Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches, Essay Example

Theoretical/Conceptual Framework

While there was no distinct section labeled theoretical/conceptual framework, within the context of explaining attachment of infants the researchers began outlining assumptions contained in the attachment and human development theory. There were no explicit references except for introductory discussions relating how children of women prisoners suffered from detachment leading to generational crimes(Byrnea, Goshina&Joestlb, 2010).

As such, it can be concluded that no conceptual framework was described the absence has detracted from the significance of the research because many appropriate theories could have been applied in explaining the situation of women prisoners, their children and functions of prison nurseries.  Importantly, a theorectical/concept framework guide the study/research into understanding concepts utilizing in the research and eliminating threats to of internal validity. Consequently, no connects were studied, identified and described. Measurements were commensurately absentand no smooth transition from the research problem towardstheorectical/conceptual framework could have been identified(Byrnea et.al, 2010).

Protection of Human Subjects

An Independent review board (IRB) approval was obtained prior to commencement of the study. This was conducted in compliance with federal regulations related to prisoners as research subjects. In additional protection was obtained by signing of afederal Confidentiality Certificate   Subjects also had to sign an informed consent agreeing to their participation in the project.  It was clearly stated that their participation began at the time they became enrolled into the prison nursery,‘shortly before or immediately after giving birth’(Byrnea et.al, 2010. P 380).   No evidence that individuals could have been identified was cited in this study.

The Problem

The problem statement was introduced promptly and could be identified in the second sentence under the caption prison nurseries and parenting. The issue appeared to have a more psychological basis. Therefore, its significance to nursing was not highlighted in that context.However the morbidity and mortality of maternal and infant prison nursery rates has raised public health concerns. Meanwhile the purpose was fully explained designed in a section to thoroughly address salient elements of problem. Variables includeinfant attachment; prison nursery; incarceration; intervention, caregiver, infant.An answer to the problem will certainly provide insights into the clinical applicability of the problem because apart from the psychological impact of detachment, prison nurseries do encounter public issues that threaten the health status of mothers and their offspring due to the environment(Byrnea et.al, 2010).

Research Question/Hypotheses

The hypothesis, while not clearly stated could identified in the first sentence of the introduction as a proposition‘every child needs a consistent and responsive primary caregiver, and such a caregiver is especially critical during infancy and early childhood’ ((Byrnea et.al, 2010. p 375).  Precisely this tentative hypothesis unstated as such flows succinctly from the problem into relevance of the concern in the absence of an unannounced theorectical framework.Two variables contained in the hypothesis are infant and caregiver.The prediction contained is stated that caregiving is critical to infants and early childhood(Byrnea et.al, 2010).

Review of the Literature

The review of the literature was comprehensive, logical, and relevant even though it was no identified as such. Since the review came soon after the introduction with distinct heading related to the problem it could be considered a literature review. The review addressedcharacteristics of incarcerated mothers: attachment concerns;children of incarcerated mothers andprison nurseries and parenting. The relationship to the research purpose was evident because it came soon after the purpose transitioning smoothly into it. The researchers made adequate use of recent literature that could produce a case for conducting further research on the issue (Byrnea et.al, 2010).

Research Design

The design adopted for this study is quantitative applying a longitudinal intervention technique. It appears quite appropriate since researchers are seeking to establish the extent of n effect produced overtime. The hypothesis can only be proven if researchers give it time for observing the critical outcome. Since the study encompassed federal subjects, researchers were scrutinized into offering authentic information regarding this study.

Sampling

The targetpopulation was carefully described.It involved 30 mother/infant pairs in prison nursery settings. Sampling techniques were not clearly identified, but the researchers said that thesample was selected fromNew York State Department of Correctional Services (NYS DOCS) prison system. Even though it was not stated whether the sampling method was purposive or just random implications are that it ought to be purposive if inmates had to be enrolled in the prison nursery program before engaging in the study. Therefore, this methods is applicable to the research design/potential sampling biases pertain to the exclusion of inmates for other correctional facilities. Quantitative studies due to their longitudinal nature often use smaller samples than qualitative designs because the research problem is more defined. These findings could be generalized to prison nurseries in other correctional facilities across the country(Creswell, 2013).

Data Collection

Instruments used for data collection included videotaping of interactions between child and mother to capture play episodes between child and mother in accurately evaluate the extent to which attachment  was developing. Next was the Strange Situation Procedure used to capture balance between confidence expressed when the mother is present and otherwise stressful situations.  The Adult Attachment Interview schedule was lso applied to gather data pertaining to maternal attachment. Therewere no specific research question, but since they addressed relationships between infant and mother they were congruent with the hypothesis chosen. Definitely, they were suitable for the sample. Researchers confirmed that the instruments were used on several occasions and therefore were reliable.

Quantitative Analysis

Yes, both the hypothesis and study design fit with the analysis methods applied. Researchers advanced that‘every child needs a consistent and responsive primary caregiver, and that such a caregiver is especially critical during infancy and early childhood’ (Byrnea et.al, 2010. p 375).  The analysis discussed distributions of maternal attachment categories;distributions of infant attachment categories and concordance between AAI and SSP classifications. Supportive tabulations were used to display the data retrieved thorough simple statistical interpretations which were suitable for the desired statistical applications. There were distinct logical links between the findings and analysis offered.

Conclusions and Recommendations

The assumptions and limitations of the study were listed with clarity for the reader to understand. Limitations included sample size; no randomly selected control group and non -assessment of variations in attachment.Results of the data analysis  wereclearly explained in reference to the research hypotheses. The themesdistributions of maternal attachment categories; distributions of infant attachment categories and concordance between AAI and SSP classifications were explained in detail and how researcher arrived at the conclusion from statistical measurements. Specific generalizations were made to prison nurseries in United States of America. Recommendations were focused mainly towards the crime justice system in relation to enhancement of maternal and child health  care practices in prison nurseries

References

Byrnea, M.GoshinaL., & andJoestlb, S. (2010).Intergenerational transmission of attachment For infants raised in a prison nursery. Attachment & Human Development Vol. 12(4); 375–393

Creswell, J. (2013).Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches: Research (4th ed).SAGE Publications