¶ … group and the nature of the study population. Both may present limitations to the researcher that will be reflective in the study design. In a quasi-experimental study, for instance, the study design lacks a fundamental component of a customary experimental design, namely randomization of the participants into study groups. Geographic limitations or the specificity of the participation qualifications may hinder the researcher from randomizing the subjects. An ex post facto study investigates possible cause-and-effect relationships by observing an existing condition and looking back into the past for valid causal factors. A certain study bias, however, is inherent in this type of study design because the variables are separated by time. Meanwhile, a correlational study compares two or more variables concurrently in detailed bivariate regression analyses. A common objective of this type of study is to determine the correlation between certain defining characteristics of the subjects and the effectiveness of some kind of treatment. Each study, regardless of type, must be examined for validity, reliability and generalizability of its results. Looking closely at the study's methodology including the sampling and data collection techniques, levels of variable measurement, types of statistics used and inferences that can be made based on the results can ascertain the quality and value of a quantitative research study. In a quasi-experimental study, Hielkema, de Winter, de Meer and Reijneveld develop a study design for evaluating the effectiveness of a new family-centered method for the early identification of social-emotional and behavioral problems in young children (2011). The authors chose a convenience sample from geographic regions that served the purpose of their study. The experimental group was chosen from a region where the family-centered approach had already been implemented and the control from a region where it had not. Regions were comparable in socio-demographic conditions. The sampling was not randomized and was limited to those families visiting Preventative Child Healthcare (PCH) center in the Netherlands. The authors calculated an anticipated sample size of 1400 subjects for each study group. Data collection was done through questionnaires and...
The CHP will use a number of detailed evaluations to measure variables such as competence of the parent, role of the partner, social support, as well as the psychosocial healthcare of the child. "Chi-squared tests for categorical variables and t-tests for continuous variables will be used" (Hielkema, de Winter, de Meer & Reijneveld, 2011, p.6) to compare the baseline characteristics of the participants in the two groups. Logistical regression analyses will be conducted to assess the proportion of and risk for psychosocial problems identified by the CHP in both study groups. The study does not present results but merely a design for a study. However, inferences can be drawn about the expected feasibility of conducting such a study. The primary weakness lies in the sampling technique, which is conducted without randomization. The parents, whose evaluations play a large role in the study, know which group they are in and therefore are biased towards presenting positive outcomes. This further reduces the reliability of the data. The objectives are valid and statistical analyses detailed. However, the study design cannot be generalized to other studies and the reproducibility of the study appears difficult.
The study was performed on groups of White and South Asian students, and showed that cross-group friendships provided a platform for reducing out-group prejudice and perceived hostility among these groups. A study by McGregor, Haji and Kang (2008) also reveal that in-group individuals who display a high Personal Need for Structure (PNS) tend to be inclined towards out-group derogation and hostility. The authors found that lowering PNS also lowers this
Nature of Philosophy In some ways, the nature of philosophy is complex. There are a number of difficult questions which philosophy considers, and which it is applied to in order to answer. In other ways, philosophy is fairly straightforward. It serves to provide a basis for a way of life most suited for the individual who chooses to apply it. As such, different people have different philosophies regarding different facets of
Nature of Truth We exist in an age swanked by an intense opposition to assertive truth. Truth can supposed to be either a "bond" or an "individual meet." Truth is compared to opinion, discernment, and viewpoint. Truth is compared to personal viewpoint as a person, family, faction, city, country, civilization, and humankind. The doctrines of viewpoint are identical on every social range, but their comparative particulars vary due to their comparative
The social worker in group therapy has a responsibility to avoid personal bias and to enable others in the group to do the same and rather than being put off by differences among group members to respect and embrace those differences. Bibliography Context, Engagement, Assessment, Intervention, Evaluation: The Heart of Social Work Practice -- Chapter 8, The Social Group Work Process. (2011) School of Social Work, Texas State University -- San
Nature or Nurture Nature vs. Nurture Is one shaped by nature or by nurture? This question of nature vs. nurture has been the center of controversy since the beginning of time. Insomuch, some feel that a living organism, such as animals, human beings, or cells may be influenced by external or internal stimuli based on one's environment. With such a huge divergence of perspectives on the issue, the nature-nurture debate is prominent
Nature of Organizations and the Contemporary Environment Cultural norms play an important part in interpersonal relationships and mechanisms at work. Culture is the collective mental programming of an individual's mind, which distinguishes one person from another. Individuals have defined sets of beliefs and about the society: nature works and the standards of behavior derived from these values. This shows that culture greatly affects social norms and economic behaviors like the propensity
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