Free Research Evaluation Essay Sample

Psychology

PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has been very difficult to treat by psychologist. This is mainly because there are different reactions to therapies for every cases of PTSD. Most PTSD patients are mainly developed the disorder because of a sexual trauma. Survivors of such trauma could develop high rates of symptoms of PTSD. That includes anxiety, depression and hyperarousal. Evidently, in 1st world countries such as the United States the effect of therapies for PTSD are highly successful. However in developing countries evidence of successful clinical studies are not explicit.
In this journal the study was conducted in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The proponents have assigned 16 random villages and would provide cognitive processing therapy for female patients that are survivors of a sexual assault. It is also noted that the patients have shown high occurrence of symptoms of PTSD. In the report made, 7 villages provided therapy (157 female survivors) and 8 villages provided individual support for the victims (248 women). It is also noted that 1 village was excluded due to competency of the psychosocial assistant.
The score on the Hopkins Symptom Checklist, PTSD symptoms and functional impairment is assessed. The combination of the depression and anxiety symptoms were the main focus. The average score for Hopkins is from 0-3 with some higher scores that indicates higher degree of symptoms. Also the scoring for the assessment of PTSD symptoms is from 0-3 (Harvard Trauma Questionnaire). The last test of functional impairment ( 20 tasks) also has a score rangeof 0-4 with higher scores for worst symptoms. The examinations are performed at baseline and at the end of every treatment in the span of 6 months (Bass et al, 2013).
An aggregate of 65% of members in the treatment gathering and 52% of members in the individual-care group finished each of the three evaluations. Mean scores for joined dejection and nervousness enhanced in the individual-care group (2.2 at pattern, 1.7 toward the end of treatment, and 1.5 at 6 months after treatment), however changes were altogether more prominent in the treatment amass (2.0 at standard, 0.8 toward the end of treatment, and 0.7 at 6 months after treatment) (P<0.001 for all examinations). Comparable examples were watched for PTSD and utilitarian weakness. At 6 months after treatment, 9% of members in the treatment gathering and 42% of members in the individual-care group met criteria for likely sadness or nervousness (P<0.001), with comparable results for PTSD ( Bass et al, 2013).

Research Evaluation:

As per the research evaluation, the proponents are using the single subject research evidence based evaluation by Hornet et al 2005.
The unit of analyses is the 15 villages of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The subjects are women that are survivors of sexual assault. About 400 female individuals have undergone the therapy and individual support treatment.

Dependent Variables:

The dependent variables in the study are made known prior to the experimental part of the journal. Additionally since the study is about psychology the dependent variables are pertaining to human behaviors prior to the traumatic event. The following are behavioral dependent variables in the study;

Abandonment and rejection from families and friends

Concerns about providing for self and family
Fear and stigma
Independent Variables:
The independent variable is basically the measurements in the experimental method of the research. They are gathered within the proper installment of the methods to the involved parties of the research. The score of the Hopkins Checklist Symptoms as well as the Harvard Test Questionnaire is the independent variable. Additional variable is the score of the assessment of functional impairment.The result gained from the experiment was analyzed at the end of the study through a probability test/statistics.

Baseline Condition:

The baseline condition is that the situation of the sexual assault survivors. The situation is then compared after the intervention has been made. Baseline condition is specifically the time by when the unit analyses has not yet participated in the experiment. As per the journal, this is mainly the behavioral condition of the patients without treatment or any therapies administered.

Experimental Control:

The experimental control of the journal is the usage of questionnaires to the participating population. Additionally, the set up has been made possible through the presence of psycho analyst. The HCL-25 and the HTQ were only administered right after the stress debriefing and the therapy conducted by the psychiatrist. It is also assured in the study that the participating professionals have enough experience about the experimental control.

Visual Analysis:

This involves the interpretation of the gathered data in the journal. Consequently, the data in the journal has undergone statistics. The understanding of the result basing on the statistics of the journal is not in the scope of this paper. However, the result is on a positive note regarding the treatment of the patients with PTSD’s.

External Validity:

This is the need for the journal to have validity on the data gathered. For the journal’s case they have used much external validity. That includes the number of villages as well as the number of survivors. Additionally, the clinical trials are also considered as external validation of the journal’s result.

Social Validity:

This pertains to the entire effect of the journal or the study to the society. The study has aimed to show the effects of treatment for PTSD patients in developing countries. This is definitely important and gives social validity to the study. The results could be compared to other studies in other universities. Additionally, it also gives idea to experts on how other communities react to therapies pertaining to anxiety disorders.

Research Rationale:

The Controlled Trial for the treatment of Congolese Sex assault survivors has been made to have a concrete data for PTSD cases in developing countries. The study has satisfied each quality standards for a single object research. Additionally, it has followed all of the qualities in a scientific level. The proponents have also ensured the quality of data gathered. This is seen in their move to discard a village (results) because of an incompetent psychoanalyst. Over-all the result of the study has given concrete details of the reaction of patients on treatments regarding PTSDs. It also noted that as it was a recent journal, it has contributed a lot to the psychology society and has added data to their library. It is also published in the New England of Journal of Medicine. According to Rojon (2013), if the research has an objective that is classified as in lined with what is relevant in the society then the research has a good impact. Evidently, the publication of the journal in credible websites is supporting proofs for the journal itself.

References:

Rojon., H. et al., (2013). “Formulating a convincing rationale for a research study.” Retrieved from: [http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/135497/3/Saunders_Formulating.pdf]
Bass, Judith., PhD et al., (2013). ” Controlled Trial of Psychotherapy for Congolese Survivors of Sexual Violence.” Retrieved from: [http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1211853#t=articleMethods]
Hornet., et al., (2005).” The Use of Single Subject Research to Identify Evidence Based Practice in Special Education.” Print