Postan Explanation Of The Researchable Populations That May
Postan Explanation Of The Researchable Populations That May Be Present
Post an explanation of the researchable populations that may be present in your area of practice. Describe which would be most appropriate for use in your research study and explain why. Then, describe the challenges of obtaining a sample from this population. How might you address those challenges? Be specific and provide examples.
Be sure to also include the approach you would recommend to collect data from the sample that you described. Provide a rationale for the approach that you choose based on this week’s Learning Resources.
Paper For Above instruction
In my area of practice, which is clinical mental health counseling within a community health setting, the researchable populations typically include diverse groups such as adolescents suffering from depression, adults experiencing anxiety disorders, and older adults managing chronic mental health issues. Among these, adult clients with anxiety disorders present a particularly relevant population for my research focus. Studying this population can yield meaningful insights into the efficacy of specific therapeutic interventions tailored to reduce anxiety symptoms and improve overall functioning.
The most appropriate population for my research would be adults diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) attending outpatient mental health clinics. This group is suitable because they are readily accessible within my practice environment, and their condition allows for measurable outcomes through standardized assessments and clinical interviews. Moreover, adults with GAD often experience persistent symptoms, making it feasible to evaluate intervention effects over a defined period.
However, obtaining a sample from this population presents several challenges. One significant challenge is recruitment bias, as some individuals may be reluctant to participate due to stigma associated with mental health issues or distrust of research processes. Additionally, logistical issues such as scheduling conflicts, transportation difficulties, or concerns about confidentiality may hinder participation. For example, working adults may find it difficult to attend sessions during standard hours, reducing the pool of willing volunteers.
To address these challenges, I would implement several strategies. First, I would ensure confidentiality and clearly communicate the benefits and safety of participation to mitigate stigma concerns. Offering flexible scheduling options, including evening or weekend appointments, could accommodate working individuals. Providing transportation assistance or conducting sessions via telehealth platforms might also increase accessibility. For example, using secure video conferencing tools can eliminate transportation barriers and appeal to busy professionals seeking convenience.
For data collection, I would recommend using a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative measures, such as standardized anxiety scales (e.g., GAD-7), with qualitative interviews to gain in-depth understanding of participants' experiences. This approach enables comprehensive analysis of intervention outcomes and contextual factors influencing treatment efficacy. Based on the week’s Learning Resources, quantitative surveys allow for efficient data collection and statistical analysis, while qualitative interviews provide nuanced insights into individual perspectives and behavioral changes.
This combined approach ensures robust data collection that can inform evidence-based practices. Quantitative data offers measurable evidence of symptom reduction, while qualitative data captures personal narratives, which are essential in mental health research. Overall, selecting this methodology aligns with research best practices and caters to the complexities of studying mental health populations.
References
- Babbie, E. (2015). The practice of social research (14th ed.). Cengage Learning.
- Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2017). Designing and conducting mixed methods research (3rd ed.). Sage Publications.
- Lovibond, S. H., & Lovibond, P. F. (1995). Manual for the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. Psychology Foundation of Australia.
- Spitzer, R. L., Kroenke, K., Williams, J. B., & Löwe, B. (2006). A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: The GAD-7. Archives of Internal Medicine, 166(10), 1092–1097.
- Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research and applications: Design and methods. Sage Publications.