PSY 335
Running head: DRAFT OF INTRODUCTION AND DATA ANALYSIS 1
Draft of Introduction and Data Analysis: Case of Arthur
Ramica Chase
Southern New Hampshire University
Arthur is identified as a 12-year-old, in seventh grade, with persistent issue of being inattentive during school. His teacher observes his behavior as he lacks the ability to stay focused in class. He shows signs of being fatigued in his class during the afternoon. Within the past year, it is noticed that his engagement as well as academic success has decreased. His work is incomplete or unorganized. The only class he has successful participation in is physical education, where he is most active. Arthur displays irresponsible behavior at home as well as some defiance such as talking back or arguing with parents. He displays mood changes and has shown more aggression towards his father. He lacks adequate sleep as he falls asleep extremely late sometimes after midnight. A psychological assessment was requested by both the teacher and parents to gain more information about his present functioning and to aid intervention plans for both home and school environments.
With behaviors such as Arthur’s, it is normal for a teacher and/or parent to inquire about the changes. They want to know and understand what is causing him to behave in such a way and why. Just because Arthur shows lack of attention in school does that mean he has ADHD. No one is sure unless the patient is assessed. According to the American Psychological Association,2013, psychological tests and assessments allow a psychologist to understand the nature of the problem, and to figure out the best way to go about addressing it. In Arthur’s case, his evaluations can depict improvement in the home as well as for educational purposes. His assessment would be impacted by both the parents and teacher which include useful feedback. Though it is ethical practice that informed consent is usually required for interviews with such close people to the client. However, in this case it may be overlooked, seeming how the child is a minor and the parents are the referring persons.
The data from the IQ and achievement test along with the behavior rating will be critically analyzed and interpreted to determine how to diagnose Arthur’s symptoms of inattentiveness and some defiant behaviors. Furthermore, collective information will be used to address the underlying issue of Arthur’s functioning in school and at home as well as coming up with treatment plans. While an assessment will be conducted to determine what is best for Arthur, this will be simple and give the parents and the teacher a sense of understanding of his strengths and weaknesses. All information will be interpreted in a less complex way for the intended persons to comprehend.
References
American Psychological Association. (2013). Understanding psychological testing and assessment. http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/assessment
Burford, Sandra F. "What's wrong with this 12-year-old boy?" Patient Care, vol. 29, no. 6, 30 Mar. 1995, p. 85+. Gale Academic OneFile, https://link-gale com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/apps/doc/A16747564/AONE?u=nhc_main&sid=AONE&xid=13 fe012.
Robert J. Volpe, Amy M. Briesch, Kenneth D. Gadow. 2011. The efficiency of behavior rating scales to assess inattentive–overactive and oppositional–defiant behaviors: Applying generalizability theory to streamline assessment. Journal of School Psychology, Volume 49, Issue 1, Pages 131 155, ISSN 0022-4405, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsp.2010.09.005. (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022440510000658)