Affiliated-Individuation in Caregivers of Adults With Dementia, Article Critique Example

Introduction

The research article under evaluation begins by explicitly stating the key purpose of the study. In this case, a clear statement of the purpose provides an insight concerning the entire research process. Statement of the findings signifies completion of the exercise, hence captures one’s attention wanting to understand the findings. In addition, it introduces the sample used and the social setting adopted in the research. It also indicates the scientific data analysis method used to comprehend the results. In this case, introduction comprises of all the basic components for an objective research exercise. Researchers extrapolate the significance of the study with respect to affiliated individuals providing care services to dementia patients (Acton & Miller, 1996). In this context, their motivation results from contradicting postulates contained in theoretical concepts of nursing practice. Therefore, researchers had a valid reason for conducting the exercise.

Theoretical Framework

This research contains a comprehensive theoretical framework concerning dementia as a medical condition. It comprehends how individuals manage to stay composed in dynamic environments. This part argues using two theories, the MRM and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. These two theories provide a convincing explanation pertaining the subject mental condition and care giving practices. However, the researchers did not provide a distinctive line that separates the element of individualism and affiliation in the two theories. Maslow’s theory ascertains that individuals achieve a sense of self-esteem when operating individually (Acton & Miller, 1996). On the other hand, MRM theory argues that people develop elevated levels of self-worth when accepted by others in the society. In this case, individuals need other people around them in order to develop a health level of self-esteem, unlike postulated by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Therefore, the research fails to provide a clear boundary between MRM theory and Maslow’s theory with respect to individual independence and self-esteem.

Literature Review

With respect to the literature review, the paper acknowledges that caring for people with dementia possess a health risk to a caregiver. This postulate is in line with the purpose of the research. However, literature review insinuates that mediation through appropriate resources helps reduce stress in caregivers. After this insinuation, it fails to provide convincing theoretical or practical information concerning efficiency of the postulated resources. Towards the end, the review corrects this insinuation by acknowledging that mediation measures are relative with respect to the immediate context of the care giving process (Acton & Miller, 1996). Success of these meditative actions depends on availability of resources and the status of the basic needs satisfaction, among other factors.

Methodology

The research adopted more quantitative methods than qualitative procedures for obtaining information. Quantitative method works well with the adopted correlational design in explaining observed trends in care giving. Despite vast adoption of quantitative methodology, the research findings may lack reliability due to the neglect on certain qualitative elements. The sample population belongs to varied social and cultural backgrounds. In this case, social qualities play a role in determining the nature of dementia care giving cases in each society. These determinant social qualities are not measurable with quantitative tools. Therefore, this research should consider proportionally blending both quantitative and qualitative research methods for acquisition of objective and reliable information.

Data Collection

The instruments used and the data collection process conforms to principles of quantitative method and correlational design. In this case, manipulation of variables and the use of control groups aim at facilitating acquisition of tangible and numerical data. During data collection, adoption of tools like the Likert scale falls in concert with the required numerical data (Acton & Miller, 1996). However, data collectors did not incorporate mechanisms meant to extract qualitative information from these care givers. Appropriate mechanisms from this process would involve observation and judgment. Despite these short coming, the obtained data served the purpose of responding to quantitative needs of the research.

Data Analysis

Data analysis involved execution of mathematical procedures using MANOVA. This technique aims at addressing the variance of the qualities under consideration (Acton & Miller, 1996). In this case, researchers will arrive at objective findings based on the observed variance levels between the qualities under study. Despite the resourcefulness of MANOVA as a statistical tool, correlational calculations would supplement more information concerning relationship of variables studied. In this case, the research would have incorporated a Pearson Correlation technique in understanding the linear relationship between variables. In this case, findings regarding individuation, affiliation and self-acceptance, pertains to findings from the adopted analysis techniques. In this case, more understanding would surface if researchers would use deep correlational techniques apart from standard deviations and MANOVA.

Conclusion

Discussion and conclusion corresponds with the findings from designs used. Based on their findings, researchers develop a comprehensive relationship between all the variables under consideration. In addition, the conclusion includes the relationship between theoretical postulates and the experimental findings obtained from the field. In this case, the research provides a commendable and convincing discussion on the findings. Despite the deep discussion of variables studies, the conclusion might not be objective or reliable due to the adopted data analysis methods. Otherwise, the research stayed on course of its purpose through the entire process.

Reference List

Acton, G. J. & Miller, E. W. (1996). Affiliated-Individuation in Caregivers of Adults with Dementia. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 17: 245-260.