Assignment 07 PS490 Research Studies Be sure to save an electronic copy of your answer before submitting it to Ashworth College for grading. Unless otherwise stated, answer in complete sentences, and be sure to use correct English, spelling, and grammar. Sources must be cited in APA format. Your response should be double‐spaced; refer to the “Format Requirementsʺ page for specific format requirements. Submit a revised version of your First Draft per the following requirements:
The purpose of this assignment is to provide a critical analysis of the preliminary draft of a research study. The research study that will be analyzed is titled “The Effects of Exercise on Cognitive Function in Older Adults.” The study aims to investigate the impact of regular exercise on cognitive function in individuals over the age of 65.
Overall, the preliminary draft of the research study is well-structured and provides a thorough review of relevant literature on the topic. The introduction provides a clear rationale for the study, highlighting the importance of understanding the potential benefits of exercise on cognitive function in older adults. The research question is also well-defined and aligned with the study’s objectives.
In terms of the study design, the preliminary draft outlines a randomized controlled trial (RCT) methodology, which is appropriate for addressing the research question. The study aims to recruit 200 participants aged 65 and above who will be randomly assigned to either an exercise intervention group or a control group. The study will measure cognitive function using standardized tests such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) before and after the intervention period.
One strength of the study design is the randomization process, which helps to minimize selection bias and ensures that the two groups are comparable at baseline. This increases the internal validity of the study. Additionally, the use of standardized measures for assessing cognitive function enhances the reliability and validity of the study’s findings.
However, there are a few areas in the preliminary draft that need further clarification and improvement. Firstly, the study does not clearly define the exercise intervention. It is important to specify the type, intensity, duration, and frequency of exercise that will be provided to the intervention group. This will help to ensure consistency and replicability of the intervention across different settings.
Secondly, the preliminary draft does not discuss the potential confounding variables that may influence the relationship between exercise and cognitive function. Factors such as medication use, comorbidities, and socioeconomic status can affect cognitive function and may need to be considered as confounders in the analysis. It is important for the study to control for these variables to establish a causal relationship between exercise and cognitive function.
Additionally, the preliminary draft does not provide a clear plan for data analysis. It is essential to specify the statistical methods that will be used to analyze the data, such as t-tests or analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and to justify these choices based on the study’s objectives and research question. This will help to ensure the validity and reliability of the study’s findings.
Furthermore, the preliminary draft does not discuss the limitations and potential implications of the study’s findings. It is important to acknowledge the limitations of the study, such as the potential for dropout or noncompliance among participants, and to discuss the implications of the findings for clinical practice and future research.
In conclusion, the preliminary draft of the research study on the effects of exercise on cognitive function in older adults provides a solid foundation for further development. The study design is appropriate for addressing the research question, but improvements need to be made in terms of clearly defining the exercise intervention, addressing potential confounding variables, specifying the data analysis plan, and discussing the limitations and implications of the findings. These improvements will strengthen the study’s validity and increase its potential impact in the field of geriatric research.
