About Variables

How they were assessed
What exactly was the operational definition?
The operationally defined variables' suitability
Measurement scale
Mode of measurement
Whether the measurement corresponds to the study question.
Depression
The operational definition was employed.
In order to assess depression, a nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire was used (Dinenberg, McCaslin, Bates, & Cohen, 2014).
Because of the wide scale, a nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire is the best operational definition for depression.
Nominal Dimensions
Behavior evaluation
Although indirectly, the measurement corresponds to the research question. There is a strong link between PTSD and depression. As a result, assessing depression levels is important when investigating the link between PTSD and social support.
 Social Support
 Operational definition was used

A nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire was utilized in the measurement of depression (Dinenberg, McCaslin, Bates, & Cohen, 2014).

A nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire is the most suitable operational definition for depression due to the wide scale that enhances accuracy.

Nominal Measurement

Behavior measurement

The measurement aligns to the research question although indirectly. A solid relation exists between PTSD and depression. Therefore, the evaluation of the degrees of depression is relevant when examining the relationship between PTSD and Social support.

Social Support

Operational definition was used

A 12-item version of the ISEL (Interpersonal Support Evaluation List) was utilized (Dinenberg et al., 2014). This list had three domains that examined four different items.

A 12-item version of the ISEL is an appropriate measure due to the wide scale that enhances accuracy. However, it is marked with various disadvantages since participants must have a minimum of 9 data items for it to be used appropriately.

Nominal Measurement

Self-reported modality of measurement

The research question sort to examine the relationship between PTSD and Social support. Therefore, this measurement is of extreme benefit and aligns to this study question.

PTSD

Operational definition was used

This variable was measured using a Computerized Diagnostic Interview Schedule for DSM-IV (Dinenberg et al., 2014).

Computerized Diagnostic Interview Schedule for DSM-IV is the most appropriate as it has high sensitivity that would be important when measuring PTSD.

Ordinal Measurement

Self-reported modality of measurement

This measurement is relevant as the PTSD is a primary component of the research question. Therefore, it aligns to the research question.

Question Two

Lifestyle is a rather wide topic that requires an in-depth evaluation to identify the core variable. The research question of the study is: “what are the various means in which the Activities specifically tailored to each adult with intellectual disabilities could partake in assisting in becoming active members of society?” The hypothesis to be tested in the research is: “In the effort to integrate adults with intellectual disabilities into society as active members, their particular talents and abilities should be brought into consideration for these interventions to suit them and be beneficial.”

The primary variables in this research question include age, disability, gender, and stress levels. The research focusses primarily on the disabled who are adults. However, the level of adulthood varies, for instance, young, middle and late adulthoods. The natures of disabilities might also vary as some people are mentally disabled while others are physically disabled. The disabled adult population whose activities could be tailored comprises of males and females and exhibit different stress factors.

Age and genders could be measured directly while a researcher requires operational definition to evaluate disability and stress. Numerous measures exist for the evaluation of stress measures. Similar to the PTSD, professionals could employ the Computerized Diagnostic Interview Schedule for DSM-IV which is an ordinal measurement tool to examine the degrees of the different stresses faced by the population. Professionals could also employ autonomic measures such as vagal tone, blood pressure, and salivary alpha-amylase in the determination of stress levels. Disability, on the other hand, could be measured by employing clinical screening for impairments, self-reported participation restriction, and self-related activity limitation. In summary, the potential measures for testing the hypothesis include clinical screening for impairments, self-reported participation restriction, self-related activity limitation, autonomic measures such as vagal tone, blood pressure, salivary alpha-amylase, and the Computerized Diagnostic Interview Schedule for DSM-IV in the determination of stress levels. Validity and reliability are some of the most crucial elements of research. Researchers always ensure that their conclusions and recommendations are based on valid data that would result in reliability. Consequently, the quality of all the measurements must be evaluated to enhance its reliability.

Reliability refers to the degree of consistency of a measure. Whenever a measurement scale provides readings or data that are consistent, then it is reliable. Reliability has several benefits. First, reliability is highly important when conducting psychological research as it allows the researchers to test whether or not a research fulfills its hypothesis and aims. Reliability is also beneficial as it ensures that the results are due to given research and not any potential extraneous variables. Therefore, reliability is beneficial in testing the research’s hypothesis as it determines whether or not the results could be utilized in future experiments.

Validity refers to the extent to which a given study assesses and measures its intended measurement. Two important types of validity that are relevant to the research hypothesis are concurrent, construct and predictive validity. This quality of research is relevant as it dictates the meaningfulness of any research. Results that are not valid find limited usage as they fail to answer the research question. Therefore, validity is an essential quality of research that assists in answering research questions. In a nutshell, measurements cannot have a sense of validity if they exhibit no consistency making validity and reliability two relevant aspects of research.











































Reference

Dinenberg, R. E., McCaslin, S. E., Bates, M. N., & Cohen, B. E. (2014). Social support may protect against development of posttraumatic stress disorder: Findings from the Heart and Soul Study. American Journal Of Health Promotion, 28(5), 294-297.