Case Study And Reflection (Psychology Paper)

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Consider a person whom you are well-acquaited with and is suffering from a medical illness. Describe the biological illness, cause of disease, psychological and social correlates to the disease, perceived stress of the patient, and all components (multi-facetedpsychological, social, health behaviors, etc) of the patient’s treatment. Discuss your comprehensive treatment recommendations. Reflect on differences between how you previously viewed their illness and how you understand their illness given the information from this course.

Examine the assumptions and limitations of inferential tests.

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Research Report
To complete the following assignment, go to this week’s Assignment link in the left navigation.

Write a research report based on a hypothetical research study.  Conducting research and writing a report is common practice for many students and practitioners in any of the behavioral sciences fields.

A research report, which is based on scientific method, is typically composed of the different sections listed below:

  1. Introduction: The introduction states a specific hypothesis and how that hypothesis was  derived by connecting it to previous research.
  2. Methods: The methods section describes the details of how the hypothesis was tested and clarifies why the study was conducted in that particular way.
  3. Results: The results section is where the raw uninterpreted data is presented.
  4. Discussion: The discussion section is where an argument is presented on whether or not the data supports the hypothesis, the possible implications and limitations of the study, as well as possible future directions for this type of research.

Together, these sections should tell the reader what was done, how it was done, and what was learned through the research.  You will create a research report based on a hypothetical problem, sample, results, and literature review.  Organize your data by creating meaningful sections within your report. Make sure that you:

  • Apply key concepts of inferential hypothesis tests.
  • Interpret the research findings of the study.
  • Examine the assumptions and limitations of inferential tests.
  • Develop a practical application of the research principles covered in this course.

Focus of the Research Report

To begin, create a hypothetical research study (you do not have to carry out the study; you will just have to describe it) that is based on the three pieces of information listed below.  Once you have your hypothetical study created, write a three- to four-page research report (excluding title and reference pages) that outlines the study.  You are encouraged to be creative with your research study, but be sure to follow the format outlined below and use a writing style that is appropriate for scholarly research reports and adhere to APA formatting as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Your hypothetical research study should be based on the following information:

  • Recent research has indicated that eating chocolate can improve memory.  Jones and Wilson (2011) found that eating chocolate two hours before taking math tests improved scores significantly.  Wong, Hideki, Anderson, and Skaarsgard (2009) found that women are better than men on memory tests after eating chocolate.
  • There were 50 men and 50 women who were randomly selected from a larger population.
  • A t-test was conducted to compare men and women’s performance on an assessment after eating chocolate. The results showed an independent t-test value of t .05(99) = 3.43; p < .05

Your research study must contain the following:

  1. Title Page
    1. Title of your report
    2. Your name
    3. The course
    4.  Instructor
    5. Date
  2. Introduction

    1. Introduce the research topic, explain why it is important, and present the purpose of the paper and the research question and hypothesis.
    2. Discuss how this study is related to other research on the topic.
    3. Elaborate on the information from the references you were given.  State how they relate to your hypothesis.
    4. Your introduction must:
      • Consist of a paragraph explaining what you are studying and why. Use previously cited research to explain your expectations and discuss how those expectations led to your hypothesis.
      • State a clear and testable hypothesis and whether it is one-tailed or two-tailed.
      • Make sure it is understandable to someone who has not read the rest of your pape yet.State the null hypothesis.
      • Include a justification of the direction of your hypothesis.  In other words, explain why you chose the direction of your hypothesis if it is one-tailed (e.g., previous research suggests that people with big feet are more likely to score higher on math  tests; therefore the hypothesis is one-tailed) or if it is two-tailed (e.g., previous research is not clear on which group will perform better; therefore, the hypothesis is two-tailed).
      • Describe why this study is important.
  3. Method
    1. Design: State the experimental design of your study, the independent and dependent variables, and what the task was (e.g., what you had the participants do).
    2. Participants: Identify and describe your sample, how the participants were selected to be in the study, and why you chose them.  Provide details for how each individual was assigned to each group.
    3. Procedure: Describe the precise procedure you used to conduct this research (i.e., exactly what you did).  It should be clear enough that anyone could replicate your study.  This is the subsection where you tell the reader how you collected the data.
    4. Data Analysis: Describe the statistical procedure used in the study to analyze the data.
  4. Results. In this section, you will describe the statistical results:
    1. State the statistical tests that were used.
    2. Justify the choice of test.
    3. State the observed value and significance level and whether the test was one or two tailed.
    4. State your conclusion in terms of the hypothesis.
    5. Did you accept or reject the null hypothesis?
  5. Discussion: Discuss your results as they relate to your hypothesis.
    1. Did you accept the hypothesis or reject it?
    2. Compare your results to the previous studies mentioned in the introduction. Are your results similar or different? Discuss why.
    3. Tell the readers what your findings mean. Why did you get the results you did?
      • Identify limitations to your study.
      • Suggest ways your study could be improved.
      • Suggest ideas for future research, not just a continuation of your study, but research that is similar to this study. Perhaps one of the variables could be changed or a different sample could be investigated.
      • Finish with a concluding paragraph that is a statement of your findings and the key points of the discussion.
  6. Conclusion: Write a paragraph detailing your experience with writing a research report. Discuss how easy/difficult it was to write a false report that reads like real results, and how this experience might affect you review research in the future. Do you think this experience will provide you with a useful skill in your potential career?
  7. References: You will create a minimum of three fictitious references in the following format based on the information you have created in the preceding sections of the report:
    1. Author, A., & Author, B. (Publication year). Title of the article. Journal Name, volume number(issue number), page numbers.
    2. Example: Jones, A., & Williams, B. (2013). Why monkeys are good pets. Journal of Silly Science, 23(4), pp. 221-222.

