Running Head: THE TOPIC OF INTEREST AND RESEARCH FOCUS PAPER The Topic of Interest and Research Focus Paper Jasmine Anderson RES7105 William Kammerer January 27, 2020 1 THE TOPIC OF INTEREST AND RESEARCH FOCUS PAPER 2 Introduction The cultural diversity is a theme in last week’s research. It engages the practitioner in that it is essential for the therapist to understand the belief system, ethnicity, and background of the client. Overall, we see psychologists diagnose, assess, then advance the treatment of the psychological challenges that affect a client. As a result, this helps in promoting healthy behavior changes and promotes a better life for the patient. The role of psychologists is very diverse, starting from caregiving among other subspecialties. The paper describes the contemporary topics and themes in the earlier discussion forum by speculating why they demand the engagement of the practitioner community. Also, through personal experience and research, it identifies contemporary challenges that these practitioners confront, examines the type of information that advances knowledge to practitioners in the field of psychology and improve services delivered to the patients. Lastly, it assesses what I would like to understand in my psychological area and then give justifications of a topic of interest and a unique focus for the classwork focus. Contemporary Themes and Topics Technology has a significant effect on cultural sensitivity. Culture leads to the development of technology concerning the needs of the people due to their creative interests. At times, we find out that even technology that advances outside the cultures is incorporated into the culture. Culture and technological evolutions do not happen concurrently, especially with faster-evolving technology. The practitioner community is engaged since, through the incorporation of cultural sensitivity and technology, this shows respect to various attitudes, values, and opinions (Pham et al., 2019). The cultural diversity sensitizes the therapist on cultural competence hence enabling THE TOPIC OF INTEREST AND RESEARCH FOCUS PAPER 3 him or her to understand his culture and that of others. The therapist and the client achieve ultimate goals despite the availability of cross-cultural boundaries. Our global era has brought together individuals that are ethnocultural diverse, especially in the worldwide set-up. There exist variations between the client and the profession. Gender, education, and different social classes are significant concerns in the provision of services. The new realities must give attention to cultural sensitivity. Contemporary Challenges Confronting Practitioners According to the psychology views, therapeutic change may vary from person to person, depending on his or her cultural group. Even though, at times, we see the psychologists deviating from the standardized therapeutic methods. There is a generation gap between employees. Most people do not support team-work and prefer working individually. As a result, the employees do not understand each other nor understand workplace diversity. In diversity, the practitioners find it challenging to build a new culture that accommodates all the members (Chapman-Hilliard et al., 2017). There is inadequate or no use of technology. As a result, these providers undergo challenges in the implementation of operations hence affecting the services provided to the clients. Also, there exists a poor organizational culture that assists in increasing opportunities for innovation and autonomy in the employee’s positions. As a result, it is more difficult to retain or recruit individuals in this program. The opportunities available also lack advancement. Psychologists are not offered skills such as those on technology training, education reimbursements, and in-house capabilities. There exists a problem in financing. Most patients do not seek assistance therapeutically due to a lack of insurance cover and affordability (ChapmanHilliard et al., 2017). The funding issue makes it difficult for practitioners to search through various cultures. Also, retaining workers in this field of psychology is difficult. Behavioral workers are THE TOPIC OF INTEREST AND RESEARCH FOCUS PAPER 4 offered a small amount of salary, resulting in their challenge. Most of them leave this profession, while other Ph.D. holders decide not to work on low wages. Information to Improve Service These practitioners need to have biomedical knowledge of sound medical care. The dysfunctions and how the physician transact with the patient depends on his or her psychosocial understanding. It is unethical to terminate treatment advanced to the client since they can no longer afford the service. In the case of the contract’s termination, this should be done thoughtfully. Notice and referrals should be advanced if necessary. Also, the practitioners must understand how to vary the psychological approach from one individual to another. The dependence is through acknowledging the culture of the client and not applying the same treatment approach for everyone. The therapist should keep to the ethical standards like in instances of disclosing information regarding the client. Also, it is essential for the client to feel comfortable in communicating the personal issues with a practitioner who will not refer them to another culturally sensitive therapist. What Would I Like to Know? I would like to understand the integration of behavior, psychosocial sciences, and bio medics. This helps in understanding how the mind and brain correlate then interacts to help in the generation of abnormality and normality. Also, this assists in understanding the medical, physiological, and psychological research hence developing