Yokley and Glenwick (1984)- strengths, weaknesses

Question 1

Name 2 strengths and 1 weakness of the study

Answer 1

• Strength= high reliability/replicability
• Strength= Population validity
• Weakness= Field experiments/ reduced control

Question 2

One strength of the study was that it was highly reliable, and thus can be further replicated and tested for reliability.

Answer 2

• Evidence- Researchers conducted checks.Random sample of (specific) prompts (10% checked)
  1. Prompts are generally accurate (93%).
  2. Names and addresses are perfect (100%).
  3. Immunization data needs the most improvement (80%).
• Explanation- Ensures consistency, and minimises variability which can lead to misunderstanding that could skew the results. Clarity= responses are more likely to reflect the impact of the interventions vs errors caused by inconsistent prompts.

Question 3

One strength of the research was that the sample was large and reflected the diversity of the target population, thus enhacing generalisability.

Answer 3

• Evidence- the sample consisted of the entire population of 2,101 immune deficient pre-school children aged 5 and under with an equal number of boys and girls.
• Explanation- Though, 64% of the sample was Caucasian, the sample reflects the diverse characteristics of the target group and thus can produce accurate generalisation to other populations and situations; Enhancing population validity.

Question 4

One weakness of the study was that it used a field experiment design which does not allow for control and strict regulation.

Answer 4

• Evidence- the study was conducted in a public heath clinic in a mid-western American city.
• Explanation- Other uncontrolled variables may have affected the results: external health campaigns, local health care policies.