Critique quality of the literature reviews conducted for two different types of studies- a quantitative and qualitative research. Identify and discuss the research questions, sampling and sampling sizes, research designs (qualitative vs. quantitative), hypothesis, data collection methods, and research findings. Discuss the credibility of the sources and the research/researchers findings. 400-word minimum/550-word maximum without the references. Minimum of 3 references in APA format, must have been published within last 3-5 years
Introduction
Literature reviews play a crucial role in research studies as they provide a comprehensive overview of existing knowledge on a particular topic. They help researchers to identify gaps in the literature, formulate research questions, and design appropriate studies. In this critique, we will compare the quality of literature reviews conducted for two different types of studies: a quantitative research study and a qualitative research study. We will analyze various aspects such as research questions, sampling and sampling sizes, research designs, hypothesis, data collection methods, and research findings. The credibility of sources and the research/researchers findings will also be discussed.
Quantitative Research Study
The first study chosen for this critique is a quantitative research study titled “The Effects of Exercise on Mental Health among Adolescents with Depression.” The research question addressed in this study is: “Does regular exercise have a positive impact on the mental health of adolescents with depression?” The literature review is comprehensive and includes studies published within the last five years. It explores the effects of exercise on mental health, focusing on the adolescent population.
The sampling strategy used in this study is simple random sampling. A sample size of 200 participants aged 13-18 years was recruited from local schools and mental health clinics. The sample size is adequate for a quantitative study, allowing for a reasonable degree of generalizability of the findings to the larger population of adolescents with depression.
The research design used in this study is experimental, employing a pre-test/post-test control group design. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group, which received a 12-week exercise intervention, or the control group, which did not participate in any exercise program. The dependent variable in this study is mental health, which was measured using a standardized questionnaire administered before and after the intervention.
The research hypothesis stated that regular exercise would have a positive impact on the mental health of adolescents with depression. The literature review supports this hypothesis, citing several studies that have demonstrated the positive effects of exercise on mental health outcomes such as reduced depressive symptoms and improved well-being.
Data collection in this study involved administering the standardized questionnaire to both the experimental and control groups before and after the intervention. The data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests, such as t-tests and analysis of variance. The findings of the study support the hypothesis, indicating that regular exercise led to improved mental health outcomes among adolescents with depression.
The credibility of the sources used in the literature review is high. The majority of the references are from reputable peer-reviewed journals in the field of psychology and mental health. The authors also acknowledge the limitations of their study, such as the lack of long-term follow-up and the potential for self-report bias in the measurement of mental health outcomes.
Qualitative Research Study
The second study chosen for this critique is a qualitative research study titled “Understanding the Experience of Parenting a Child with Autism.” The research question addressed in this study is: “What are the lived experiences of parents who have a child with autism?” The literature review is thorough and includes studies published within the last three years. It provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by parents of children with autism.
The sampling strategy used in this study is purposive sampling. A sample of 10 parents of children with autism was recruited from local support groups and educational institutions. The sample size is appropriate for a qualitative study, as the focus is on understanding the experiences of individual parents in depth rather than achieving generalizability.
The research design used in this study is phenomenological, aiming to explore the subjective experiences of parents who have a child with autism. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant, allowing them to share their stories and perspectives. The research findings revealed common themes such as the emotional impact of the diagnosis, the challenges of accessing appropriate services, and the need for social support.
The credibility of the sources used in the literature review is satisfactory. However, a few of the references were from non-peer-reviewed sources, such as online forums and personal blogs. While these sources can provide valuable insights into the experiences of parents, they may not have undergone the same rigorous peer-review process as academic journals. The researchers acknowledge this limitation and emphasize that the findings should be interpreted in light of the potential bias introduced by these sources.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the literature reviews conducted in the quantitative and qualitative research studies were of high quality overall. The quantitative study demonstrated a strong research question, appropriate sampling and sample size, rigorous research design, and credible sources. The qualitative study also had a sound research question, appropriate sampling and sample size, and a suitable research design, although there were limitations in terms of the credibility of sources. Both studies contributed valuable findings to their respective fields and provide a foundation for future research on exercise and mental health among adolescents with depression and the experiences of parents of children with autism.