The effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs. Alternative Therapy on combat-related PTSD in modern wartime veterans [US veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts]

The effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs. Alternative Therapy on combat-related PTSD in modern wartime veterans [US veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts]

Introduction

A descriptive research conducted is based on both the qualitative and quantitative approaches. In psychology, research methods are based on two basic classes. Both the research approaches are used to have a detailed analysis about the topic and the research problem.

Hence; the research or a research proposal is a hybrid of both:

Qualitative Research

Quantitative Research

Qualitative Research

Qualitative research is the research that includes focus group interviews and secondary data. The data normally is based on research from the following sources:

Interviews (face to face & phone)

Focus group

Observations

Interviews are conducted when a research is carried out in a detailed manner from lesser people. One has to decide that if interviews are really important for a research or the other findings like observation and theories serve the purpose. If the sample size is large then personal interviews should be avoided as it takes a lot of time. Interviews are helpful if the data is collected from someone belonging to the same organization or industry (Kendrick, 2009).

This research information is not in a numeric form that is it includes open ended questions and not numeric ones. Hence; it is more like a detailed or descriptive data and is difficult to analyze as compared to the quantitative data or research. It is feasible if one wants to study something in depth in a way to find out what people think or their point of view about a certain case. As mentioned its analysis is a bit difficult as it requires accurate descriptive responses from the participants. After gathering descriptive responses from participants it is necessary to relate expert opinion or knowledge and refer it with the case in order to interpret qualitative data. For example in the case of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

It is observed that in psychology researches collection of quantitative data is necessary as compared to qualitative. Since; psychological researches happens in social context so it is observed that the researcher sees things from his point of view or what he wants to be a part of his research. However people study each other in a better way so the results they add to the research is the real part but experienced researchers responses should be acknowledged and added as a part of your research to relate it.

Quantitative Research

For quantitative research, questionnaires are used mostly. Conducting interviews whether it's face to face or telephone and distributing questionnaires in universities that is among the students or teachers. These results are numerical results.

This research data gathered is in number form. Mostly questions in this research of ranking. Quantitative data is used to give a graphical presentation, chart & tables in your research report. Questionnaires normally include both types of researches that are qualitative and ...