Describe the design
The purpose of the research paper was to find out whether social skills training improves social skills and academic performance. The research paper has carried out an analysis of different training in social skills for six school children. Thus, the research emphasizes how social skills training for schooling going children and the impact on achievement and academic performance.
Mainly, the research paper presented an in-depth knowledge about the different methods in social training considering that it includes quantitative and qualitative data about the subject along with tables and diagrams. Through the research paper, readers could easily assess which among the given methods is the most effective and with greater impact.
The research design is utilized in the study requires the collection, processing, and analysis of data in concluding. Thus, there are necessary steps, methodologies, and procedures applied in the research to accurately describe certain fields of study. Indeed, several types of research design are mostly dependent on the field of research or the nature of the research problem. In assessing the study, it shows that they presented their clear objective and purpose. The article presented an experimental research design type whereas it gives greater emphasis on scientific methodologies.
The intervention
The intervention was from Bandura’s social learning theory and used behavior training and reinforcement in implementing the intervention in the six adolescents. The skill streaming, the adolescent program was not as costly as the students used or required fewer resources.
Intervention group and control group differences in terms of intervention received
The research is performed randomly and the researchers provided their participants with 2 different intervention groups. The research used 6 independent research school children that are appropriate in training on social skills. They picked 6 students, four males, and two females. For the period of research, they assessed certain measurements such as their social skills, Problem Behaviors, and Academic Competence.
Effects of intervention on outcomes
The intervention will affect the results of the outcome because there is a predetermined procedure and parameters that are used. The researcher and participants agreed upon the skills that will be evaluated. This will have a bearing on the final results because the participants felt involved.
Random Assignment
The investigator has used a probability sample in his study. Simple random sampling has been used while experimenting. The best possible sampling design has been used to enhance the sample’s representativeness. Simple random sampling is preferred to stratified random sampling, systematic random sampling, cluster random sampling, and multi-stage sampling in this study.
Possibility of crossover in intervention and control groups
There is no possibility of control and intervention group crossover because the investigator and the participants agreed on issues to be covered by the groups.
Baseline
In the beginning, the groups were equal in terms of social skills. This was necessary to allow the successful results of the research.
The quality of outcomes
The quality of the higher outcome is good because the researchers used real-world measures including the population sample size variables. There was no self-report out comes by participants, the primary investigator was fully involved.
Attrition low and approximately equal across groups
Attrition was low for both intervention and control groups.
Outcomes reported for all participants
All outcomes were reported and there were no participants who left the program earlier than expected. This means all the information which was provided by the participant is very important in determining the results.
Long-term outcomes reported
The investigators have indicated that social training has a great impact on students’ performance whether in the short-term or long-term intervention. This means a child’s behavior will be changed through social training. This will be the long term outcome of the report.
An effect size reported
The effect of size is not reported, only Friedman’s’ test has been used to assess nonparametric parameters. There is no significance test.
Sample size adequate
The sample size in this study was not adequate. We cannot tell about the result of the entire population by looking into the responses of six school children. if you are to deal with experimental design, you should use power analysis and consider sample size. Mind the size of the sample to operate only valid data if you want your study to be accurate and exact.
However, the sample size is described and why these samples are taken that is thoroughly justified. The sample is described in sufficient detail.
Results reported in meaningful terms
Analyses were undertaken to address each research question or test each hypothesis. Appropriate statistical methods were used, given the level of measurement of the variables and the number of groups being compared. The most powerful analytic method was used in this study. It had helped to control extraneous variables. The findings were summarized with the appropriate use of tables and figures. The findings do provide strong evidence regarding the research questions. Type I and Type II errors are minimized in this article.
Subgroup analysis reported
All major findings are interpreted and discussed within the context of prior research and the study’s conceptual framework. The interpretations are also consistent with the results and with the study’s limitations. The report addresses the issue of the generalization of the findings. The researchers discussed the implications of the study and further research but whether the implications reasonable and complete are a question unanswered. They have not included subgroup analysis. This helps to avoid contractions.
Outcomes reported on measures
The research paper has only six school students and has no parameters that have not been included in the results. The negative results parameters do not exist in this research paper.
Evidence in the study
The evidence of the study is possible but cannot be said to be strong or neither. This is because the sample used is small with real-world examples. The design tools used have been highlighted well in the research paper. The number of collection of data is not appropriate as with the six individuals we cannot arrive at any general conclusions. The measurement tool is very much reliable and valid in identifying the impact of social training on academic achievement and social skills. The design to some extent minimizes threats to the internal and external validity of the study. But all the threats are not minimized. We cannot generalize any result as the dataset considered is too small. The ethical considerations are addressed in the article.
Reference
Evans, A. & Stefanou, C. (2009). Proceedings from NERA Conference 2009: Behavioral and academic effects of Skill streaming The Adolescent for at-risk middle school student. University of Connecticut: Northeastern Educational Research Association.