Critical Analysis
Name
Course
Instructor
Institution
Location
Date of Submission
Critical Analysis
This paper presents a critical analysis of the results of a study conducted by Risnes at al. (2013, p. 420). The study was carried out to determine the psychiatric effects of a severe cardio-respiratory failure treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The results of the study are presented in a journal article published in psychosomatic journal. Risnes at al. (2013, p. 421) conducted a quantitative research and thus, the results of the study were analyzed using statistical tools. The results were analyzed using SPSS v. 15.0 and were also subjected to test and the Mann–Whitney U-test. The researchers used tables to present the results.
The results of the study presented in the article are reliable. Before commencing, the researchers conducted numerous pilot studies to check the consistency and stability of data collection instruments. The process of checking the reliability of the scales that were applied in data collection took 9 months. The instruments were found to be produce consistent and stable results in different contexts. Thus, the results produced by the instruments can be said to be reliable. The researchers did not report any examination of validity of their research. However, it is clear that the results of the study provide answers to the key question of the study. In other words, the researchers did not deviate from the key objective of the study. Furthermore, the results of the study mainly correspond to the results of previous studies conducted on the same topic.
However, results on the impact of ECMO on neuropsychiatric morbidity produced mixed results. While strong positive link was found between the two variables in some cases, no association was reported in others. This makes it difficult to make a general conclusion from the results of the study. Despite the fact that the researchers acknowledge the issue, they make a general conclusion from the results of the study.
References
Risnes, I. et al. (2013). “Psychiatric Outcome after Severe Cardio-Respiratory Failure Treated
with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Case-Series.” Psychosomatics 2013; 54:418–427)