*Example attached named METHODS*Other attachment (Informatio…
METHODS
Introduction
This research study aims to investigate the relationship between autism and theory of mind. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interactions, communication deficits, and restricted repetitive behaviors (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Theory of mind refers to the ability to understand and attribute mental states, such as beliefs, desires, and intentions, to oneself and others (Premack & Woodruff, 1978). Individuals with autism often exhibit difficulties in theory of mind, which can significantly impact their social and communicative abilities (Baron-Cohen, 1995).
Research Design
A quantitative research design will be employed in this study. This design will allow for the examination of the relationship between autism and theory of mind using standardized measures. The research design will involve comparing the performance of individuals with autism to a control group of typically developing individuals.
Participants
The participants in this study will consist of two groups: individuals with autism and typically developing individuals. The participants with autism will be recruited from local autism clinics, support groups, and schools for individuals with autism. In order to be included in the study, participants with autism must have a confirmed diagnosis of autism from a licensed clinician. The control group will be recruited from local schools and community centers. The inclusion criteria for the control group include being within the same age range as the participants with autism and having no history of developmental disorders or psychiatric conditions.
Sample size calculations will be conducted to determine the appropriate number of participants in each group. These calculations will be based on previous research studies examining the relationship between autism and theory of mind. A power analysis will be performed to determine the required sample size to detect a significant effect with a power of 80% and an alpha level of 0.05.
Measures
To assess autism, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2) will be administered. The ADOS-2 is a standardized assessment tool used to evaluate individuals suspected of having autism. It consists of various social interaction and communication tasks that are designed to elicit behaviors indicative of autism. The ADOS-2 has demonstrated good reliability and validity in diagnosing autism (Lord et al., 2012).
Theory of mind will be assessed using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET). The RMET is a well-established measure of theory of mind that requires participants to identify the emotions and mental states of individuals based on photographs of their eyes (Baron-Cohen et al., 2001). The RMET has been extensively used in research studies examining theory of mind in both clinical and non-clinical populations.
Procedure
Participants will be contacted and invited to participate in the study. Prior to their participation, informed consent will be obtained from each participant or their legal guardian. Participants will then be scheduled for a testing session, which will take place in a quiet and comfortable room.
During the testing session, participants will first complete the ADOS-2 to assess their autism symptoms. The ADOS-2 will be administered by a trained clinician who is experienced in using the instrument. The administration of the ADOS-2 typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes.
Following the administration of the ADOS-2, participants will complete the RMET to assess their theory of mind abilities. The RMET will be presented on a computer screen, and participants will be instructed to identify the emotion or mental state depicted in each photograph of the eyes. The RMET typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes to complete.
Data Analysis
The data collected in this study will be analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize the demographic characteristics of the participants. To examine the relationship between autism and theory of mind, inferential statistics, such as t-tests or correlation analysis, may be used depending on the nature of the data.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this research study will employ a quantitative research design to investigate the relationship between autism and theory of mind. The study will involve comparing the performance of individuals with autism to a control group of typically developing individuals. Standardized measures, such as the ADOS-2 and RMET, will be used to assess autism and theory of mind, respectively. The data collected will be analyzed using appropriate statistical tests to determine if there is a significant relationship between autism and theory of mind. Through this study, further understanding of the cognitive and social impairments associated with autism can be gained, which may contribute to the development of targeted interventions and support for individuals with autism.