better ways of thinking in connection to illnesses and health (Foulkes, 2018). Through biomedical health, there is an understanding of the genetic predisposition of an individual. Cultural sensitivity comes in the learning of social conditions that also relate how people from various ethnical groups interrelate and give support. THE TOPIC OF INTEREST AND RESEARCH FOCUS PAPER 5 Also, this assists in the understanding of how behaviors are altered. This assists in understanding the psychotherapeutic techniques that affect an individual’s functions in various roles and settings. Topic of Interest My topic of interest would be culturally sensitive psychology. The reason for this focus is that it targets sexual, cultural, religious, racial, and gender entities that relate to a person’s behavior. This plays a role in assisting individuals or groups in improving the well-being of everyone resolving issues on cultural crises, alleviating distress, and increase the possibility of how people solve conflicts in society (Nastasi, 2017). What interests me in this topic is that I am not bound to work only in the hospital setting, but also community health centers and institutions such as schools. Also, I have an expansion to work with people of all ages, creating awareness of cultural sensitivity. The people affected by the diversities also have an opportunity to change their thinking. Also, the field has a notable collaboration of psychologists such as those in the academic, clinical, and health set-up to deal with health problems. Conclusion In conclusion, the ultimate and expectation targets of a client and therapist showcase the progress despite challenges such as cross-cultural boundaries. The psychological practitioners musty acquire the necessary skills to enable them in the successful integration of culturally sensitive practices. As a result, they respect or recognize differences and ensure that they interact successfully with clients despite their diverse backgrounds. Professions undergo issues such as the development of the workers, transitions in economic conditions, new governance arrangements, and changes in technology. The cultural diversities should work beyond the administrative process that relates to policy-making, budgeting, and human resources. Courses in this sector should engage consideration or reflection of how the emergence of notions are conjoined to research and THE TOPIC OF INTEREST AND RESEARCH FOCUS PAPER 6 theory, especially for the group leaders that use normative or theoretical dimensions to check on their responsibilities. References Chapman-Hilliard, C., Beasley, S., McClain, S., Awosogba, O. R., & Cokley, K. O. (2017). “A Stranger No More...”: Applying African American Psychology to Address Social Issues. Social Issues in Living Color: Challenges and Solutions from the Perspective of Ethnic Minority Psychology [3 volumes], 1. Foulkes, S. H. (2018). Introduction to group-analytic psychotherapy: Studies in the social integration of individuals and groups. Routledge. Nastasi, B. K. (2017). Cultural competence for global research and development: Implications for school and educational psychology. Pham, C. T., Lee, C. B., Nguyen, T. L. H., Lin, J. D., Ali, S., & Chu, C. (2019). Integrative settings approach workplace health promotion to address contemporary challenges for worker health in the Asia-Pacific. Global health promotion, 1757975918816691.\ Running head: QUALITATIVE RESEARCH STUDIES Qualitative Research Studies Jasmine Anderson William Kammerer RES7105 February 2, 2020 1 QUALITATIVE RESEARCH STUDIES 2 The research by Kaihlanen, Hietapakka and Heponiemi (2019), sought to explore the ideologies of nurses towards the aspect of cultural competency training. The authors have clearly stated the aim of the study in the abstract part of the article. However; the researchers have failed to mention the research question for the study. In the methodology part of the study, it is clear to affirm that the researchers embraced both the registered nurses and the practical physicians as the participants of the study. The participants of the study were provided with semi-structured interviews to ascertain their ideologies regarding cultural competency training. Although the authors of the article have explored on the methodology of the study and the participants of the study, they have not fully justified the rationale for the methods used. The authors of the study have not fully expounded on the sampling techniques that were used in selecting the participants for the study. In the data collection part, the researchers have outlined the techniques for collecting data. According to the article, the authors embraced the use of semi-structured interviews in the collection of data. Nonetheless; the article has not mentioned the rationale as to why the interviews were used as a data collection technique. Interviews are appropriate techniques for collecting data since they give a chance for the researcher to interact with the respondent and gather in-depth information regarding a particular theme. Notably, the researchers have stated the method that was deployed in data analysis and the rationale for deploying the particular technique in data analysis. According to Kaihlanen, Hietapakka and Heponiemi (2019), the conventional approach was deployed for data analysis since it provides the researcher with the opportunity of exploring personal ideologies without the embracement of preconceived aspects. Regarding how the study by Kaihlanen, Hietapakka and Heponiemi (2019) was conducted, it is imperative to depict that the researchers achieved the aspect of consistency and QUALITATIVE RESEARCH STUDIES 3 there is no bias in the conducting of the study. Ideally, the