Professional counselors are often asked to provide data to substantiate their work. For example, insurance companies often limit professional counselors to a certain number of sessions and then require rationale for any extension of services. In order to provide rationale, counselors must have data that is valid and reliable. One manner in which counselors can tackle this issue is to approach the counseling process from a research framework and develop a systematic process of data collection. Time series research designs can be easily implemented by an individual counselor and can provide the research framework for addressing the issue of counselor accountability.
In this Application, you consider the types of time series designs, the steps involved in conducting time series research, and how to analyze the associated data. You review a set of data and determine appropriate time series methodology for a proposed research question. Through these experiences, you will develop an understanding of how time series research can be applied to everyday practice.