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Research Study Evaluation

Introduction

Significance – Doubtless, the type of social support provided for caregivers of those with HIV/AIDS is relevant to society. HIV/AIDS is an illness that creates emotional conflict for caregivers, and it is important to know which social support theories explain their thoughts, feelings, and behavior best. However, this issue is not personally relevant.

Language – The language utilized in this presentation is clear and objective. Also, the language of the study is consistent with the phenomenological method, as it uses direct quotes from caregivers. Moreover, the language reflects that of a qualitative study, by its use of a warmer, less academic tone (Jones & Kottler, 2005, p. 36).

Literature Review – The literature review is strong, and consistently identifies themes such as social support of caregivers of those afflicted by HIV/AIDS. The point of view is holistic, as it covers a number of aspects of the dilemma that this illness presents to caregivers, such as embarrassment in disclosure, and shame in asking for help. Thus, as the review points out, caregivers tend to be socially isolated. As the literature review features older and newer references, it is fairly well-balanced. Moreover, the review emphasizes a diversity of primary sources, as opposed to secondary sources (Jones & Kottler, 2005, p. 37).

Research Questions – The research questions are clearly identified, as the researchers explain that they are attempting to identify how caregivers with varying degrees of social support cope with the illness of their loved one. A qualitative study, its questions and objectives are supported by the literature review, and the data that emerged during the study. For example, the researchers set out to extrapolate data that fit into one or more social support theories, a task that was successful. As a phenomenological study, this research has very open-ended questions which resulted in a wide variety of responses (D’Cruz, 2002).

Methods

Participants

The target population is twelve caregivers who provide care to loved ones with HIV/AIDS. Details such as seropositivity of the caregivers, as well as details about the stages of HIV/AIDS of their loved ones are provided by the researchers. Nine out of twelve respondents opted to be interviewed at an organizational facility, whereas the remaining three chose to be interviewed at their homes. Thus, the research subjects exercised choice, and the researchers’ settings were appropriate. It was not evident what specific period of time this study was conducted, but it was published in 2002. The subjects were apparently hand-picked by the researcher, which may have negatively affected the methodology of the study. Subjects were chosen from private and public organizations with which the researcher had extensive familiarity (D’Cruz, 2002). Thus, from the outset, a certain amount of bias is present, as the researcher implies that she personally knew the research subjects. Although Jones & Kottler (2005) identify the researcher’s methods as a sort of “convenience sampling” (p. 69), for the purposes of this study, the researcher identifies this possible bias.

Procedures

Based upon the methodology described by the researcher, this study could be replicated. However, the interview questions were not specifically provided, but the tape-recorded sessions are available. The procedures were appropriate insofar as the phenomenological approach encouraged open-ended questions, and identifiable themes and concepts were gleaned from their answers (D’Cruz, 2002).

Instrumentation

The tools for this research study, i.e. a cassette tape recorder, were clearly identified. Moreover, as this was a phenomenological study which relied on interview quality, this tool was quite effective.

Results – The findings were clearly reported, and the analysis was fairly complete. Many quotes were included, and placed into context within the broader framework of social support theory.

Discussion – The discussion is clearly-written, and easily-understandable. The discussion is relevant to the research insofar as it focuses on the outcomes of the study, which emphasize the way caregivers cope with caring for loved ones afflicted with HIV/AIDS. The conclusions definitely follow logically from the results, insofar as the researcher explains that caregiver support has been studied very little. Recommendations such as counseling, respite care, and health education, as well as more funding for the epidemic itself as well as its caregivers, are provided. These recommendations follow the thematic approach of the study, which was to identify particular social support theories that explain phenomenological “iterations” and feedback loops (D’Cruz, 2002).

References

D’Cruz, Premilla. Caregivers' experiences of informal support in the context of HIV/AIDS. The

Qualitative Report, Volume 7, Number 3 September, 2002.

Jones, W.P., & Kottler, J.A. (2005). Understanding Research: Becoming a Competent and

Critical Consumer. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall.