Running head: LIN ARTICLE CRITIQUE

Lin Article Critique Part 2-Methodology Surprize Stephenson Liberty University

LIN ARTICLE CRITIQUE Lin Article Critique Part 2-Methodology Critique of Population and Sampling The article Effects of Forgiveness Therapy on Anger, Mood and Vulnerability to Substance Use Among Impatient Substance-Dependent Clients by Lin, W., Enright, R., Krahn,

D., Mack, D., and Baskin, T. (2004) as all other research articles require a specific population of interest. In chapter six of Pyrczak (2013) he offers questions that one may use to evaluate the samples chosen by researchers. Question one asks if the researcher used random sampling to choose participants; Lin (et. al, 2004) did not employ random sampling in their selection process. The researchers of this article actually chose their forty participants based on the opinion of the drug rehabs therapists that they would be good candidates for Forgiveness Therapy (FT). There was not a low response rate, considering that only three people were excluded due to poor scores on administered tests. Pyrczak (2013) asks if the non-random sample was chosen from the target in order to present generalization; Lin (et. al, 2004) chose their sample group from the desired population for the study. Lins (et. al 2004) group was indeed chosen from amongst the target population. However, their sample was not pulled from very diverse sources; this articles sample was gathered from only one treatment facility. The researchers of Lin (et. al, 2004) do offer their reader the need-to know demographics of their participants. Lin (et. al, 2004) discusses the limitations of the study, particularly that the results may not be generalized; it is also expressed that the results cannot be generalized beyond the group used. Lastly, Pyrczak (2013) asks if informed consent has been obtained; each of the participants were given the details of the study and each signed giving their consent to receive the planned treatment and agreeing that they understand the possible risks and limitations that participation in this study may present.

LIN ARTICLE CRITIQUE Critique of Procedures The participants of this study were randomly assigned into two separate groups for comparison of the effects of traditional therapy and Forgiveness therapy. The treatments that were used in this study were presented in great detail to the reader. Pyrczak (2013) asks if the treatment is administered by individuals other than the researchers, were they properly trained; the researcher of this article do not facilitate the treatment, but discusses the credentials of the facilitating therapist and explains the training that was given to that therapist. The sessions provided by the therapist were monitored by tape recording each one; the tapings were then randomly selected to be reviewed. The reviewing of the tapes helped to ensure that the therapy

remained consistent throughout. The therapist that facilitated the treatment process did not differ in his approach and all things were the same. The setting for the experiment would be considered natural; the study was not conducted in an artificial setting. The sessions were held at the rehabilitation facility of which the participants lived. Overall, the experiment of this study was properly conducted utilized a well-trained therapist to facilitate treatment, monitoring the process to track flaws, etc. Critique of Measures According Pyrczak (2013) providing sample items and questions is highly desirable because they help to operationalize what was measured (p. 77). Lin (et. al, 2004) did not offer specific items or questions for their research. The article did however present meticulous information pertaining to all measures to be used. The authors did present specialized formats as when the measures were governed at random. There were multiple methods used, such as the BDI,-II, CSEI, STAI and vulnerability to drug use, to gather the information needed for the research. These assessments provided data for statistical analysis. All published measures

LIN ARTICLE CRITIQUE presented were completed with accurate sources to validate the information. Many of the assessments utilized did not give reason to believe that the data was inaccurate. However, the self-report assessments were secretly administered, which may impose doubt that information gather from this assessment is valid. Overall, the measures implemented into this study were wisely chosen and adequate for use.

LIN ARTICLE CRITIQUE References Lin, W-F., Mack, D., Enright, R.D., Krahn, D., & Baskin, T.W., (2004). Effects of Forgiveness Therapy on Anger, Mood, and Vulnerability to Substance Use Among Inpatient Substance-Dependent Clients. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 72, pp. 1114-1121. Retrieved from: http://psycnet.apa.org.ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/journals/ccp/72/6/1114.html Pyrczak, F. (2008). Evaluating research in academic journals: A practical guide to realistic evaluation. Glendale, CA: Pyrczak Publishing.