Researching the Research
Creativity and Spirituality in Coping
• What was the research hypothesis?
The web based study that I chose was designed to provide a better understanding of the complex relationship between, creativity, spirituality, and coping. It aims to show whether and to what extent people resort to their creativity and spirituality in an effort to cope throughout their lifespan, be it on a daily basis or during particularly stressful times. The study forms part of the research for a doctoral thesis conducted by Dagmar Corry at the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland. The study has received ethical approval from the University of Ulster Research Office.
• What were the research methods?
The research involved completing a questionnaire online that took about 20 minutes to do. It stated that there were no right or wrong answers, that the questions will be most useful if given as quickly and as honestly as possible, to avoid “not sure” answers where possible and that participation was voluntary and that I could withdraw from the study at any time. I was not required to give my name and all responses were confidential and all data kept secure. There were no known risks and no benefits other than being able to contribute to scientific research.
• What did you think of the project?
I liked how it was laid out. The questions where easy to read, understand and answer. I thought was a little too easy though to get into the project. No name or accountability was required. I find this to be questionable.
• What is your opinion of research in psychology?
I think research in psychology is absolutely needed to prove or disprove theories. If we didn’t have the research, anyone could come along and say that a therapy worked and should be used by counselors. By doing research, the truly helpful can be singled out from the truly useless. However; I am not a fan of online research as I find it could be too easily manipulated or it could be...