As a counselor, you will be making decisions on how to select evidence-based treatments. In your essay, demonstrate the decision-making process that you will use to choose one evidence-based treatment over another. Write a 1,000-1,250-word reflection essay on how to effectively utilize research in order to guide decision-making processes in the counseling profession. Include the following in your essay:A discussion about how qualitative and quantitative research reports guide the decision-making process.A discussion about the key characteristics of effective writing and publication in counseling and psychological research. How do these characteristics guide the decision-making processes?Select a diagnosis and include an example of how research could assist in treatment.Include a minimum of three scholarly resources in addition to the course textbook.Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin.1Unsatisfactory0.00%2Less than Satisfactory74.00%3Satisfactory79.00%4Good87.00%5Excellent100.00%70.0 %Content 20.0 %Qualitative and Quantitative Research ReportsReflection does not include a discussion about how qualitative and quantitative research reports guide the decision-making process. Reflection does not demonstrate understanding of the topic.Reflection only vaguely or incompletely includes a discussion about how qualitative and quantitative research reports guide the decision-making process. Reflection demonstrates poor understanding of the topic.Reflection provides a basic discussion about how qualitative and quantitative research reports guide the decision-making process. Reflection demonstrates a basic understanding of the topic.Reflection provides a thorough discussion about how qualitative and quantitative research reports guide the decision-making process. Reflection provides examples to further understanding. Reflection demonstrates understanding that extends beyond the surface the topic.Reflection provides a comprehensive discussion about how qualitative and quantitative research reports guide the decision-making process. In addition, it explains how these methods of research might be helpful in their career as a professional counselor. Reflection demonstrates an exceptional understanding of the topic.25.0 %Characteristics of Effective Writing and Publication in Counseling and Psychological Research C4.2: Utilize research to guide decision-making processes.Reflection does not include a discussion about the characteristics of effective writing and publication in counseling and psychological research and how these guide the decision-making process. Reflection does not demonstrate understanding of the topic.Reflection only vaguely or incompletely includes a discussion about the characteristics of effective writing and publication in counseling and psychological research and how these guide the decision-making process. Reflection demonstrates poor understanding of the topic.Reflection provides a basic discussion about the characteristics of effective writing and publication in counseling and psychological research and how these guide the decision-making process. Reflection demonstrates a basic understanding of the topic.Reflection provides a thorough discussion about the characteristics of effective writing and publication in counseling and psychological research and how these guide the decision-making process. Reflection demonstrates understanding that extends beyond the surface the topic.Reflection provides a comprehensive discussion about the characteristics of effective writing and publication in counseling and psychological research and how these guide the decision-making process. In addition, it explains how these methods of research might be helpful in their career as a professional counselor. Reflection demonstrates an exceptional understanding of the topic.25.0 %Diagnosis and ExampleReflection does not include a diagnosis as well as an example of how research can assist in treatment. Reflection does not demonstrate understanding of the topic.Reflection only vaguely or incompletely includes a diagnosis as well as an example of how research can assist in treatment. Reflection demonstrates poor understanding of the topic.Reflection provides a basic discussion about a diagnosis as well as an example of how research can assist in treatment. Reflection demonstrates a basic understanding of the topic.Reflection provides a thorough discussion about a diagnosis as well as an example of how research can assist in treatment. Reflection demonstrates understanding that extends beyond the surface the topic.Reflection provides a comprehensive discussion about a diagnosis as well as an example of how research can assist in treatment. Reflection demonstrates an exceptional understanding of the topic.15.0 %Organization and Effectiveness 5.0 %Paragraph Development and TransitionsParagraphs and transitions consistently lack unity and coherence. No apparent connections between paragraphs are established. Transitions are inappropriate to purpose and scope.Some paragraphs and transitions may lack logical progression of ideas, unity, coherence, and/or cohesiveness. Some degree of organization is evident.Paragraphs are generally competent, but ideas may show some inconsistency in organization and/or in their relationships to each other.A logical progression of ideas between paragraphs is apparent. Paragraphs exhibit a unity, coherence, and cohesiveness. Topic sentences and concluding remarks are appropriate to purpose.There is a sophisticated construction of paragraphs and transitions. Ideas progress and relate to each other. Paragraph and transition construction guide the reader. Paragraph structure is seamless15.0 %Organization and Effectiveness 10.0 %Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use)Surface errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice and/or sentence construction are used.Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice (register), sentence structure, and/or word choice are present.Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but are not overly distracting to the reader. Correct sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are used.Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may be present. A variety of sentence structures and effective figures of speech are used.Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English.15.0 %Format 5.0 %Paper Format (use of appropriate style for the major and assignment)Template is not used appropriately or documentation format is rarely followed correctly.Appropriate template is used, but some elements are missing or mistaken. A lack of control with formatting is apparent.Appropriate template is used. Formatting is correct, although some minor errors may be present.Appropriate template is fully used. There are virtually no errors in formatting style.All format elements are correct.10.0 %Documentation of Sources (citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., as appropriate to assignment and style)Sources are not documented.Documentation of sources is inconsistent or incorrect, as appropriate to assignment and style, with numerous formatting errors.Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, although some formatting errors may be present.Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is mostly correct.Sources are completely and correctly documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is free of error.100 %Total Weightage

