Question

A) This post is designed to have us find out how secondary sources differ from primary sources when reporting research information. So, for this post, search the internet for a topic that you would have some interest in researching (e.g., dementia, online course success, vaccines and autism). Specifically, find an article from a secondary source (e.g., CNN, Huffington Post, Bob's Psychology Page) and report the following information:

1. Describe what is being reported. Give a brief description of the source. Include the linkto the article.

2. Based on how our chapter explains research and research methodology, describe 2 ways in which your article's reporting of this topic differs from primary research. In other words, is s/he not reporting information that is typically included in primary research? If so, what? (Hint: This is always the case - secondary sources do not report the amount of detail that primary sources do).

3. On a personal note, what do you think of the author's reporting? How would you rate its clarity and comprehensiveness?

B) One of the important goals of this chapter (as well as this course) is to understand the characteristics of a reputable source. This post helps with this goal. For this post, I would like you to find a psychology-related journal article that conducted an experiment. After you find an article, you should read the Abstract (the small paragraph at the start of the article) and the Method (should be a couple pages into the article) sections (if your article does not contain these sections, find another one that does!) and then answer the following questions:

.1. What was the dependent variable(s)?

2. What was the independent variable(s)?

3. How did the researchers define the variable(s) they are measuring?

4. How was the variable(s) measured?

5. What were the limitations of the methodology (or the study)?

6. What would you do differently? What did you think of the author's attempt to measure the variable in question?

7. Remember to upload the article to your post.

Answer 1

A1. The article being assessed analyses the impact of stress on health. It describes how high levels of stress are linked to certain health conditions and lists health issues that are likely to result from long term stress. It also discusses methods by which individuals experiencing long term stress can reduce its impact on health related problems. The link to the source is: https://bobswriting.com/psych/index1.html

A2. The article states that the lifetime incidence of ulcers is about 10%, but the website based on which this information is given does not corroborate this information. Also, the website being referred to appears to be a secondary source as well and does not contain any references.

A3. From my perspective, the author seems to be reporting generalised information without any thorough explanation or investigation. I do agree that there is clarity in the article because it addresses specific questions about stress but it is not comprehensive as the information is based on personal preferences.

Please post the other questions separately.