Goldstein (1988) Flashcards
(12 cards)
aim
interested in comparing the experiences of schizophrenia in men and women
to look at the reliability of the DSM when diagnosing schizophrenia
participants
90 patients - 58 men & 32 women
aged between 18 - 45
who have been hospitalised for less than 6 months before returning to their families
diagnosed with sz based on the DSM-II
no other mental health issues
method of study
longitudinal - followed participants for 10 years
how was the severity of the course of sz measured
length of hospital stays
frequency of hospitalisation
results - sentences
men experienced a more severe course of sz
women had lower admissions and length of stays
findings statistically significant in all cases
further statistical testing carried out
results - data
mean number of rehospitalisations: 0-10 years
Male: 2.24
Female:1.12
mean length of hospital stays:
Male: 418
Female:207
stength: inter-rater reliability
Goldstein’s sz diagnosis were reliable as supported by two experts who found the same diagnosis
(despite a disagreement of 8 cases)
strength: use of interviews - validity
rich detailed qualitative data
info about (e.g.) premorbid history and social functioning was detailed to enhance the conclusions and ensure validity
strengths - data in the results - reliable
quantitative data in the results
lack of subjectivity
more reliable
scientific conclusions can be drawn
require no individual interpretation
weaknesses - women over 45
9% of women in the country with sz are over 45
no women aged 45 included - may have impacted results
women over 45 tend to experience a more severe course of the disorder than those under 45
lacks validity
weakness - low generalisability in sample
mainly used white, middle-class people from one area within the USA (ethnocentric)
90 is a small sample size
findings may not be valid to all populations and all schizophrenics
weakness - goldstein interviewing
interviewer bias as goldstein may already have preconcieved beliefs about the study
