RESEARCH CRITIQUE - Assignment Example

RESEARCH CRITIQUE affiliation RESEARCH CRITIQUE WHAT IS THE PROBLEM OR RESEARCH QUESTION? Is there an effect of music on depression levels in older adults?2. WHAT ARE THE VARIABLES? IDENTIFY THE DEPENDENT AND INDEPENDENT VARIABLESThe independent variable is music and the dependent variable is depression3. WHAT IS (ARE) THE HYPOTHESIS? DETERMINE IF DIRECTIONAL OR NON-DIRECTIONAL?The hypotheses were directional, and they are:A) There is a statistically significant lower depression levels onthe older adults in the music group than those in a nonmusicalgroup.B) There is a statistically significant reduction in depressionlevels during the eight weeks study for the older adults ineach group.4. WHAT CAN YOU COMMENT ON THE REVIEW OF LITERATURE?

DO YOU THINK IT IS ADEQUATE? The literature was adequate since provided an overview of situations where music has been used to relieve depression and other benefits of music. In addition, different articles have been cited that have research information concerning music therapy. A theory was stated that provides a theoretical framework, which was, borrowed and utilized in the research.5. IDENTIFY THE CONCEPTUAL OR THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK.The theoretical framework utilized in the study was the theory of music, mood and movement.

This theory proposes that music produces the psychological response of altered mood leading to improved health outcomes. In addition it shows that elements of music such as pitch, melody and harmony elicit a wide range of emotional responses.6. ANY STUDY ASSUMPTIONS?There were no study assumptions 7. WHAT IS (ARE) LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY?The samples that were taken for the study was dependent on the researcher social network via snowballing sample technique, which has a bias in sample selection.

In addition, the participants were aware that they were carrying out research, and since blinding was not possible Hawthorne effect may distort the results.8. WHO IS THE POPULATION? HOW WAS THE SAMPLE SELECTED?The study population involved 61 people and only 52 were sampled. The subjects were sampled via the team member social network using convenience-sampling method.9. WHERE IS THE SETTING?The setting of the study was at the participant’s home.10. WAS THE ETHICAL ASPECT CONSIDERED? HOW?The ethical aspects were considered in the following aspects: An approval letter was obtained from the Institutional Review Board of the University, the nurse explained to the participants the purpose of the study and they gave informed consent.

In addition, confidentiality was observed and any participant was able to stop participating in the study unconditionally. 11. WAS A PILOT STUDY CONDUCTED?A pilot study was not conducted12. WHAT IS THE RESEARCH DESIGN?The study design was a randomized, controlled, repeated measure study.13. HOW WAS THE DATA COLLECTED? HOW WAS IT ORGANIZED AND ANALYZED?In week 1, part one of the data collection was administered for all the groups. For experimental group, part 2 was administered as baseline after five minutes of rest period and before 30 minutes of music intervention.

Both non-music and music intervention were carried out in a quiet and restful environment without interruptions. For participants in the music intervention, after 30 minutes music intervention, the research nurse stopped the music and collected participants data immediately. For those in the non-music, after the 30 minutes the research nurse collected their data immediately. This was done for subsequent week 2 to 8.14. WHAT ARE THE FINDINGS? HOW WAS IT PRESENTED OR INTERPRETED IN THE REPORT?Using RM ANCOVA adjusted by baseline depression scores of demographic characteristic to test for depression between groups yielded significant difference (p=0.016). No significant difference was found between week 2 (p=0.639), week 3 (p=0.213) and week five (0.089. However there was a significant difference between groups at week 4 (0.0005), week 6 (p=0.

012, week 7 (p=0.008) and week 8 (p=0.0006. from these results it can be stated that there is a significant music influence on depression. The music group had a considerable reduction in depression levels as compared to the control group. The study pointed that music evoked a psychological response by altering mood and leading to improved health outcome.15. WHAT ARE THE STUDY RECOMMENDATIONS?A larger study sample size should be performed to explore more of the study variables, and during the study, a psychologist should be present so as to monitor the emotional side effects of older clients.16. HOW WERE THE FINDINGS COMMUNICATED?

HOW WAS OR WILL THE FINDINGS BE UTILIZED?The findings were communicated in a table form as well as in narrative form. They shall be utilized by various organizations that deal with elderly people who are depressed. They can utilize music as a form of therapy for depression.17. HOW WAS THE POPULATION RECRUITED AND APPROACHEDThe subjects were recruited via the team member’s social network using convenience sampling. The nurse went to the participants home who were eligible for the study, explained to them the importance of the study and sampled those who gave consent. 18. WHAT POPULATION WERE ELIGIBLEFifty-six subjects were eligible for the study.19. COME UP WITH CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK THEORY BUILDINGThe conceptual framework theory that guided the study is the music, mood and movement theory that provides guidelines, music concepts, and health outcomes.

The theory combines physiological and psychological responses of music to increase the physical activity and reduce depression in an individual. It prose that music improves cue of movements thus stabilizes the mood of an individual leading to improved quality of life. This framework focuses on adaptation, person and health. Adaption involves positive changes to the environment such as music therapy. The person is the adaptive system and deals with people being in constant contact with the changing environment.