Psy 257

PSY 257 Literature Review Example

Please note: Keep in mind that the following questions are practice and preparation for the more

detailed literature review elements to come. When you complete your literature review, you will

be addressing more specific elements. These questions are the first thing to think about when

beginning a literature review.

What is the title of the article? Provide a citation for the article in APA format.

Crooke, P. J., Hendrix, R. E., & Rachman, J. Y. (2008). Brief report: Measuring the effectiveness

of teaching social thinking to children with Asperger syndrome (AS) and high

functioning autism (HFA). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38(3), 581–

91. Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1007/s10803-007-0466-1

What is the purpose of the article?

The purpose of this article is to inform the reader of the effectiveness of teaching social cognitive

(social thinking) to six selected males with Asperger’s syndrome and high-functioning autism.

The article utilizes pre- and post-tests for gauging verbal and nonverbal behavior. The study was

centered around behavior observations over an eight-week period.

What is the hypothesis of the study? In other words, what claims do the authors make in

the article?

The authors of the report concluded that intervention in regards to children with Asperger’s

syndrome and high-functioning autism would have an increase in the instances of verbal and

nonverbal social exchanges amongst the test group. The report also examined the instances in

which unexpected, or nonverbal exchanges decreased with effective interventions.

What variables (factors) are being examined in regards to appropriate social thinking?

The variables being examined were the instances in which children with Asperger’s syndrome

and high-functioning autism were able to properly gauge social situations and react in

appropriate social manners. The data collected examined pre and post interventions in regards to

behavior centered around social cognition (social thinking).

If these variables or the relationship between these variables has been studied before, what

have other studies found? This shows historical significance.

In previous studies it was concluded that previous studies centered around data collected from

participants who answered questionnaires. However, this study centered around observations

based on behaviors. The authors of this study concluded that observing behaviors gave them a

better understanding of the mindset of a child in a social interaction who has been diagnosed

with Asperger’s syndrome or high-functioning autism.

What type of research design is used in the study?

Adolescent behaviors in the context of social interaction were calculated. Observation over an

eight-week time frame was utilized to determine appropriate outcomes and conclusions.

Do you think the research in this article was conducted in an ethical manner? Why or why

not?

Yes, only appropriate interventions were used with each child. At no time were any of the

children subjected to undue prejudice based on their disability.