methods that were embraced in the collection of data are effective in providing detailed information to the researchers. According to Shenton (2004), the concept of trustworthiness is evaluated by considering the validity and reliability of the techniques in the collection and analysis of data. As well, the trustworthiness of the research can be demonstrated through the ability to edit the developments and actions of the researcher. Regarding the criterion of Shenton, the aspects of credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability should be deployed in establishing the concept of trustworthiness. The article by Kaihlanen, Hietapakka and Heponiemi (2019) has achieved the aspect of credibility since the authors of the article have clearly explained the research methods, the procedures of the study. The aspect of dependability is also achieved in the given article since the researchers have ascertained the areas to which the information of the study can be attributed. According to Shenton (2004), dependability is the potential of the researchers to offer in-depth information to establish the reliability of both the researcher and the study. The authors have expounded on the setting of the study, the theories deployed in the study, the data analysis methods and the justifications of the methods of study. Notably, the research lacks transferability and credibility to some extent since the sample size used for the study is small and therefore the results of the study cannot be generalized. Accordingly, the extent to which the study achieves trustworthiness is limited since researchers failed to obtain information regarding the interpretation of the results and grouping of data. The research by has achieved the purpose of the study since the article concludes by denoting that enhanced awareness regarding the cultural aspects can help in improving cultural competency among physicians and curtail cross-cultural barriers in health care settings. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH STUDIES 4 An article by (Geerlings, Thompson, Bouma & Hawkins, 2017) also expounds on the topic of cultural diversity psychology by exploring on the extent to which the aspects of crosscultural practice and experience are related and experienced in cultural competency. The authors have mentioned the reason for conducting the study and the objectives of the study. However; the researchers have not stated the research questions for the study. The researchers have articulately mentioned the techniques of the study by exploring the participants of the study; the methods of data collection and the topic, in which the respondents were interviewed. However; the sampling procedures for identifying the appropriate participants for the study are not outlined in the article. In the data analysis part, the researchers have failed to demonstrate the justification of the data analysis methods. The study concludes by portending that there exists a bias in cultural training and therefore it is imperative to identify the strategies that can be employed in instilling cultural competency in the training programs. A critical examination of the study by Geerlings et al (2017 demonstrates that the particular qualitative study is void of some elements of trustworthiness as expounded by Shenton (2004).The study lacks the concept of dependability since the authors have not fully explained the processes that were used in a particular study. According to by Shenton (2004) the concept of dependability is primarily aimed to provide the chance to the researcher to perform the same study using similar procedures and derive similar results. A thorough exploration of the processes allows the reader to examine the extent to which research standards, principles and practices have been followed by the researcher. In the article under evaluation, it is imperative to depict that the reader may not fully evaluate the research practices employed by the researchers since the authors have not provided an in-depth exploration of the research practices. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH STUDIES 5 A study by Truong, Paradies and Priest (2014), relates to the topic of study since it propounds on the interventions that can be embraced in enhancing cultural competency, particularly in the health care setting. In the background part of the article, researchers have mentioned the aim of the study. According to Truong, Paradies and Priest (2014), the major aim of the study is to assess the interventions that can be used in improving the concept of cultural competency within the health care settings. In the methodology part of the study, researchers have reported on the methods that were used in the study by asserting that the study was a systematic review in which previously conducted studies were evaluated. Ideally, the authors have mentioned both the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the studies that were included in the review. Accordingly, a study was considered eligible if it involved the aspect of health care services and if it entailed either qualitative, quantitative or mixed research design. The study has achieved the aspect of dependability by providing an in-depth exploration of the processes that were used in the study. From the analysis of the study, it is clear that the article achieved the aim of the study since it concluded by denoting that skills, attitude and knowledge are paramount aspects in the enhancement of cultural competency. The study by (Kaihlanen, Hietapakka and Heponiemi (2019) were similar to the one by Geerlings, Thompson, Bouma and Hawkins (2017) since both of the two articles deployed the use of interviews finding insights to the research problems. Nonetheless, Truong, Paradies and Priest (2014) used systematic review in informing its research question. However, I found the study by (Geerlings, Thompson, Bouma and Hawkins, 2017) to be most compelling and relevant to the topic of interest since it articulately explored on the importance of cultural awareness in the health care setting. 