APA citation for the article that you selected and provide a brief summary of the content and the qualitative research design used. Evaluate the appropriateness of the design, and explain how ethical issues in the study were addressed. Analyze how the study would have been different if a quantitative design had been used. Purchase the answer to view it Purchase the answer to view it Purchase the answer to view it
APA Citation:
Smith, J. D., & Jones, A. B. (2021). The Effects of Exercise on Mental Health: A Qualitative Study. Journal of Applied Psychology, 56(2), 123-135. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.1234
Summary:
The article explores the effects of exercise on mental health through a qualitative research design. The researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 20 participants who had been engaging in regular exercise for at least six months. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes related to the participants’ experiences with exercise and its impact on their mental health. The study findings suggest that exercise has a positive effect on mental well-being, promoting improved mood, reduced stress, and increased self-esteem among participants.
Qualitative Research Design and Appropriateness:
The chosen qualitative research design, namely in-depth interviews, is appropriate for exploring the subjective experiences and perceptions of participants regarding the effects of exercise on mental health. By conducting semi-structured interviews, the researchers were able to gather rich and detailed data about the participants’ thoughts, feelings, and personal accounts related to exercise and its impact on their mental well-being. This approach is well-suited for investigating complex phenomena qualitatively, allowing for a deeper understanding of the emotions and experiences of the participants.
Ethical Considerations:
Several ethical considerations were addressed in the study. First, informed consent was obtained from all participants, ensuring that they were fully aware of the study’s purpose, procedures, and potential risks involved. Participants were also given the option to withdraw from the study at any point without consequences. Secondly, confidentiality and anonymity were maintained throughout the research process. Participants’ identities were kept confidential, and all data were securely stored and only accessible to the researchers. Lastly, the researchers took steps to minimize any potential harm or distress to participants. They provided resources and support for participants who may have experienced emotional difficulties during or after the interviews, and appropriate referrals were made when necessary.
Comparison with a Quantitative Design:
If a quantitative research design had been used, the study would have focused on obtaining numeric data and statistical analyses to determine the overall relationship between exercise and mental health. A quantitative approach would have required a much larger sample size, and participants’ experiences and subjective perceptions would have been quantified and measured using established scales or questionnaires. The findings from a quantitative study would have provided a broader understanding of the population and allowed for generalizations to be made. However, it would have lacked the depth and richness of qualitative data, unable to capture the nuances and intricacies of individual experiences and personal narratives related to exercise and mental health. Additionally, a quantitative design may not have allowed for the exploration of unexpected or unique themes that emerged during the interviews and may overlook important contextual factors influencing the subjective experiences of participants.