Leonard, K. E., & Senchak, M. (1996). Prospective Prediction of Husband Marital Aggression within Newlywed Couples. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 105(3), 369-380. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.libproxy.edmc.edu/docview/614334051/fulltextPDF/FCFC506C6EB54845PQ/1?accountid=34899
The research is qualitative and is aimed at finding out the respondents’ thoughts and feelings on a subject. The study is designed to answer questions of where, when, how and why. The research is made up of selecting a sample of the respondents whom are a representation of a certain population he intends to generalize. The methodology selected for the study is intended to analyze the data correctly. The following is an analysis and critique of different aspects of the study, including ethical issues, validity, sampling techniques, and reliability.
The study selects a sample made up of couples in their first marriage where the husbands are in the ages between 18 and 29. The couples completed the interviews after one year of marriage where they addressed the question regarding marital aggression in the first year of their marriage. A research study should select a sample that can generalize a high percentage of the population. The sample is made up of young people in their first marriages, which does not generalize the population (Firth, 2000). Samples are selected in a study due to their experience or exposure to the subject being researched. In this case, the sample chosen does not meet these requirements. The couples answer the questions only after a year of marriage, which is not enough exposure or experience in the subject of marriage.
The validity of qualitative researches is in the appropriateness of the tools used, the analysis processes, and the data. The validity is determined by whether the research questions are in line with the desired outcome, the appropriateness of the methodology chosen (Leung, 2015). The questions address the subject of marital aggression and are presented to the respondents using a questionnaire. The participating men and women were given identical questionnaires both with separate envelopes with which to send back their questionnaires. The couples were asked to complete the questionnaires separately without discussing the questions until they had sent them back. The choice of methodology in this study makes the detection of the factors in this research valid. However, the validity of data extraction can be questioned because of the implementation of only one mode of collecting data used in this study (Trochim, 2006). The credibility of a study is based on the understanding of the subject based on the participants’ perspectives. The selection of the right respondents in this study makes it credible. The research uses respondents who are capable to answer and give their perspectives on the subject of marriage.
The validity and reliability of a measurement tool is in its ability to measure what it is intended to measure. The study implemented a conflict inventory scale to measure the behavioral responses of the married couple when in conflict. The masculinity and femininity subscales were used to measure the participants’ gender identity. Also, the study implemented the use of a Spielberger Trait Anger scale to measure the participants’ anger and hostile effects on each other. The measures implemented in this study are valid and reliable since they target measuring the variables of the study.
The ethical considerations of a study includes the subject of anonymity. The researcher must ensure that the identities of the participants are not released to other people and any raw data about them is not accessed by third parties. Also, participants should be allowed to give informed consent about their participation in the study (Ryan, Coughan, & Cronin, 2007). To provide consent, the participants must be aware of the purpose of the study, the information collected by the study, and their contribution in the research. Having this information, the participants are allowed to withdraw from the study at any time. The interviewer’s role is to give the respondents a chance to open up. In this study, the couples were approached after their application for a marriage license in the courthouse. Some refused to participate while others completed the questionnaire covering the interview information. As such, the ethical consideration of seeking the participants’ consent was met. However, it is not clear whether they were given all the information necessary about the study and what would be required of them before deciding to be participants. The questionnaires provided them with a chance to open up on issues that would probably be difficult if using different methods.
References
Firth, M. (2000). Critiquing Qualitative Research Articles. Developing Teachers. Retrieved from http://www.developingteachers.com/articles_tchtraining/researcharticlespf_mark.htm
Leung, L. (2015). Validity, reliability, and generalizability in qualitative research. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 4(3), 324-327. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4535087/
Ryan, F., Coughlan, M., & Cronin, P. (2007). Step-by-step guide to critiquing research. Part 2: qualitative research. British Journal of Nursing, 16(12), 738-744. Retrieved from http://www.huttvalleydhb.org.nz/content/e2d00f37-f0ed-4c59-b2bb-05254f2dec9b.cmr
Trochim, W. M. K. (2006). Qualitative Validity. Retrieved from http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/qualval.php
