Scenario
As discussed in module 04, the primary functions of a research methodology section are for the researcher to justify how a study will be conducted and provide sufficient detail to prove the credibility and reliability of the data. Remember that the methodology section should be a recipe of sorts, which would enable others to replicate the steps and resources used in your proposed study. With that analogy in mind, take care to explain each step and not to omit any ingredients. In this assignment, you are to detail the methodology for your research proposal, explaining each step for how you intend to collect, analyze, and interpret data to answer your research question.
Research Question: How does helping healthcare workers who care for individuals with substance abuse disorders understand concepts like "optimal mental functioning" and "normal mental health" through a lens of diverse cultural perspectives and impact the quality and effectiveness of care?
Instructions
Your methodology section will be about six to eight pages, not including the title and reference pages.
- Defend a quantitative, qualitative, or mixed method strategy, using external sources to justify the choice.
- Detail the steps that will need to be followed for that strategy and what will need to be considered.
- Explain the plan for collecting data:
- What type(s) of data will be collected and how much?
- Where will you get the data?
- Describe how the data will be analyzed and interpreted.
- Discuss the ethical issues that may arise during the research study and how these will be managed.
NOTE – Be sure the documents are in APA format (including title page, font, headings) and contain proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure.
I have attached a few documents to hopefully help.
References
Bradley, D. (2020). We are all haunted: Cultural understanding and the paradox of trauma. Philosophy of Music Education Review, 28(1), 4-23. https://doi.org/10.2979/philmusieducrevi.28.1.02
Chapman, R. (2021). Neurodiversity and the social ecology of mental functions. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 16(6), 1360-1372. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691620959833
Connery, H. S., McHugh, R. K., Reilly, M., Shin, S., & Greenfield, S. F. (2020). Substance use disorders in global mental health delivery: epidemiology, treatment gap, and implementation of evidence-based treatments. Harvard review of psychiatry, 28(5), 316. https://doi.org/10.1097/hrp.0000000000000271
Di Maggio, I., Montenegro, E., Little, T. D., Nota, L., & Ginevra, M. C. (2022). Career adaptability, hope, and life satisfaction: An analysis of adults with and without substance use disorder. Journal of happiness studies, 23(2), 439-454. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-021-00405-1
Fusar-Poli, P., de Pablo, G. S., De Micheli, A., Nieman, D. H., Correll, C. U., Kessing, L. V., … & van Amelsvoort, T. (2020). What is good mental health? A scoping review. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 31, 33-46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2019.12.105
Iloh, C. (2021). Do it for the culture: The case for memes in qualitative research. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 20, 16094069211025896. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/16094069211025896
Kohrt, B. A., Ottman, K., Panter-Brick, C., Konner, M., & Patel, V. (2020). Why we heal: The evolution of psychological healing and implications for global mental health. Clinical Psychology Review, 82, 101920. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101920
Lo, T. W., Yeung, J. W., & Tam, C. H. (2020). Substance abuse and public health: A multilevel perspective and multiple responses. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(7), 2610. https://doi.org/10.3390%2Fijerph17072610
VanderWeele, T. J. (2020). Activities for flourishing: An evidence-based guide. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 4(1), 79-91. https://journalppw.com/index.php/jppw/article/view/68
References
Bradley, D. (2020). We are all haunted: Cultural understanding and the paradox of trauma. Philosophy of Music Education Review, 28(1), 4-23. https://doi.org/10.2979/philmusieducrevi.28.1.02
Chapman, R. (2021). Neurodiversity and the social ecology of mental functions. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 16(6), 1360-1372. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691620959833
Connery, H. S., McHugh, R. K., Reilly, M., Shin, S., & Greenfield, S. F. (2020). Substance use disorders in global mental health delivery: epidemiology, treatment gap, and implementation of evidence-based treatments. Harvard review of psychiatry, 28(5), 316. https://doi.org/10.1097/hrp.0000000000000271
Di Maggio, I., Montenegro, E., Little, T. D., Nota, L., & Ginevra, M. C. (2022). Career adaptability, hope, and life satisfaction: An analysis of adults with and without substance use disorder. Journal of happiness studies, 23(2), 439-454. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10902-021-00405-1
Fusar-Poli, P., de Pablo, G. S., De Micheli, A., Nieman, D. H., Correll, C. U., Kessing, L. V., … & van Amelsvoort, T. (2020). What is good mental health? A scoping review. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 31, 33-46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2019.12.105
Iloh, C. (2021). Do it for the culture: The case for memes in qualitative research. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 20, 16094069211025896. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/16094069211025896
Kohrt, B. A., Ottman, K., Panter-Brick, C., Konner, M., & Patel, V. (2020). Why we heal: The evolution of psychological healing and implications for global mental health. Clinical Psychology Review, 82, 101920. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101920
Lo, T. W., Yeung, J. W., & Tam, C. H. (2020). Substance abuse and public health: A multilevel perspective and multiple responses. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(7), 2610. https://doi.org/10.3390%2Fijerph17072610
VanderWeele, T. J. (2020). Activities for flourishing: An evidence-based guide. Journal of Positive School Psychology, 4(1), 79-91. https://journalppw.com/index.php/jppw/article/view/68
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Data Collection Methods
Methods of data collection depend on whether the research is quantitative or qualitative.