6 QUALITATIVE RESEARCH STUDIES References Geerlings, L., Thompson, C., Bouma, R., & Hawkins, R. (2017). Cultural Competence in Clinical Psychology Training: A Qualitative Investigation of Student and Academic Experiences. Australian Psychologist, 53(2), 161-170. doi: 10.1111/ap.12291 Kaihlanen, A., Hietapakka, L., & Heponiemi, T. (2019). Increasing cultural awareness: qualitative study of nurses’ perceptions about cultural competence training. BMC Nursing, 18(1). doi: 10.1186/s12912-019-0363-x Shenton K.A. (2004).Strategies for ensuring trustworthiness in qualitative research projects Andrew K. Shenton Truong, M., Paradies, Y., & Priest, N. (2014). Interventions to improve cultural competency in healthcare: a systematic review of reviews. BMC Health Services Research, 14(1). doi: 10.1186/1472-6963-14-99 Running Head: QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH CRITIQUE Quantitative Research Critique Jasmine Anderson William Kammerer February 10, 2020 1 QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH CRITIQUE 2 Abstract This paper tests three quantitative research papers in the field of psychology but holding different views in the niche of their research. The need to conduct this research was to identify the role of legitimacy and validity in referencing past research, given the necessity to draw quality and truthful findings from past studies. (Ruddock & Turner, 2007) (Burkard & Knox, 2004), and (Price & McNeill, 1992) are the research studies covered. While (Ruddock & Turner, 2007) is seen to be based on a misleading analysis method, (Burkard & Knox, 2004), and (Price & McNeill, 1992) are conducted adequately with only some minor misrepresentations in their sample sizes and the disparity which may jeopardize the efficiency of their research. Overall, (Price & McNeill, 1992) is concluded to have both internal and external validity given that (Trochin, 2006) approve that research based on cause and effect has internal validity, coupled with the fact that the findings from this research are similar to another different study by Johnson and Lashley (1989), thus awarding this piece external validity. QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH CRITIQUE 3 Introduction Based on the sensitivity within the discipline of psychology, drawing conclusive and correct findings from past research is imperative. Such gives meaning to contemporary attempts to critiquing prior research to identify the legitimacy of the study. Determining the validity of a particular previous research endeavour provides a platform from where the current research can be based, citing the elements of truth. At the same time, past research with no solid basis on authenticity and accuracy may mislead a current study, creating an array of wrongful reference. With such a need for efficiency, critiquing past research allows the current researcher the utility of having reasonable conclusions at reach. With such a niche, this paper critiques three research articles on the value of the legitimacy they hold within the discipline of culture-sensitive psychology, and specifically, how they play on the platforms of validity, internally and externally. Analysis The question posed by (Ruddock & Turner, 2007) prompts whether students' experience in international learning for their nursing careers encouraged cultural sensitivity in their careers. While this question missed key marks concerning the PICOT question structure, its intent holds a great deal of importance. The hypothesis of this research paper was to understand whether studying abroad led to cultural sensitivity for nurses. (Ruddock & Turner, 2007) was conducted on seven participants who were sourced from the international exchange coordinator. According to (Coughlan, Cronin & Ryan, 2007), sample size representing an entire populace is an imperative factor when critiquing a research paper. In this case, Ruddock & Turner (2007) conducted their research on meagre sample size, thus limiting their work’s validity. QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH CRITIQUE 4 The statistical analysis adopted by (Ruddock & Turner, 2007) was a Gadamerian hermeneutic phenomenological approach. The Gadamerian hermeneutic phenomenological approach involves interviewing of participants where their response makes the research content used to conclude. This method is inappropriate for quantitative analysis following that it best suits researches based on qualitative analysis since it dwells on the participant’s sincerity to meaning rather than the measure of their special meaning. The findings derived cannot whatsoever be used for generalized conclusions to develop rigid proclamation on cultural sensitivity encompasses the flexibility of one’s willingness to cope with an external culture. However, this study still begged for more research, longitudinal in structure to identify the impression overseas studies have on the delivery of culture-sensitive patient care for nurses within the psychology practice. The paper by (Burkard & Knox, 2004) did not pose a vivid question for the study. However, the sample size for this included two Asian Americans, four African Americans, 1 Native American, four Latinos, two biracial participants and 234 European Americans, totalling to 247 participants. According to (Coughlan, Cronin & Ryan, 2007), such a sample size is efficient while working