School Counseling Outcome, Article Critique Example

School counseling outcome: a meta-analytic examination of interventions

Introduction and rationale

Social research programs dominate the academic fields of psychology and sociology. These programs aims at supplementing information of some phenomenon and trends witnessed within these sectors. In the past, social issues were largely comprehended using a theoretical approach. However, the numerous dynamics within the modern social institutions demands practical approach of solving problems. In this regard, psychology and sociology employs research exercises in developing a body of information that serves to explain any underlying issue. With respect to the aspect of counseling programs in learning institutions, research exercises provides information concerning the relationship of variables involved in education (daryn, kelly, susan & wendi, 2009). In addition, recent studies seem to provide conflicting outcomes regarding the importance of counseling programs in schools. Based on these technical issues, it would be rational to conduct a research directed towards establishing an objective relationship between counseling programs and academic performance in schools.

Strengths and weaknesses

The underlying research article has both strengths and weaknesses in its component structures. On the aspect of strengths, the article intensively employs quantitative research methodology, which supplements objective information concerning the relationship between the variables under consideration.  Quantitative research data collected from the sample groups ensures development of rational decisions concerning the variables’ relationships (daryn, kelly, susan & wendi, 2009). Despite this strength, the article inclines its research tasks on the quantitative and scientific side of the study. It neglected the social and qualitative aspect, which plays a significant role in determining the relationship between the subject variables. In essence, this is a social research. This means that qualitative data like cultural aspects of the sample population should be considered in the study.

Summary of the outcome

The research outcomes were objective based on the acknowledgement of the fact that the relationship between intervention programs and academic performance are relative depending on the instantaneous context of its application. In addition, the findings excelled by pointing out that supportive counseling program for middle and high school students proved useful in influencing the desired academic performance (daryn, kelly, susan & wendi, 2009). However, the outcome failed to account for the shortcomings where by some students display better academic performance despite lacking counseling support. In this regard, the article failed to establish a linear relationship between the variables under study.

Methods of application

One method of applying the research findings is to formulate tailor made strategies with respect to the underlying counseling situation in a learning environment. The article’s findings indicate that different students require different counseling needs, based on their social or psychological problems (daryn, kelly, susan & wendi, 2009). This indicates that a program that works for one student may not help another one. The second method i would employ the research findings in counseling practice is to improve on the aspect of qualitative research methodology omitted in the article. Qualitative methodology and social research practices ensures formulation of objective conclusions.

Conclusion

Upon evaluating the research article, i can say that it has both the positive and negative outcomes. Just like any other research article, this research paper is not perfect. Despite the short comings, it provides an insight concerning the relationship between the variables under consideration. This paper needs to improve on its weaknesses in order to provide more reliable information.

References

Daryn. R, kelly. E, susan. C & wendi, l. (2009). School counseling outcome: a meta-analytic examination of interventions. Journal of counseling & development, (89), winter 2011, (37-48)