You may access the The Critical Thinking Community website for tips on how to formulate your report in a logical and meaningful manner.

Writing the Research Report

The Assignment:

  1. Must be three to four double-spaced pages in length (excluding title and reference pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
  2. Must include a title page with the following:
    1. Title of paper
    2. Student’s name
    3. Course name and number
    4. Instructor’s name
    5. Date submitted
  3. Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
  4. Must include the sections with the appropriate headings and content listed above.
  5. Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.

Development website from the recommended resources.

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Before completing this discussion, be sure to review Chapter 4 of your text, and the REM Sleep video.  You may also find it helpful to explore the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development website from the recommended resources.

After examining the research in human development presented in your required resources, please choose and complete one of the following discussion options:

Option A: The brain goes through many changes as we age. Select and examine a developmental phase (infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age) and describe the status of the brain at the selected phase. How may this shape behavior?

Option B: Sleep patterns change as we age. Select and examine a developmental phase (infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age) and provide a description of the sleep patterns at the selected phase. How does your selected phase compare to those of other developmental phases?

Your initial post must be at least 300 words and use a minimum of one scholarly source located in the Ashford University Library or on Google Scholar that is cited and referenced according to APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Guided Response: Review several of your classmates’ posts. Provide a substantive response to at least two of your peers in a minimum of 200 words. Respond to a post that examines a developmental phase different from the one you selected and one that examines the same phase. Discuss the extent to which you agree or disagree with the content of each post. Be sure that you cite scientific evidence to support your views.

Doctoral Statistic

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Due Date: Nov 23, 2015 23:59:59       Max Points: 145

Details:

Clearly identifying the independent and dependent variables in a study is a critical aspect of any research project. The dissertation is no different. This assignment will allow you to practice your skills in identifying research variables.

General Requirements:

Use the following information to ensure successful completion of the assignment:

  • In a study investigating the effects of humor on memory, Schmidt (1994) showed participants a list of sentences, half of which were humorous and half were non-humorous. Schmidt found that participants consistently recalled more of the humorous sentences than the non-humorous sentences, demonstrating that the use of humor increased participants’ recall of sentences.
  • Instructors will be using a grading rubric to grade the assignments. It is recommended that learners review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment in order to become familiar with the assignment criteria and expectations for successful completion of the assignment.
  • Doctoral learners are required to use APA style for their writing assignments. The APA Style Guide is located in the Student Success Center.
  • This assignment requires that at least two additional scholarly research sources related to this topic, and at least one in-text citation from each source be included.

Directions:

In as essay of 250-500 words, thoroughly address the following items:

  1. Define the term independent variable and identify the independent variable for this study.
  2. Describe the scale of measurement used for the independent variable.
  3. Define the term dependent variable and identify the dependent variable for this study.
  4. Describe the scale of measurement used for the dependent variable.
  5. Provide an example of a simple study using Schmidt (1994) as a model. State the purpose of the research (Schmidt’s purpose was to examine the effects of humor on memory), the research question (Schmidt’s research question was: What are the effects of humor on memory?), the independent variable, and the dependent variable for your study.

