Self-Efficacy and Social Adjustment of Patients with Mood Disorder - Essay Example

"Self-Efficacy and Social Adjustment of Patients with Mood Disorder" is an exceptional example of a paper on the disorder.
Quantitative research designs are one of the most widely recognized and used research designs all over the world. This paper criticizes research designs used in two different research articles. This paper also elucidates and identifies the type of quantitative research design used in each of the articles, and further offers an evaluation on whether these designs are the most appropriate approaches to the research.         

Article 1

Article 1, titled Self-efficacy and social adjustment of patients with a mood disorder: Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association used a correlational study design. In order to effectively evaluate correlational study design, it is of significance to elucidate what correlational studies entail. In essence, a correlational research design is designed as a quantitative technique of conducting methodical investigations whereby there are two or more qualitative variables. The main objective of these kinds of study designs is to investigate whether there is an association between the two variables. The clairvoyant variables in this design included self-efficacy, social support, and also self-care agency. There were also dependent variables in this research design and this included medication adherence, symptom management, as well as social management (Cuttler, 2005). This research article aimed at identifying and elucidating the relationship between these variables in patients with mood disorders, and also how these contribute to shared and collective modification. This shows that it is the most appropriate method for conducting this research. According to Coughlan, Cronin, and Ryan (2007), “Any number of quantitative studies and strategies can be adopted when collecting data; these include interviews, questionnaires, and attitude scales or observational tools” (p. 661). In this research, the individuals participating in the research filled a total of three tools and as well filled a demographic facts sheet. Interviews were also conducted. Therefore, a correlational study was the most appropriate method of conducting this research.

Article 2

Article 2, titled Inpatient Group Therapies for people with Bipolar Disorder: Comparison of Self-Management and an Interactional Model used a quasi-experimental design. It is important to consider the fact that a quasi-experimental design proxy or alternates factual mechanism with the nonappearance of somatic mechanisms in the course of research. This was the most appropriate technique to use in this research as it could effectively discourse the possible or latent difficulties involved in the research unlike other methods or techniques of research. Since the main objective of this research is to relate or equate self-efficacy management and interactional model, randomization is hence unreasonable and immoral. Using a quasi-experimental design in this research was also the appropriate technique to be used as it is considered easier to set up as compared to other designs. This technique also lessens the consequences and risks associated with the external cogency of the research (Pollack, Harvin, and Cramer, 2001).

In these two quantitative research articles, the sample size used was reasonable. Studies conducted over the recent past have elucidated the fact that sample size is a representation of the larger population and directly controls and regulates the competence and suitability of the research study. This fact further supports the appropriateness of the research designs used in each of the articles. Using an appropriate design technique or method is of significance as it helps measure the validity and reliability of the study. The type of research hence determines the research design be used. In conclusion, the research designs used in each of the above research articles are appropriate.