Improving Existing Cognitive Technique Program - Essay Example

OUTLINE: Improving Existing Cognitive Technique Program I. Key Components of the Cognitive Technique Program 1 Problem ment Identification:In this case, “there was perceived need for evidence-based treatment and rehabilitation interventions in view of statistics showing increasing rates of incidence and risks involving mentally disordered offenders (MDOs) as provided in the initial results of previous study” (Rees-Jones et al, 2012). 1.2 Targets: Identify the program set target goals/ objectives and basically this part highlights what the study is all about and what to expect from the study including its limitations. 1.3 Design and Methodology: Details how the program implementers are supposed to proceed with the planned strategies and procedures that will enable them to assess and motivate their target participants to cooperate and eventually achieve the program goals and objectives. 1.3.1 Target Sampling Population and Size: Selecting target participants and sampling size. 1.3.2 Procedures: Details on how to go about each phase of the program. 1.3.3 Tools and Data Requirements: “Tools such as questionnaires (probing on different aspects of patient’s behaviors) were used to gather baseline assessment information covering the patient’s violent attitudes, locus of control, social problem solving and anger.” (Rees-Jones et al, 2012). “Clinic files were also used as source of information for patients’ demographics, diagnosis and index offenses” (Rees-Jones et al, 2012). 1.3.4 “Statistical Analysis: Quantitative research was shown as a vital statistical tool to interpret and analyze gathered pertinent data for the study to include patient’s motivation inventory” (Rees-Jones et al, 2012). Statistical results influence decision making of proponents. 1.3.4 “Interventions and results measures are carefully designed, implemented and assessed such as in the case of introducing reasoning and rehabilitation mental health program as a new evidence to enhance previous study” (Rees-Jones et al, 2012). 1.4 Measures for the Effectiveness of the Program 1.4.1 “Treatment Completion: Shows percentage of the total patients who have responded to the treatment” (Rees-Jones et al, 2012). 1.4.2 “Program Achievement Rate: Shows overall impact of the program which can be translated into graphs and tables to show accuracy” (Rees-Jones et al, 2012). II. Findings of the Study 2.1 “Sixty-seven (67) patients or 78% who participated and completed the program were reported to experience significant reduction on self-reported violent attitudes and anger which is a confirmation that patients’ cognitive skills are improved in treatments and when they complete the reasoning and rehabilitation program” (Rees-Jones et al, 2012). 2.2 “Putting more knowledge in reasoning and rehabilitation of psychopaths, definitely was proven to help MDO patients to recover and reduce the level MDO’s as manifested in the achieved bigger percentage of patients finishing the program or the significant improvement in their pro-social competence and the reduction of antisocial and offending behaviors ”. (Rees-Jones et al, 2012). 2.3 Aside from being successful and effective, “the study concluded that R&R2 programs are cost effective because they are shorter and less labor intensive or as stated, do not have to consume many resources”. (Rees-Jones et al, 2012). Questions and Answers: 1. Describe the purpose and at least four major points of the article. Ans.: “The main objective of the study is to determine the effectiveness or success of the reasoning and rehabilitation (R&R2) program as manifested by the reduction in the number of medically disordered offenders (MDO) exhibiting antisocial thinking and offensive behaviors.”. (Rees-Jones et al, 2012). In this endeavor, there are 4 major points to consider: “ a) The patient profile within the sampled population; b) The required and correct interventions and its implementation thereof; b) The systematic approach towards achieving the study’s primary goal which is to reduce antisocial thinking and offensive behaviors; c) Quantitative research is considered basic, crucial and an integral program tool for R&R2; and d) Reasoning and Rehabilitation program (R&R2) are cost effective because they are shorter and less labor intensive. It does not need to consume many resources” (Rees-Jones et al, 2012). 2. Discuss the generalizability and validity of the study.  For example, will findings of this study generalize to other people and/or situations, can we generalize from the study participants to the general population, and do the methods employed have validity?   Ans.: The answer, whether this study is valid and can be applicable to a general situation or people, is a big NO. In the last statement of the paper, it pointed out that “that the results of the study cannot be generalized to other population of offenders due to its selected exclusive sampling population of all MDO adult males”. (Rees-Jones et al, 2012). 3. a) Evaluate the worthiness of the study. Discuss the value in systematically studying the topic rather than relying on common sense. Ans.: The significance of a study can only be justified if it has undergone a systematic process of evaluation. On the other hand, relying on hunch or common sense can only bring inaccurate premises and can only result to biases, gaps and pressures to decision makers. Using systematic approach is deemed more accurate and advantageous because it serves as an appropriate mechanism for decision makers to derive choices or decisions based on collected accurate information which lead to satisfying merits of the program. It also helps them identify what else are required of the program and allows them to determine what must be prioritized in future endeavors. b) Determine whether it would it be appropriate to fund this research with publicly-funded grants. Ans.: “Violence is a major concern among those who are responsible for the care of mentally ill prisoners. People with mental problems are more prone to violence than healthy individuals, especially people who have significant psychological impairments” (Mentally Ill Violent Criminals Benefit from Cognitive Skills Treatment, 2012). In this regard, it becomes worthwhile to learn that this study is generally meant for public safety. Since initial outcomes of the study were found successful and has shown potentials and room for development, it is justifiable that the research be funded appropriately even if it has to come up with revisions and/or innovations. Suppose that you are lab assistant (or graduate student) to the researchers who wrote the article.  Suggest what you would do to follow up with the study. Then, identify a logical next step. Ans.: “Program completion or success rate or success was pegged at 78%” (Rees-Jones et al, 2012). In this case, there is a need to follow through and attempt to surpass the previous success rate of the program. To do this, research methods should shift its focus on the emotional monitoring and control strategies that would lengthen the patients’ span of memory and receptiveness to the interventions. I would also agree with what Rees-Jones, et.al “to pursue further this research with randomized controlled design” (Rees-Jones et al, 2012). References Mentally Ill Violent Criminals Benefit from Cognitive Skills Treatment (2012), Retrieved February 27, 2013, from http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/criminals-cognitive-skills-treatment-0312122/ Rees-Jones, A., Gudjonsson, G., and Young, S. (2012). A Multi-Site Controlled Trial of Cognitive Skills Program for Mentally Disordered Offenders. BMC Psychiatry, 12(44), 1-11. DOI: 10.1186/1471-244X-12-44 Retrieved February 27, 2013 from http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-244X/12/44 Read More