Rubric

 

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Rubrics

Identifying Variables 

  1
Unsatisfactory
0.00%		 2
Less Than Satisfactory
76.00%		 3
Satisfactory
81.00%		 4
Good
89.00%		 5
Excellent
100.00%
70.0 %Content  
17.0 %Definition and Identification of the Independent Variable The term independent variable is not defined and the independent variable in the study is not identified. The term independent variable is incorrectly defined and the independent variable in the study is incorrectly identified. The term independent variable is defined correctly though only in a cursory manner, but the independent variable in the study is incorrectly identified. The term independent variable is defined correctly though only in a cursory manner, and the independent variable in the study is correctly identified. The term independent variable is defined correctly in a thorough manner, and the independent variable in the study is correctly identified.
17.0 %Definition and Identification of the Dependent Variable The term dependent variable is not defined and the dependent variable in the study is not identified. The term dependent variable is incorrectly defined and the dependent variable in the study is incorrectly identified. The term dependent variable is defined correctly though only in a cursory manner, but the dependent variable in the study is incorrectly identified. The term dependent variable is defined correctly though only in a cursory manner, and the dependent variable in the study is correctly identified. The term dependent variable is defined correctly in a thorough manner, and the dependent variable in the study is correctly identified.
16.0 %Descriptions of Scales of Measurement Descriptions of the scales of measurement used for the independent and dependent variables are not present. Descriptions of the scales of measurement used for the independent and dependent variables are present but inaccurate. Descriptions of the scales of measurement used for the independent and dependent variables are present but cursory. Descriptions of the scales of measurement used for the independent and dependent variables are present and thorough. Descriptions of the scales of measurement used for the independent and dependent variables are present and thorough including rich detail that demonstrates exceptional understanding.
10.0 %Example Study No example study is presented. An example study is presented, but it does not model the Schmidt study and it does not contain all of the required components. An example study is presented that provides a vague resemblance to the model of the Schmidt study, but some required components are not correctly identified. An example study is presented that parallels the model of the Schmidt study moderately well. All required components are included and are correctly identified. An example study is presented that clearly and completely parallels the model of the Schmidt study without duplicating the study. All required components are included and are correctly identified.
10.0 %Synthesis and Argument No synthesis of source information is evident. Statement of purpose is not followed to a justifiable conclusion. The conclusion does not support the claim made. Argument is incoherent and uses non-credible sources. Synthesis of source information is attempted, but is not successful. Sufficient justification of claims is lacking. Argument lacks consistent unity. There are obvious flaws in the logic. Some sources have questionable credibility. Synthesis of source information is present, but pedantic. Argument is orderly, but may have a few inconsistencies. The argument presents minimal justification of claims. Argument logically, but not thoroughly, supports the purpose. Sources used are credible. Introduction and conclusion bracket the thesis. Synthesis of source information is present and meaningful. Argument shows logical progressions. Techniques of argumentation are evident. There is a smooth progression of claims from introduction to conclusion. Most sources are authoritative. Synthesis of source information is present and scholarly. Argument is clear and convincing presenting a persuasive claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are authoritative. The synthesis and argument in the paper are of publication caliber.
20.0 %Organization and Effectiveness  
20.0 %Thesis Development and Purpose Paper lacks any discernible overall purpose or organizing claim. Thesis and/or main claim are insufficiently developed and/or vague; purpose is not clear. Thesis and/or main claim are apparent and appropriate to purpose. Thesis and/or main claim are clear and forecast the development of the paper. They are descriptive and reflective of the arguments and appropriate to the purpose. Thesis and/or main claim are clear and comprehensive; the essence of the paper is contained within the thesis. The development indicated by the thesis and/or main claim is acceptable for publication.
10.0 %Format  
5.0 %Mechanics of Writing Mechanical errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice and/or sentence construction are used. Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice (register), sentence structure, and/or word choice are present. Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but are not overly distracting to the reader. Correct sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are used. Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may be present. A variety of sentence structures and effective figures of speech are used. Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English.
5.0 %APA Format Required format is rarely followed correctly. An appropriate number of topic-related scholarly research sources and related in-text citations is not present. No reference page is included. No citations are used. Required format is attempted, but some elements are missing or mistaken. A lack of control with formatting is apparent. Some included sources are not scholarly research or topic-related. Reference page is present. Citations are inconsistently used. Required format is used correctly, although some minor errors may be present. Scholarly research sources are present and topic-related, but the source and quality of some references is questionable. Reference page is included and lists sources used in the paper. Sources are appropriately documented, although some errors may be present. Required format is fully used. There are virtually no errors in formatting style. Scholarly research accounts for the majority of sources presented and is topic-related and obtained from reputable professional sources. Reference page is present and fully inclusive of all cited sources. Documentation is appropriate and citation style is usually correct. The document is correctly formatted to publication standards. All research presented is scholarly, topic-related, and obtained from highly respected, professional, original sources. In-text citations and a reference page are complete and correct. The documentation of cited sources is free of error. The paper could readily be accepted for publication.
100 %Total Weightage  

 

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