Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

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Which method is most appropriate for studying the effect of a new counseling intervention on student anxiety levels?

Qualitative interviews
Case studies
Randomized controlled trial
Observational studies

The correct answer is: Randomized controlled trial

The randomized controlled trial (RCT) is the most appropriate method for studying the effect of a new counseling intervention on student anxiety levels because it allows for a rigorous comparison between groups. In an RCT, participants are randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which receives the new counseling intervention, or a control group, which does not. This randomization minimizes the risk of biases that could affect the results and helps establish a cause-and-effect relationship between the intervention and the observed changes in anxiety levels. Through the use of standardized measures and the potential for statistical analysis, RCTs provide strong evidence regarding the efficacy of the intervention being studied. The focus on quantifiable outcomes and controlled conditions makes RCTs a gold standard in intervention research, particularly for evaluating the effectiveness of counseling techniques on specific psychological outcomes like anxiety. This methodological strength is vital in establishing whether the intervention is truly beneficial for students experiencing anxiety.