Example of a research report
This post will discuss strengths and areas that could be improved in Devine’s 2009 research proposal to examine the effectiveness of equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) in improving coping skills. Devine’s work was developed apparently to meet a Master’s thesis requirement and is a proposal for a research study, so there was no actual data collection, data analysis, interpretation of analysis, or results ensuing. Therefore, in describing the study, I will address the research design, and proposed data collection, and data analysis. I also note for COUN 6326 scholars, that it is acceptable for you to choose to critically review Devine’s work as well. I know some of you are interested in animal assisted therapy and multiple viewpoints of criticism are one of the things that makes research fun. Some of you might think I have been too easy on Devine as compared to COUN 6326 scholarly standards!
Devine’s (2009) Research Proposal
Devine (2009) proposed a time series ABA design or what she referred to as a “. . .multiple-baseline single subject design” (p. 3). There would be weekly measures of the dependent variables four times before the intervention and four times following cessation of the intervention. The dependent variables of perceived stress and coping would be measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen, 1994) and the Coping Resources Inventory (Marting & Hammer, 1994) respectively. The independent variable or intervention would be six sessions of EAP. The delivery of EAP would follow the model developed by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA, see http://www.eagala.org/) and involve “. . . nondirective, solution-oriented activities with horses” (p. 22) that require no riding. These sessions would be administered by a licensed mental health professional in conjunction with an equine specialist; one of these individuals would need to hold EAGALA certification. The participant would be an individual seeking mental health treatment. Devine proposed graphic displays and t tests to compare the pre and post treatment means of the dependent variable scores.
Strengths in Devine’s (2009) Research Proposal
Strengths in Devine’s (2009) study included the use of EAGALA’s model formulating a purposeful agenda for research. While she did not definitely state the purpose of her research, it was clear she was aligned with ESGLA’s intent to provide research based evidence for the effectiveness of EAP. She provided a fairly solid literature review with over 30 references. She clearly described her research design and operationalized her dependent variables. The administration of the EPS sessions were to follow the EAGALA model and hence, in a sense, were “manualized.” She also presented a solid plan for data analysis. She acknowledged the limitations of the single subject research design. In these aspects, another researcher could implement her research proposal.
Areas for Improvement in Devine’s (2009) Research Proposal
Devine could have improved her proposed research by providing evidence regarding the psychometric soundness of her measures of the dependent variable. While Devine stated that the participant in the research would be “randomly selected” (p. 20), she provided no details on how this would be accomplished. Given that the participant might be “seeking treatment for any reason, diagnosis, or problem” (p. 20), it would be difficult to ascertain the appropriateness of the EAP for the individual. More specificity regarding the mental health services the proposed participant might be seeking would help in determining the effectiveness of the treatment and better allow another researcher to replicate the study. The quality of Devine’s writing was often marred by what appeared to be proofreading errors or a lack of familiarity with correct APA formatting.
Overall, Devine provided a modest proposal but one that was sufficient in the details of methodology to inform readers of her research intent. Her research report was sufficiently well structured and organized to present her ideas clearly to readers.
Cohen, S. (1994) Perceived stress scale manual. Redwood City, NJ: Mind Garden.
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