1.) Describe what statistical tests were used to analyze the correlation between multiple variables. Many of the variables required a Spearman Rho test (however there may be a few research questions that will require a Chi test or a multiple regression analysis) You’ll be able to see which variables require which tests based on the SPSS generated data that I have uploaded.
2.) Determine if there is a positive, negative or no existing relationship between variables in each research question. If there is an association, describe it’s level of significance, and report it’s meaning in lay terms. For example: As Clinicians spend more time out in the mental health field, their confidence level increases, decreases etc. Each research question below will need to be answered.
RQ1: What is the relationship between confidence and age, and what are the perceived differences between males and females that can augment confidence levels?
H1: A positive correlation between the level of confidence and age is predicted.
RQ2: What is the link between confidence and years since graduation?
H2: A positive correlation between the level of confidence and years since graduation is predicted.
RQ3: What is the relationship between confidence and level of education? (highest degree obtained/years of training)
H3: A positive correlation between the level of trust and level of education is predicted, with doctoral-level clinicians showing stronger confidence than masters-level clinicians, and both showing stronger faith than bachelors level clinicians.
RQ4: What is the relationship between confidence and personally having a disability? (identifying/not identifying as having a disability)
H4: It is predicted that those who identify as having a disability will have more confidence than those who do not.
RQ5: What is the relationship between confidence and the type of clinical training?
H5A: A positive correlation is predicted between the number of modalities learned and the level of confidence.
H5B: A Positive correlation is predicted between those who have had more years of training and level of training.
RQ6: What is the relationship between confidence and race/ethnicity?
H6: A positive correlation is predicted between those who identify as a person of color or belong to non-dominant racial/ethnic groups and level of confidence.
RQ7: What is the relationship between confidence and satisfaction with training?
H7: A negative correlation is predicted between satisfaction with training and level of confidence.
RQ8: Does the confidence level increase due to augmented competency standards or licensures (EPPP)?
H8: An augmented level of competency increases the level of confidence.
3) I am also including a written draft of the preliminary results that can be modified for this assignment. You can use the data from my excel spreadsheet with a free Statistical analytics website, or use the data already generated from SPSS that I ran a few months ago. Also included in the survey questions used to generate the research questions and variables.
Discussion (Conclusion): approximately 5 pages
1.) Summarize which variables had a strong and/weak relationship between one another according to the results above.
2.) Are there other variables that should have been considered in this study in addition to what was surveyed? Are there variables that should have been omitted in what was tested? Please explain why for both contingencies.
3.) Determine if the researcher should have considered measuring competency rather than confidence? Explain the similarities and differences between professional “competence” in mental health and is “confident” in one’s ability to perform psychological services. Use references to justify your operational definition of the two.
4.) Create some preliminary reasons that may cause mental health clinicians to feel confident or lack confidence in working with clients with disabilities. What factors can be attributed to the results (e.g. poor curriculum in psychology training programs, lack of funding put towards universities/training programs that prioritize a focus in disability psychology; is it personal exposure to/personal history of caring a relative/friend/peer/colleague who has a disability that shapes feelings or perceptions of confidence and in turn competence . Can another reason be attributed clinician’s ‘imposter syndrome’ (the more years you spend in grad school/doctoral, the more one realizes they don’t know actually know, consequently mental health clinician’s fake it to they make it). Generate any other possibilities of factors that may shape a professional confidence level/perceived competence in disability. Whatever additional ideas that get thrown out there will need a reference here and there to back up the idea.
5.) Develop some hypothetical solutions to change the dilemma of mental health clinician’s obtaining 4-7 years of education, completing a minimum of 1500-3,000 hours plus of face to face direct intervention hours with clients (depending on the state’s requirements for licensure), and yet clinicians oddly don’t feel satisfied with their training and education and perceive themselves as not having enough confidence in their capacity to deliver psychological services or teach people with disabilities. Consider ways to change this conundrum for future clinicians who enter into the field. Lastly, describe how it’ll impact the client’s with disabilities if mental health clinicians have or do not have confidence in working with this demographic.