Assignment: Defining Social Problems
In this course, Design and Evaluation of Programs and Projects, you examine aspects of program planning and evaluation while also engaging in a Practicum Experience. As you do this, you may notice the differing terminologies and approaches that are applied in various circumstances. For instance, you are likely quite familiar with the phrase "health problem" from your previous coursework and professional practice. This Discussion looks at understanding "social problems" as part of a framework for program design. What is the distinction between these terms? Why is it important to notice this divergence?
Problem analysis is a cornerstone for effective program planning and should be conducted at the outset. With this first Discussion, begin to pay close attention to the language and perspectives that will inform your program planning work as you move forward in the course.
To prepare:
• Consider the following scenario:
o Data from the Appalachian region show lower numbers of women receiving mammograms compared to the national average, indicating a need to increase use of this procedure in this area. However, the data also show that women from this region are reluctant to participate because of their attitudes toward mammograms (Royse & Dignan, 2009).
• Review Chapter 1 of Designing and Managing Programs to be sure you have a clear understanding of the sequencing of program design and evaluation, as well as the importance of each element of this process.
• Then, review Chapter 3. Analyze the scenario above in light of the concepts presented:
o Why is it important to avoid stating the problem as a solution?
o How does this scenario illustrate a "social problem"?
o What responses to the problem analysis framework questions (pp. 45-49) could you develop given the information provided?
• Post a cohesive scholarly response that addresses the following:
1) Describe three key insights or strategies you would share with your team if you were engaged in planning for a program related to the scenario described above.
2) How do you expect that your intended approach to developing an understanding of social problems could affect program planning? Be sure to support your response.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.
Required Readings
• Kettner, P. M., Moroney, R. M., & Martin, L. L. (2017). Designing and managing programs: An effectiveness-based approach (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
• Chapter 1, "Contemporary Issues in Social Services Program Planning and Administration"
• The first chapter of this text describes current issues related to designing and managing programs. By asking the reader to briefly analyze an existing program, the authors lay out the topics that will be addressed in the book-and throughout this course.
• Chapter 3, "Understanding Social Problems"
• Chapter 3 emphasizes critical considerations for developing an understanding of a social problem that may differ from how this has been approached by service providers in the past-including the importance of beginning with problem analysis early in the planning process and focusing on understanding the problem rather than generating solutions.
• Choma, K. & McKeever, A.E. (2016). Cervical cancer screening in adolescents: A evidence-based Internet education program for practice improvement among advanced practice nurses. Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing, 12(1), 51-60.
• Dalum, P., Brandt, C.L., Skov-Ettrup, L., Tolstrup, J., & Kok, G. (2016). The systematic development of an Internet-based smoking cessation intervention for adults. Tobacco Cessation, 17(4), 490-500 doi: 10.1177/1524839916631536 (See attached file)
• DeCaporale-Ryan, L. N., Cornell, A., McCann, R. M., McCormick, K., & Speice, J. (2014) Hospital to home: A geriatric educational program on effective discharge planning, Gerontology & Geriatrics Education, 35:4, 369-379, doi:10.1080/02701960.2013.858332.
Required Media
• Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Design and evaluation of programs and projects [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
• "Introduction to Program Planning" (featuring Dr. Rebecca Lee, Franko Wantsala, and Alexis Kidd)
• You may view this course video by clicking the link or on the course DVD, which contains the same content.
• This week's videos, featuring Dr. Rebecca Lee, Franko Wantsala, and Alexis Kidd, share a program example at Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses in Cincinnati.