Review the article, “From Single Case to Database: A New Method for Enhancing Psychotherapy Practice.” Pay particular attention to how both quantitative and qualitative research designs are used to evaluate individual case studies.
Using the Walden Library, choose and review a research study in the area of forensic psychology that uses a quantitative design and another that uses a qualitative design. If possible, try to find articles that focus on similar or related topics or research questions in forensic psychology.
Consider the similarities and differences between the two studies in terms of the designs of the studies, the data collection and analysis methods, and the nature of the interpretation of results and conclusions drawn.
The assignment (2–3 pages):
Briefly describe the quantitative study you selected.
Briefly describe the qualitative study you selected.
Compare (similarities and differences) the two studies in terms of the designs, the methods of data collection and analysis, the nature of the interpretation, and conclusions drawn.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The Use of Quantitative and Qualitative Research Designs in Evaluating Case Studies
Introduction
Research in the field of psychology often involves the evaluation of individual case studies to understand and improve psychotherapy practice. This essay examines the article, “From Single Case to Database: A New Method for Enhancing Psychotherapy Practice,” which explores the integration of quantitative and qualitative research designs in evaluating individual case studies. Additionally, two research studies in the area of forensic psychology are reviewed to compare the use of these designs.
Article Review: “From Single Case to Database: A New Method for Enhancing Psychotherapy Practice”
The article “From Single Case to Database: A New Method for Enhancing Psychotherapy Practice” explores a method for enhancing psychotherapy practice by transitioning from single case studies to a database approach. The authors argue that by aggregating data from multiple case studies, a more comprehensive understanding of psychotherapy can be achieved.
The study incorporates both quantitative and qualitative research designs. Quantitative methods involve analyzing data from multiple cases to identify common themes, patterns, and outcomes. The authors use statistical techniques such as regression analysis to determine the predictors of successful therapy outcomes. On the other hand, qualitative methods involve in-depth interviews with therapists and clients to gain insights into the process and experience of therapy. These interviews are analyzed thematically to extract key themes and understand the therapeutic relationship.
The integration of quantitative and qualitative designs allows for a more nuanced understanding of psychotherapy practice. By combining statistical analysis with qualitative interviews, the researchers can identify factors that contribute to successful therapy outcomes and provide rich descriptions of the therapeutic process.
Research Study 1: Quantitative Design in Forensic Psychology
Title: “The Relationship Between Childhood Trauma and Criminal Behavior: A Quantitative Analysis”
This quantitative study aims to examine the relationship between childhood trauma and criminal behavior in forensic psychology. The researchers collect data from a large sample of incarcerated individuals and measure their experiences of childhood trauma using standardized questionnaires. Criminal behavior is assessed through official records of arrests and convictions.
The researchers employ statistical techniques such as correlation analysis and logistic regression to analyze the collected data. They explore the association between childhood trauma and criminal behavior, controlling for other relevant variables such as gender, socioeconomic status, and substance abuse history. The results are interpreted in terms of the strength and significance of the relationships found.
Research Study 2: Qualitative Design in Forensic Psychology
Title: “Understanding the Decision-Making Process of Forensic Psychologists: A Qualitative Inquiry”
This qualitative study aims to explore the decision-making process of forensic psychologists when assessing criminal defendants’ competency to stand trial. The researchers conduct in-depth interviews with a small sample of experienced forensic psychologists to gain insights into their decision-making strategies, considerations, and challenges.
The interviews are transcribed and analyzed thematically to identify key themes related to the decision-making process. The researchers pay attention to recurring patterns, beliefs, and perspectives among the participants. The findings are then interpreted qualitatively, providing a deep understanding of the decision-making process and its complexities.
Comparison of Quantitative and Qualitative Studies
Designs
Similarities:
Both studies employ well-defined research designs.
They utilize rigorous methodologies to answer research questions.
Differences:
The quantitative study employs a deductive approach, testing specific hypotheses using statistical analysis.
The qualitative study employs an inductive approach, generating theories based on participants’ experiences and perspectives.
Data Collection and Analysis Methods
Similarities:
Both studies use established methods for data collection (questionnaires, interviews).
They aim for data saturation, ensuring comprehensive coverage of relevant information.
Differences:
The quantitative study collects data from a large sample using standardized questionnaires.
The qualitative study collects data from a small sample using in-depth interviews.
Nature of Interpretation and Conclusions
Similarities:
Both studies aim to draw meaningful conclusions from their analyses.
They contribute to the existing knowledge in forensic psychology.
Differences:
The quantitative study interprets results based on statistical significance and effect sizes.
The qualitative study interprets results based on thematic analysis and rich descriptions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the integration of quantitative and qualitative research designs enhances the evaluation of individual case studies in psychotherapy practice. While quantitative designs provide statistical insights into patterns and relationships, qualitative designs offer deep understanding through rich descriptions and interpretations. The reviewed studies in forensic psychology demonstrate the application of these designs, highlighting their similarities and differences in terms of research design, data collection and analysis methods, and interpretation of results and conclusions drawn. By utilizing both designs, researchers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of psychological phenomena and inform evidence-based practices.
