Accountability Through Action Research: Research Methods for Practitioners

This article summarizes how outcome research methodologies can be incorporated into counseling practice in many settings. Performing an outcome study can assist counselors in evaluating their own effectiveness. In addition, more field-based studies can contribute to the empirical knowledge base. An overview of the steps involved in an outcome or evaluative study is discussed, and a summary is provided of instruments and techniques for research in mental health counseling, career counseling, and school counseling.