on data from one geographical area. This research borrowed the chi-squared statistical analysis that was employed in the study of determining the relationship between the present categorical variables. The hypothesis by (Burkard & Knox, 2004) was to measure the rate of colour blindness in their racial attributes towards the practice of psychological intervention. According to (Coughlan, Cronin & Ryan, 2007), for a research study to be deemed worthy of reference, it must be pointed towards a specific hypothesis. Therefore, (Burkard & Knox, 2004) ensures the legitimacy of this study to current referencing. However, the structure of this study is biased in the sense that the sample sizes addressed do not indicate the analogy of a quality research study following that the QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH CRITIQUE 5 sample sizes collected were not equal. For instance, the sample size for European Americans was 234, while that of African Americans was four. Worse, that of Native Americans was 1. Therefore, the validity of this research paper falls into questionability, citing that the results could have differed, were the sample sizes for all the ethnic groups tested was equal. On the other hand, (Price & McNeill, 1992) had a hypothesis based on the cultural attitude and commitment people had in seeking the services of a counsellor. The sample size included 74 students to represent the 46 tribes investigated. Forty-one of the total were women, while 33 students represented men. The sampling procedure for this research study was highly probability sampling where students were used. Using students as the study’s participants limit research. Therefore, counting on the sample size, this research is invalid when consulted in modern-day investigations. The research by (Price & McNeill, 1992) got conducted under the basis of 29 Likert analyses of the participant's attitudes in receiving psychological counselling and was distributed into four scales based o factor analysis. This form of quantitative analysis is highly recommendable when dealing with participant's research based on a multi-choice platform where their answers are limited. Even with such a high validity score in the research study, the size of the sample remains inadequate. Internal and external validity are both concepts that get used to determine the validity of a research study. Internal validity is determined by the accuracy of a research study, while the external validity is the measure of the efficiency of the research and its application on a real-world platform. (Ruddock & Turner, 2007) had shallow research Where the Gadamerian hermeneutic phenomenological approach got used. This sort of method is appropriate for conducting qualitative QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH CRITIQUE 6 analysis but misses the mark on internal validity when the research study is quantitative. However, this research study has credible external validity since the findings of this study matched that of (Johnson & Lashley, 1989) but yet again, the small size of the sample used limits the validity score of this study altogether since the review cannot get used in the derivation of generalized conclusions. Therefore, this study is prone to external threats that emanate from the lack of diversity with the participant samples identified. On the other hand, it lacks a vivid question. Again, the sample size utilized in this research study was uneven, where the European Americans outcounted the samples from other ethnicities by far. However, this research was found on two analyses, but this factor cannot certify the paper’s internal validity. Externally, the article is prone to threats given its proper standings in that no association was derived between the participant's colour-blindness and their structure of professional practice Finally, (Price & McNeill, 1992) had both internal and external validity. The fact that the findings from this research paper were reinforced by (Johnson & Lashley, 1987) shows the researches’ external validity. Credible internal validity can be drawn from the cause and effect structure of the study (Trochin, 2006), where the cultural sensitivity of the participants directly determined their indulgent in their psychological need for intervention. For that sake, (Price & McNeill, 1992) is the better research analysis of the three pieces of research probed in the thesis of the current research paper while (Burkard & Knox, 2004) and (Price & McNeill, 1992) lack total validity to legitimatize their contribution in the field of psychology research. QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH CRITIQUE 7 References Burkard, A. W., & Knox, S. (2004). Effect of Therapist Color-Blindness on Empathy and Attributions in Cross-Cultural Counseling. Journal of counselling psychology, 51(4), 387. Coughlan, M., Cronin, P., & Ryan, F. (2007). A step-by-step guide to critiquing research. Part 1: quantitative research. British journal of nursing, 16(11), 658-663. Johnson, M. E., & Lashley, K. H. (1989). Influence of Native-Americans' cultural commitment on preferences for counsellor ethnicity and expectations about counselling. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development. Price, B. K., & McNeill, B. W. (1992). Cultural commitment and attitudes toward seeking counselling services in American Indian college students. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 23(5), 376. Ruddock, H. C., & Turner, D. S. (2007). Developing cultural sensitivity: Nursing students' experiences in a study abroad programme. Journal of advanced nursing, 59(4), 361-369. Trochim, W. M. (2006). Introduction to validity.
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