Research and Evaluation

This focus area provides students with the knowledge and practical experience to conduct research and evaluation relevant to child and adolescent behavioral health. Tuition and fee support may be available through the Graduate Certificate in Research in Adolescent Behavioral Health.

Competencies

In this focus area, students will gain knowledge and practical experience in these areas:

• Describe the history and philosophy of translational research and implementation science as they pertain to the field of child and adolescent behavioral health.
• Interpret and apply the major theories and theoretical frameworks that contribute to the field of translational science.
• Interpret key concepts of implementation science as they relate to the adoption of new innovations and evidence-based practices.
• Evaluate the multiple risk factors that increase the incidence of drug abuse and mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children and adolescents; specify the domains in which these risk factors present.
• Develop capacity to conduct research and evaluation relevant to child and adolescent behavioral health.
• Develop capacity in planning and evaluating behavioral health interventions and programs for children and adolescents.
• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of children's behavioral health advocacy, policy, service systems, and systems change in support of translational science and implementation of evidence-based practices.
• Demonstrate capacity for interpreting gaps in implementation of evidence-based practices and barriers to implementation.
• Evaluate core principles of translational research and the critical issues associated with the movement of achievements of research and science into clinical practice settings.
• Gain skills in the critical evaluation of a broad range of literature as it pertains to concepts in translational research, implementation science, and child and adolescent behavioral health.

 For additional information on the Research & Evaluation focus area, contact Dr. Matthew Foster.

If after viewing the information on the CABH focus areas, you are still uncertain about which one would fit best with your specific situation, please contact either the Director of the focus area for which you plan to apply, and/or Debra Mowery, PhD. Keep in mind that there is overlap between all curriculums and the choice of focus area should be based on your specific interests, and career and educational goals. The choices of focus area and track (thesis or applied/non-thesis track) need to be declared at the time of application.