Quantitative Data Collection Methods Quantitative data are quantifiable (can be turned into numbers). Math and statistics are used to analyze and interpret this data. Quantitative data collection methods include the following:
Surveys: These are based on closed questions, with answer options provided for the respondents. Surveys can be phone interviews or questionnaires sent via email or internet.
Observations: This is a simple data collection method by systematically observing a phenomenon (i.e., counting the number of people present and accessing health fair services).
Experiments: This method of design manipulates a variable in order to evaluate how it will affect an outcome. Clinical trials are an example of experimental data collection.
Qualitative Data Collection Methods In contrast to quantitative data, qualitative data are descriptive, not numerical. This type of data are usually gained through observation, and they are described through narratives. Qualitative data usually take more time and money to gather than quantitative data, and the sample size is usually smaller than in quantitative methods.
Qualitative data collection methods include the following:
Surveys: Qualitative surveys can include personal, face-to-face interviews and questionnaires. Face-to-face interviews are the most common means of collecting qualitative research data. The researcher can ask open-ended questions or begin with structured, fixed-response questions that can be followed up by the researcher in order to get more information. Paper or web-based questionnaires are also examples of surveys. For qualitative research, these questionnaires contain open-ended questions. The answers must be analyzed by the researcher later, and there is no follow-up.
Focus Groups: This is an interview done in a group setting. Focus groups are particularly useful when the data being sought are attitudes and behaviors in a social setting. Focus groups usually have at least three members and no more than about ten. A moderator who is good at getting groups to talk is important.
Documents and Audiovisual and Digital Materials: The researcher may use public (e.g., newspapers) or private (e.g., letters or email) documents as a source of data. Photographs, videotapes, or social media text are example of audiovisual and digital materials.
Observation: In this method, the researcher observes the participants and may even participate with them. The researcher documents what he or she observes through notes, audio or video recordings, or photographs.
Survey Methodology and Survey Collection Techniques Survey methodology means questioning a group of people about a topic or topics. Survey methodology can be used for both quantitative and qualitative research. Survey methodology results in a description of the group’s opinions or attitudes or a description of the relationship of variables for that group – for example, the relationship between overtime hours worked and the symptoms of burnout in hospital workers.
Surveys can be performed faster and cheaper than other forms of data collection, such as observation and experiments. The disadvantages of surveys include the possible unwillingness of respondents to provide information or being biased and providing wrong information. Creating survey questions can also be difficult because they must be created so that
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Ethical Considerations in Research
Ethics is a branch of philosophy that focuses on decision making about what is right and wrong. Doing research that is ethical means that it is based on integrity and respect for all life. An effective researcher will always anticipate ethical issues and address them.
In their book Research Design, John W. and J. David Creswell note that it is helpful to look at ethical issues as they relate to each of the stages of research. In this section, we will explore some of the issues that may arise before a research study is conducted; once a study begins; during data collection and analysis; and when the data is reported and shared.
Before beginning a research study, be sure to consult the professional code of conduct and research associated with the appropriate field. Professional associations often have codes of ethics or standards on their websites. Researchers at colleges and universities need to have research plans reviewed in an Institutional Review Board (IRB), which makes sure that the potential risks to participants have been assessed, that the needs of vulnerable populations have been considered, and that animal subjects are treated humanely.
There are also federal and state policies on research misconduct, conflicts of interest, and the protection of human and animal subjects. While these policies were written for researchers who are funded by public money, all researchers should keep these guidelines in mind.
As you begin a research study and collect data, be sure participants have filled out informed consent forms that make clear the purpose of the study and details about their involvement in it. It is critical that participants are not deceived or kept in the dark.
As you analyze and report data, keep these things in mind:
• Do not hide, falsify, or invent data or findings. • Do not plagiarize. Give credit to others’ work. • Do not report only positive results. Report the full range of findings, including those that are the opposite of
what you were hoping to uncover. • Respect the privacy and anonymity of participants. For example, in survey research, names of individuals
should be disassociated from their responses. In qualitative research, aliases can be used for individuals and places to protect their identities.
At some point an ethical dilemma may arise that is not clearly covered by the guidelines or rules. When that happens, ask advice from a colleague, a compliance officer, or a superior at your company or institution. Do research, collect data, and then make a decision about what to do. Whatever you decide, remember that your decision should be based on integrity and respect for others.