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Major Types Of Researches
Major Types Of Researches
Abstract
This essay is introduced by briefly explaining the major types of researches. Terms used in research are also defined and described. The author discusses about the same problems that face researches and how to alleviate them. The author also gives the pros and cons of differentiating descriptive research and compares it with other research designs. The author proceeds to give the similarity of subject design to case-studies and time-series. The threats facing single subjects and their advantages are also discussed.
Introduction
The purpose of the research is the determiner of the research design that will be employed by a researcher. Researchers often carry out two types of researches. They include descriptive research and explanatory research. Descriptive research tends to answer the questions of what is happening. Explanatory research tries to find out why things are happening the way they are at the time of research. The research designs and the questions are greatly affected by these two factors. They determine the research questions and even control direct the type of questions that are going to be asked. The following are answers to questions related to the research designs.
Discussion
Description and definition of the terms linear relationship, Pearson correlation, Spearman correlation, regression, and multiple regression
Linear relationship
A linear relationship is whereby increasing the amount of one variable by x times will also increase the number of the other variable by the same x times (Kalla, 2011). The two variables are said to be linearly related. An example of such relationship is when making purchases. If one glass costs $5 then five glasses will cost $25.
Pearson correlation
This is a type of coefficient that shows the relationship between two variables. These two variables must be measured in the same interval or under the same ratio (Investopedia, 2013). Although it is hard to measure the degree of relationship of two variables, Pearson correlation uses a coefficient that eases the research.
Spearman correlation
This coefficient is often referred to as Spearman’s rho. It is a coefficient that describes the relationship between two variables using a monotonic function (McDonald 2009)
Regression
This is a statistical measure that determines the relationship of two dependable and a list of other changing variables (Investopedia, 2013). There are two types of regression; linear and multiple regression.
Multiple regression
This is a method of data analysis that is most appropriate when a dependent variable is to be evaluated in relationship to independent variables (Berger, 2003)
Third-variable problem and the directionality problem and how can these be mitigated
Third-variable problem
These are variables that a researcher is unable to control or eradicate during the research. They put the validity of the research into question. This variable is also known as a mediator variable. They greatly affect the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. This can lead to the analyst analyzing the results wrongly (Shuttleworth, 2008). This problem can be solved by planning the design well in advance before the actual research. Constantly check the progress of the research can also filter out most of the variables.
Directionality problem
This is a problem that arises when two variables are dependent and it is not clear to evaluate which factor brings rise to the other factor. The presence of correlation of one variable to another makes it difficult to know the cause of an action. These variables pose a challenge during the experimentation. During research, such a problem can be solved by taking a position. When a researcher decides the causative, the experiment gets a direction and a start point.
General features that differentiate descriptive research from other types.
As discussed earlier, descriptive researches tends to answer the question of what is happening. It is also known as statistical research. The main objective of this kind of research is usually to explain the collected data and study what is happening. Studying frequencies, averages, and other statistical figures is among the ideas behind this kind of research. This type of research also has some unique features that make it stand out from the rest. The fact that it does not research on the reasons behind the occurrence of something makes it effective.
Comparison and distinction of the three types of descriptive research designs and their advantages and disadvantages
There are several types of research design. These descriptive designs all try to answer the question of what is happening. They include observational, case study and survey method. These types have their shortcomings and also merits. They are discussed below.
Observational is the simplest method of data collection. It is easy and convenient since the researcher needs only to set up the objective and the point of focus. He or she observes it and records the observations. This method has a shortcoming in that it is subject to the researcher. The results may be biased from time to time because of the attitude and the moods of the researcher. The researcher might have some prejudice and may be get results that are not true.
Doing a case study is also another descriptive research design. The common advantage of this type of redesign is that it uses live examples. It uses objects r people that are tangible or can be seen. This makes it effective and easier to validate the results. Shortcoming in using this type of design is that there is higher chance of using data that is not genuine or may have been altered.
