Your paper must include 5 original research study articles (exploratory, quasi-experimental, explanatory), published in peer-review journals. All of these studies must be QUANTITATIVE in methodology. These 5 sources must be cited in the text of your paper, and in the References section. No direct quotes are allowed. This means you must describe the information from other sources in YOUR OWN WORDS (paraphrase). Cite your source of information correctly! Remember: ALL sources cited in the text of your paper, must be cited in the References page… NO EXCEPTIONS! Failure to cite sources is considered PLAGIARISM, and will result in a “0” for this assignment.

You must also cite your textbook for this course in the text of your paper and in the References section. You might also need to cite other credible sources of information (agency reports, .gov websites, .org websites, or .edu websites) in your paper.

Each section of your paper should address specific information (see below). Your paper should include each section heading, centered and bolded, in your paper.

The paper must be double-spaced, and typed in 12-point font. Citations in the text of the paper, AND in the References section, must be formatted in 7th edition APA format. Use your 7th edition APA manual, and the formatting resources in the “APA Formatting Tips” tab in Blackboard to guide the formatting of your citations.

SECTION 3: PREVIOUS FINDINGS

*Based on your 5 chosen studies, describe the findings from those studies as it relates to the problem your client system is experiencing (ex, factors contributing to problem and/or evidence-based interventions)

– research designs

– sampling methods

– participants utilized in studies

– operationalization of independent and dependent variables

– theories used (if any)

– findings

SECTION 4: CRITIQUE OF LITERATURE

*Describe the strengths and weaknesses of previous studies methodology (ex, generalizability, measurement, cultural sensitivity, research design, threats to validity, reliability, theory, ethics, etc) [Note: Apply research knowledge/concepts from your required readings to critique the methodology- NOT the “issue”).