Question

Abstract #2:

Online Activities for Enhancing Sex Education Curricula: Preliminary Evidence on the Effectiveness of the Abstinence and Contraception Education Storehouse.

Raghupathy, Shobana; Klein, Charles; Card, Josefina

Sociometrics Corporation , Los Altos , California , USA
Portland State University , Portland , Oregon , USA

Journal of HIV/AIDS & Social Services (J HIV AIDS SOC SERV), 2013 Apr-Jun; 12 (2): 160-71

The purpose of this research was to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the Abstinence and Contraception Education Storehouse (ACES), a digital, classroom-based resource designed to supplement existing sex education curricula with highly interactive materials such as video clips, multimedia polls and quizzes, and audiovisual demonstrations. Three hundred thirty-five students aged 14 to 19 were randomly assigned to an ACES-based (treatment) or a standard (control)sex education curriculum. Data were collected at the onset of the intervention and 3 months after the completion of the intervention. Preliminary results were highly encouraging, with ACES participants who were sexually initiated at baseline reporting (at the 3-month follow-up) significant reductions in the number of times they had sex in the past 4 weeks. Both sexually initiated and non–sexually initiated youth who experienced the ACES curriculum also demonstrated greater intent to abstain from the sex during the follow-up period than did those in the control group.

1. What are the independent variable(s) in this study?

2. What are the dependent variables in this study?

3. What type of research approach was used in the study?

        Is it quantitative and qualitative, Why?

4. Is the study prospective or retrospective in nature? Why?

5. Is the study experimental or non-experimental in design? Why? What type of research is this study?

Answer 1

1. Independent variable is the variable the experimenter changes or control and is assumed to have a direct effect on the dependent variable.in given study independent variables are education curriculum with video clips, quizzes, multimedia polls and audiovisual aids.

2.Dependent variable is the variable being tested and measured in an experiment and is dependent on the independent variable. In given study dependent variable are 355 students

3.There are two type of research approach qualitative and quantitat research approach. Qualitative research is descriptive in nature,it generally deals with non numerical and unquantifiable things. Quantitative research much more numbers driven.The emphasis is on the collection of numerical data, the conclusion then makes inference based on that data.

Based on given data given study was quantitative study,because researcher used 355 students for study and assessed their knowledge ,in 4 weeks.

4. In prospective study, individuals are followed over time and data about them is collected as their characteristics or circumstances change. In retrospective studies, individuals are sampled and information collected about past.

Given study was prospective study ,because first intervention is provided with multimedia and collected data.

5.Experimental research is the type of research that uses a scientific approach towards manipulating one or more control variables, in non experimental study that doesn't involve the manipulation of control variables.