The last type of descriptive research is by doing surveys. Unlike the other two types, surveys are more thorough and deals with real people on the ground. An advantage of this method is that the research questions are structured to suit all the requirement of research. It is possible to get immediate feedback and understand the causative agents of the research questions unlike the other methods where decisions are made on prepared data. The worst disadvantage of this method is that there is a likelihood of people giving wrong information during the survey. This will lead to recording of results that are fictions. There is also a tendency of people shying away from surveys. This can be a major drawback in some cases.
Why might single subject designs be preferred over other designs
Single subject design is a method that uses one individual on one group as a single entity during the research. This type of design therapeutically is in observation of the behavior of an individual with the aim of some treatment of the subject. These designs are selected since they bring out the macro-level environment of the neighborhood, communities and even the larger society. The major difference of single subject designs is that they use one subject to do the study. Single subject valuable involves the measurement of an independent valuable after the changing of several valuables. In the psychology field, the independent valuable is the patient while the independent valuables are the various therapeutic interventions.
Similarity of single subject design to case-studies and time-series designs
The above techniques are used in psychology and in the medical field in general in order to offer support to weak patient. A common similarity of the three is that they offer personalized attention to the patient in question. The patient’s behavioral changes and mannerism are taken as the main diagnosis feature. The way they relate with others and everything around them is noted down and compared to the normal. Actions are thus taken from the diagnosis. All of the above techniques are time consuming and require the patient’s will for it to work.
Threats to validity of single subjects design
One of the main purposes of research is validity. It is crucial to validate the results and minimize the chances of faulty results. There are a number of reasons that poses threats to validity of single subjects design. They include degree and speed of changes that occur, the length of the intervention and the intervention conditions.
Bodies are always opposed to change, it is important to note the time and the degree to which a body is subjected to a lot of change over a short period of time. This can lead to damage of the body or even acquiring of false results. The intervention conditions should be favorable for the subject. This can increase the chances of better results.
Conclusion
The type of results wanted should always be the key determiner in evaluation of the type of research to use. A pre experiment assessment should always be done in assessing the validity of the experiment. During the undertaking of a research, regular assessing should be done to reduce chances of errors. The errors can also be reduced by adequate planning before the execution of the research.
References
BIBLIOGRAPHY l 1033 Berger D.E 2003 introduction to multiple regression retrieved Nov 09, 2013 from
http://www.google.co.ke/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=7&cad=rja&ved=0CGYQFjAG&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwise.cgu.edu%2Fdownloads%2FRegression.doc&ei=4l1-UsrXNovB7Abv24DoBg&usg=AFQjCNFYiY4Z5E7ZWEoySAOczgvYTV6stQ&sig2=kjX3FXLKTuIB3DzOXbxupw&bvm=bv.56146854,d.ZGUInvestopedia 2013.Peason coefficient retrieved Nov 09, 2013 from http://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/pearsoncoefficient.asp
Investopedia 2013.Regression retrieved Nov 09, 2013 from http://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/regression.asp
McDonald, J.H. 2009. p.221-223 Handbook of Biological Statistics (2nd ed.). Sparky House Publishing, Baltimore, Maryland
Siddharth Kalla (Jan 10, 2011). Linear Relationship. Retrieved Nov 09, 2013 from Explorable.com: http://explorable.com/linear-relationship.
Shuttleworth M(Aug 16, 2008). Confounding Variable / Third Variable. Retrieved Nov 09, 2013 from Explorable.com: http://explorable.com/confounding-variables.
Major Types of Essays
Major Types of Essays
A narrative essay retells a story of a personal life or an experience. The narrative is written in the author’s point of view and the sensory details provided in this essay impacts feelings and emotion to the reader. The author can write about his past experience and connect it to the current or the present
An Argument /A persuasive essay are essays that have a goal to convince a reader about a topic, normally a topic that involves giving a personal opinion and the reader must believe it. The argument uses solid evidence, and gives logic and sound reasoning. The reader must agree and adapt to your argument. An example of a persuasive essay is a petition.
