Goldstein (1988) Flashcards
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