Psychological Assessment ReportA psychological assessment report is created by psychology professionals to inform groups or individuals of the assessments appropriate for their current needs. This type of report also includes a summary of the services provided to these groups or individuals. This evaluation is used by the various entities to assess basic needs, competencies, preferences, skills, traits, dispositions, and abilities for different individuals in a variety of settings.Psychological reports vary widely depending on the psychology professional creating it and the needs being assessed. Some of the psychology professionals who create this type of report include counselors, school psychologists, consultants, psychometricians, or psychological examiners. This type of report may be as short as three pages or as long as 20 or more pages depending on the needs of the stakeholders. Many reports include tables of scores that are attached either in an appendix or integrated into the report. Despite the many variations in assessment reports, most include the same essential information and headings.Students will choose one of the personality assessment scenarios from the discussions in Weeks Two, Three, or Four to use as the basis of this psychological assessment report. Once the scenario has been chosen, students will research a minimum of four peer-reviewed articles that relate to and support the content of the scenario and the report as outlined below. The following headings and content must be included in the report: The Reason for Referral and Background InformationIn this section, students will describe the reasons for the referral and relevant background information for all stakeholders from the chosen personality assessment scenario.Assessment ProceduresIn this section, students will include a bulleted list of the test(s) and other assessment measures recommended for the evaluation of the given scenario. In addition to the assessment(s) initially provided in the personality assessment scenario from the weekly discussion, students must include at least three other measures appropriate for the scenario.Immediately following the bulleted list, students will include a narrative description of the assessments. In the narrative, students will examine and comment on the major theoretical approaches, research methods, and assessment instruments appropriate for the situation and stakeholder needs. In order to defend the choice of recommended assessments, students will evaluate current research in the field of personality theories and provide examples of how these assessments are valid for use in the chosen scenario. For additional support of these recommended assessment measures, students will evaluate the standardization, reliability and validity, and cultural considerations present in these personality assessments that make them the most appropriate tools for the given scenario. Students will conclude the narrative by assessing types of personality measurements and research designs often used in scenarios like the one chosen and providing a rationale for why some of those assessments were not included.General Observations and ImpressionsIn this section, students will describe general observations of the client during the assessment period provided in the chosen personality assessment scenario and explain whether the client's behavior might have had a negative impact on the test results. Students will analyze and comment on how the APA’s Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct affected the implementation of the personality assessment during the initial process. Based on the observations and analysis, students will assess the validity of the evaluation and make a recommendation for or against the necessity for additional testing.Test Results and InterpretationsIn this section, students will analyze the results of the assessment provided in the chosen personality assessment scenario. Based on the score, students will interpret the personality factors (conscientiousness, openness, emotional stability, introversion, extroversion, work drive, self-directedness, etc.) that are present.Note: Typically, this section reports test results and is the longest section of a psychological assessment report because the results of all the tests administered are analyzed and reported. Some psychologists report all test results individually, while others may integrate only a portion of the test results. However, in this report, only the assessment presented in the chosen personality assessment scenario will be included.Summary and RecommendationsIn this section, students will summarize the test results. They will provide a complete explanation for the evaluation, the procedures and measures used, and the results and include any recommendations translating the evaluation into strategies and suggestions to support the client. Finally, students will provide any conclusions and diagnostic impressions drawn from the previous sections of the report.Pathbrite Portfolio The Masters of Arts in Psychology program is utilizing the Pathbrite portfolio tool as a repository for student scholarly work in the form of signature assignments completed within the program. After receiving feedback for this Psychological Assessment Report, please implement any changes recommended by the instructor, go to Pathbrite (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. and upload the revised Psychological Assessment Report to the portfolio. Use the Pathbrite Quick-Start Guide (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. to create an account if you do not already have one. The upload of signature assignments will take place after completing each course. Be certain to upload revised signature assignments throughout the program as the portfolio and its contents will be used in other courses and may be used by individual students as a professional resource tool. See the Pathbrite (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. website for information and further instructions on using this portfolio tool.Writing the Psychological Assessment ReportThe report:Must be six to ten double-spaced pages in length and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.Must include a title page with the following:Title of paperStudent’s nameCourse name and numberInstructor’s nameDate submittedMust include the required headings and content as listed above.Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.Must utilize assessment manuals as necessary to support the inclusion and results of the assessments.Must use a minimum of four peer-reviewed sources, at least two of which must be from the Ashford University Library.Must document all sources in APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.Must include a separate reference page that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.Carefully review the Grading Rubric (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.