Expository essay requires one to investigate, to generate, to collect and to evaluate a topic and set argument regarding the topic. It can be achieved by comparing and contrasting, analysis of effects and cause and more. The essay is short in length and involves less research. Expository essays are normally used for test writing for instance the GRE and the GED.
A descriptive essay has many adjectives that describe and portray impression on the topic. This essay uses details to give a picture of a person, a place, an event a debate or an object. The descriptive essay can use the sense of smell, touch, taste, sight and hearing to give the reader a feeling of the topic being described.
My Greatest Accomplishment
Everyone deserves a second chance to be loved especially innocent children who are abandoned and left to die in the streets. I grew up as an orphan, who had neither a home nor anyone to love me. I felt rejected and an outcast in my society. It has been my dream since then to help the destitute, to parent the abandoned children and the homeless. I joined a group of people who had the same interest and passion as I. In the January Last year we attended Christian seminars and education centers that train caregivers on how to handle an orphanage. I visited various orphanages to compare what facilities they offered.
August last year I got permit and opened Mercy home which was appreciated from my church abundantly. From my church I got 5 sponsors and well wishers who were ready to help. So far I have 21abondoned children and 5aged women that call Mercy Home their home. The number is raising and we will need a bigger place. I have bought a land where I plan to build and we will relocate in future. This has been my greatest accomplishment of owning an orphanage and a dream come true. I have a vision of changing the world to be a better place for the needy.
Major Psychology Of Disaster Concepts Applied To The Disasters
Major Psychology Of Disaster Concepts Applied To The Disasters
Contents
TOC o “1-3” h z u Rescue stage PAGEREF _Toc381073465 h 1Inventory stage PAGEREF _Toc381073466 h 1Acute and Post –Traumatic stress disorders PAGEREF _Toc381073467 h 2Post-traumatic depression PAGEREF _Toc381073468 h 2Reconstruction stage PAGEREF _Toc381073469 h 2Conclusion PAGEREF _Toc381073470 h 3
The psychological concepts or the effects of a disaster can manifest immediately or long after the event. Understanding the Impacts is a very crucial aspect of the psychological preparedness. How the victims in the scenario cope has an impact on the response to the disaster and the efforts that will be put in the recovery process. It is therefore very important for the emergency planners to understand how the psychological health is affected by the disasters (Gant, 2011). The psychological impact of the two disasters Katrina and Lusitania can be conceptualized in three these are;
Rescue stageThe first few hours or even days after the disaster, search and rescue activities continue as the relief efforts are initiated. The relief activities that are involved include; situation stabilization, providing the survivors with provisions, tending to their needs in terms of health, shelter and other needs. During this period the people at the scene may exhibit some symptoms this include, psychological numbing this involves the people being dazed and confused. They can exhibit a superficial calmness or feel as though what they are experiencing is unreal, as if the event is not really happening. There may be heightened arousal, there would be a feeling of intense fear, and the people may be easily startled or have experiences of physiological arousal such as heart pounding and muscle tension. There may feel anxiety over a feeling of separation from their loved ones. The survivors can also have a conflict over nurturance of the occurrence of the disaster (Guterman, 2005). They can distance themselves emotionally as they feel they do not understand why they went through such a disaster. An example in the hurricane Katrina disaster was how the victims appeared ravaged and in distress as they made attempts to flee the scene. Most of them were already in an unstable state of life and this event came with lots of confusion and increased the unstable states. Therefore the rescue and relief workers should be briefed on the behaviors’ that they should expect to encounter at a disaster scene.
For instance during the Lusitanian disaster the passengers were frightened as they made attempts to push off some of the boats on the port side off the ship and get them to the water. Some watched in disbelief as the women and children in the boats that had been launched caught the rail and subsided. Those still on the ship also watched in distress as the boats that had been set out leaked when they reached the water and many people drowned.
