Research Methods

Running head: RESEARCH MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUE 1

RESEARCH MANUSCRIPT CRITIQUE 2

Research Manuscript Critique

Tracey Joseph

Argosy University

Introduction to Research Methods_R7001-A

Faculty Dr. Regina Merriwether

January/08/2018

Study 1

Manuscript Reference

DeSantis, A., Webb, E., & Noar, S. (2008). Illicit use of prescription ADHD medications on a college campus: A multimethodological approach. Journal of American College Health, 57(3), 315-323. Retrieved from https://myclasses.argosy.edu/d2l/le/content/15557/viewContent/618348/View retrived on (2018, January, 7th)

Type of Study : Mixed Methods

Research Topic : The phenomenon of interest in this inquiry was the perceptions of college students and their use of illicit ADHD stimulants during the summer and spring of 2006. In American college campuses, there is a growing trend among students to use ADHD stimulants illegally for recreation purposes, with the most commonly abused ADHD medications being Adderall, Dexedrine, and Ritalin. Apart from the potential for abuse, these medications can also lead to physical and psychological dependency among the abusers. Nonmedical prescription users are also more likely to engage in other self-destructive behaviors including alcohol abuse, cigarette smoking, and misuse of other drugs including marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy.

Purpose of the Study : The purpose of this study was to examine why and how American college students use illicit prescription stimulants. To accomplish this aim, DeSantis et al. (2008) explored the factors that first led to the use of ADHD prescription medications, the motives behind the continued use of these prescription stimulants, and the way students gained access to these medications.

Overarching Research Question or Theory: The predominant research question in this investigation pertains to whether the illegal use of ADHD prescription stimulants on American campuses is a reality that warrants further evaluation

Specific Research Questions/Philosophical Underpinnings : The specific research questions that DeSantis et al. (2008) were:

· How prevalent is the illicit use of prescription stimulants for nonmedical reasons among American college students?

· What drives the students to use prescription ADHD medications illegally?

· Where do the students get these prescription medications?

· Are there demographic characteristics such as race, socioeconomic status, or age that can demarcate the illegal use of ADHD prescription stimulants?

Study 2

Manuscript Reference

Lindgren, M. S., & Renck, B. (2008). Intimate partner violence and the leaving process: Interviews with abused women. International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being, 3, 113-124. Retrieved from https://myclasses.argosy.edu/d2l/le/content/15557/viewContent/618343/View retrived on (2018, January, 07th)

Type of Study : Qualitative Study

Research Topic : The phenomenon of interest in this investigation is intimate partner violence, particularly the reasons that motivate women to leave or stay in spite of the abuse that they have to endure in these violent relationships. Intimate partner violence encompasses all behaviors and actions that result in psychological, physical, or sexual harm to a spouse. This type of violence can have detrimental effects on the abused partner including but not limited to the development of PTSD symptoms, depression, and long-term mental health conditions. Understanding factors that influence the leaving decisions in intimate partner violence cases can thus help in tailoring appropriate interventions to address this social vice.

Purpose of the Study : The purpose of this inquiry research was to heighten the experiences of abused women of leaving heterosexual relationships that they considered violent. This would certainly help the scholars to gain deeper insights about the workings of the leaving process, from the initial thoughts or efforts about leaving to the eventual physical breakup.

Overarching Research Question or Theory : The theoretical framework utilized in this study was the constructivist grounded theory, which the researchers relied upon for data collection as well as data analysis. Used for investigating social processes, the grounded theory involves a variety of other processes including concurrent data collection and analysis, using constant comparisons at every stage of the analysis, utilizing and inductive method to construct categories and codes from the data, defining relationships between categories, and theory development/memo-writing during the research process. Grounded theories also look at present and past interactions or experiences with perspectives, people and research practices to guide the research.

Specific Research Questions/Philosophical Underpinnings : For this investigation, the specific research questions were:

· What are the main drivers of leaving an abusive relationship among heterosexual women?

· What are the restricting factors that inhibit women from leaving an abusive relationship?

· What are the protective factors that enable abused women to leave from violent relationships successfully?

Study 3

Manuscript Reference

Mayo, J. (2002). Case-based instruction: A technique for increasing conceptual application in introductory psychology. Journal of Constructivist Psychology, 15, 65–74. Retrieved from https://myclasses.argosy.edu/d2l/le/content/15557/viewContent/618341/View retrived on (2018, January, 07th)

Type of Study : Quantitative Study

Research Topic : The phenomena under investigation in this study is the utility of case-based instruction (CBI) in an introductory psychology class. This type of pedagogy relies upon the participation of students in fictional or real-life problem situations. A convincing argument proposed for the use of CBI is that this instructional technique can result in energizing and engaging discussions. Furthermore, as Mayo (2002) hypothesizes, case-study methods can encourage teamwork among students while simultaneously facilitating deeper conceptual understanding and encouraging the development of reflective thinking.

Purpose of the Study : The purpose of this inquiry was using a formulated hypothetical case narrative with the aim of examining whether CBI changes students’ experiences with regard to understanding and applying psychological theories. To attain this purpose, Mayo (2002) tests his hypothesis against a comparison group of students learning in a traditional lecture format.

Overarching Research Question or Theory : The overarching research question is “Does CBI increase the conceptual understanding of students and their application of important general psychology theoretical perspectives?” The six psychological theories introduced by the researcher to the students and assessed are behavioral, psychodynamic, biological, cross-cultural, humanistic, and cognitive theories.

Specific Research Questions/Philosophical Underpinnings : Mayo (2002) in this investigation aspired to find answers to some specific research questions, which included:

· Is CBI more effective in increasing understanding when compared to traditional lecture formats?

· What mechanisms provide potential advantages for the CBI instructional method?

· Do students’ attitudes towards CBI pedagogy influence their understanding of psychological theories?