By Day 6
Respond to two colleagues by providing feedback on their choice of population, sample, and sampling technique. How do their choices fit with the research question and research methodological approach?
Please use the Learning Resources and the NASW Code of Ethics to support your response (i.e., cite and reference).
2 responses below
Please label each response by name
Kelsey
RE: Discussion – Week 9
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Research Question:
After 2 years of treatment, what are the long-term effects of conversion therapy on a transgendered individual?
Methodological approach:
Quantitative
Population:
The transgender population who have received conversion therapy. There is little information on the long-term effects of conversion therapy on this community. Most of the data available is on males, with some female participation, who identify as homosexual.
Sample:
Transgender individuals who received conversion therapy two are more years ago. “A sample is a subset of cases selected for study from among people or objects within a defined population” (Yegidis, et. Al., 2018, p.204). This sample was chosen because it identifies the population of interest and provides a timeframe that aligns with the research question. In order to identify the long-term effects, the sample must have received conversion therapy some time ago and not recently.
Sample Technique:
Nonprobability – Purposive Sampling. Purposive sampling provides a researcher with access to a unique approach to a problem that they wish to understand (Yegidis, et. Al., 2018). More specifically, mode instance sampling, a form of purposive sampling, would be best for this study. Mode instance sampling uses a population that shares certain characteristics, in this case study it would be transgender people who have received conversion therapy over two years ago. This purposive sample technique would be best because it would help us understand a wide variety of the long-term effects that can be experienced. Because this is exploratory research it would be more beneficial to understand the scope of the potential problem and observe any reoccurrences than to focus on the redundancy of a single problem.
Ethical and Cultural Concerns that need to be addressed in this population
For this population, there are a few ethical concerns that need to be addressed. The National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics specifically states that “Social workers should not practice, condone, facilitate, or collaborate with any form of discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression” (NASW, n.d.). Discrimination is something that people within this community see every day and it is important to make sure that this study is conducted in a respectful and ethical manner. The NASW Code of ethics also discusses the importance of understanding the nature of social diversity and oppression that people who are transgender may face (n.d.). Therefore, it is important to educate the conductors of this research on the oppression and social diversity that the individuals within this group may be struggling with because of this gender identity. This aligns with Bruce Gorman’s concepts of vulnerability that would identify the transgender community as socially vulnerable because they belong to a group that is undervalued (2020). It is important to minimize the risk and have safeguards in place to protect the socially vulnerable. Gorman recommends addressing this concern by allowing them to participate in both decision-making and oversight of the research process to reduce stigmatization (Gorman, 2020). Finally, it is essential to understand that within the transgender community there are additional cultural backgrounds to consider. The Code of Ethics states that “Social workers are responsible for setting clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries” (n.d.). Thus, in addition to the ethical considerations, it is also essential that the way in which data is collected utilizes both cultural humility and sensitivity during every interaction.
References:
Gordon, B. G. (2020). Vulnerability in research: Basic ethical concepts and general approach to review. The Ochsner Journal, 20(1), 34-38. http://www.ochsnerjournal.org/content/20/1/34
National Association of Social Workers. (n.d.). Code of Ethics.
https://www.socialworkers.org/about/ethics/code-of-ethics/code-of-ethics-English
Yegidis, B. L., Weinbach, R. W., & Myers, L. L. (2018). Research methods for social workers (8th ed.). Pearson.
Tammy
RE: Discussion – Week 9
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Research question and your chosen methodological approach
In the first 3 months following the lockdown, what are the elderly’s experiences of telehealth services? My methodological approach is qualitative and quantitative. It was referred to me by a fellow classmate that a hybrid method may be the best method to use in my research.
Identify the population, sample, and sampling technique
The sample population I plan to use are the elderly who are referred to APS. I believe this sample best represents my population. I will be using nonprobability sampling, purposive sampling, using the population that is referred to APS. This sample encompasses all races, genders and socio-economic status of the elderly population (Yegidis, Weinbach, & Myers, 2018). Using the population referred to APS allows a survey/interview to be taken during an at home visit, which if using telephone/online survey and interview would exclude the population; that has no accessibility or technological knowledge and has probably not benefitted from telehealth. I may also do a secondary analysis on the data that the agency already created, as mentioned in this week’s literature (Red Flag Issues).
What are some ethical and cultural concerns that need to be addressed with this population if studied?
Approval would need to be obtained from the agency. Due to the agency being mandated reporters any information they obtain in the interview they are already required to report it if the individual is a danger to themselves or others. The population I will be working with are adults and their permission or permission from their guardian to participate in the interview will be asked. If they decline interview on telehealth experiences will not be asked. Information on if they use telehealth services will be able to be obtained from the APS interview and during the normal APS questions.
The cultural concerns that I may experience is the reluctance of individuals to speak to APS and answer any questions. The language barrier can be minimized by the access to a language line, which is provided by APS.
References:
Red Flag Issues. (n.d.). Office of Research and Doctoral Services. Retrieved from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/research-center/research-ethics/red-flags
Yegidis, B. L., Weinbach, R. W., & Myers, L. L. (2018). Research Methods for Social Workers (8th ed.). New York: Pearson.
