BRIDGE ET AL (1988)- EVALUATION/ ISSUES AND DEBATES

Question 1

Name (2) strengths of Bridge et al (1988) study?

Answer 1

• High (internal validity) and methdological rigour.
• Use of validated, standardised psychometric measures, improving reliabilty.

Question 2

How was internal validity and methdological rigour a strength of the study?

Answer 2

• Random allocation- ensures ppts are evenly distributed, minimising bias and equalising any individual differneces (age, baseline stress, anger).
• Control groups- facilitates ease of comparison, isolates the effects of IV, ensuring any observed effects are due to to the IV and not extranoeus variables.

Question 3

How was reliability and the use of stadaridised, validated psychometric tools a methodological strength?

Answer 3

• Ensures no variation in data collection, minimises research bias (reduces need for subjective interpretation), ensures results can be replicated.

Question 3

How was generalisbility, population validity and ecological validity a weakness of the study?

Answer 3

• Sample exclusively included 139 women suffering from breast cancer (under 70)- whilst the study’s focus is justified (primarily affects women)
• Limited generalisbility to individuals suffering from different illnesses
• Limited generalisability to male sufferers (gender remains an extraneous variables as the way males respond to relaxtion may be markedly different.
• Limited population validity- limits real world application (Can these results be replicated beyond the experiemental context?)

Question 3

Which researcher found that there are gender differences in stress responses?

Answer 3

Taylor et al (2000)

Question 4

Why is the absence of qualitative data a weakness?

Answer 4

• Both the POMS and LGQ restrict ppts to pre-determined responses
• Major limitation as the study was predicated in understanding and thus improving the mood states/ emotional experinces of women- inclusion of qualitative data would have provided richer insights (why exactly are they responding well/ how exactly is it improving the mood/ how do they personally feel after the intervention?)