Inventory stageSome of the survivors of the disasters can experience trauma even long after the occurrence of the incident. After the disaster the victims will asses the reality of the situation they are in following g the occurrence of the disaster and the consequences that will be lasting. During this time they may begin to experience symptoms that are characteristic of Acute and post-Traumatic stress disorders, general anxiety disorders and post traumatic depression. They can also be phobias and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. For instance both survivors of Lusitania and hurricane Katrina will develop phobias that are related to water. These survivors of Lusitania will have the fear of travelling in large vessels and those of the hurricane will have a fear of storms even if they encounter even a slight storm. It can also be said that the victims who survived the Lusitania disaster feared explosions even the slightest of them and the smell of burning oil that they encountered they never got over it. The psychopathy that the victims will develop after disasters include;
Acute and Post –Traumatic stress disordersThe survivors will develop some symptoms that are related to these disoders.this include re-experiencing some of the events that took place in the day of the disaster. They can have flashbacks or even intrusive images that are related to the disastrous event. For example the survivors of both Katrina and Lusitania can have frequent flashbacks and images of the day of the disaster and they can appear as real as though they are taking place at that very moment in their thoughts (Guterman, 2005) .The survivors can also develop dissociative symptoms such as derealization, depersonalization, and even dissociative amnesia. They can get depressed and have difficulty in falling asleep, staying asleep and even lack concentration. They can have an impaired functioning for instance impairment in their social, occupation or even problems in sleep. This for instance in the case of the Lusitania disaster, the survivors who lost their family members for instance the men who saw their women and children drowning in the boats that had been used to make attempts of saving them. This picture would remain vividly in the memory of these survivors since they could offer no help whatsoever to the affected. In the case of hurricane Katrina the survivors mostly are people who were already struggling to survive in the area and the occurrence of this made them loose all they had been trying to build up for themselves. This was very traumatizing to them since they saw all they had been trying to work toward been destroyed as they watched and could do practically nothing.
Post-traumatic depressionThis is the prolonged depression after the disastrous event has occurred.ist symptoms include slowness in movement, fatigue, energy loss, irritability, lack of concentration and sadness. These traumatic events serve as a reminder to the survivors of their mortality that may lead to negative thought and rumination.
Reconstruction stageA year or so after the occurrence of a disastrous event the emphasis is now on the maintenance of a stable pattern of life among the survivors. They may continue to exhibit symptoms that have been described in the inventory stage. The survivors have to realize that they have to continue with life and the grief and anger that they have is eventually replaced by acceptance (Gant, 2011). For instance in the case of hurricane Katrina the survivors learn to accept that they lost their property and homes and now have to live with the fact that they have to sought new homes and start new life’s. Those who have survived will therefore solve their problems and just rebuild their life’s that were shattered during the disaster. This process will continue for a long period of time as the new state of living is reestablished gradually. In the case of hurricane Katrina, the large number of people that were displaced, those who were rendered homeless and the overall trauma that was experienced by the survivors requires a lot of mental health monitoring for years ahead. An example was the support of young people in New Orleans an organization known as covenant house dealt with the mental health challenges of the young people in the area. There was also an initiative by volunteers to build a new play ground that would restore children’s laughter in the neighborhood after the traumatizing events of the hurricane. The victims of hurricane Katrina still receive charitable contributions of medicines, emergency relief even years on after the occurrence of the disaster this is a clear indication that reconstruction takes a lot of time.
ConclusionThe two disasters involve some concepts in the psychology of the victims and survivors. This concepts have fully been discussed and they need to be greatly understood so that they can be used incase of future disaster situation. This can help in better understanding and managing this situtuations.this include the way the survivors will be helped and in the path of their recovery. Therefore understanding these concepts to be applied in disasters is a very important point.
References
Guterman, P. (2005). Psychological preparedness for disaster.http://www.academia.edu/233646/Psychological_preparedness_for_disaster
Gant, P. G., & Gantt, R. (2011). Disaster Psychology. http://www.asse.org/professionalsafety/pastissues/057/08/042_049_F1Gan_0812.pdf. Retrieved October 10, 2012, from www.asse.org/professionalsafety/pastissues/057/08/042_049_F1Gan_0812.pdf