralambos & Holborn (2004). 'Sociology: Themes and perspectives. (6th ed), New York:
Collins Educational.
Holy Bible (2011) American new Revised Standard; New York; American Bible Society.
Hjørland, B. (2009). Concept Theory. Journal of the American Society for Information Science
and Technology, 60(8), 1519–1536
