I used the details of “Psychological Vulnerability among Overweight/Obese Minority Adolescents” research article by Pamela A. Martyn-Nemeth and Sue Penckofer, which was done in 2009. The study aimed at comparing coping, stress levels, depressive moods, social support and self-esteem between normal weight and overweight/obese minority adolescents (Martyn-Nemeth and Penckofer, 2009). The study also sought to identify the most predictive factors of depressive mood.

Qualitative method used and its explanation.

The researchers used grounded theory qualitative method to conduct their research.

Grounded theory involves collecting data and generating knowledge from that data. Creswell (2009) defined grounded theory as “a qualitative approach of inquiry in which the one makes up an abstract concept of process grounded in the opinions of participants in the study.” It involves collecting data in multiple stages and refining and identification of relationships in categories of that data.

Data collection and analysis techniques used in the study

The study made use of secondary data that was collected in the previous research which was used to explore the association of psychological variables to normative eating behaviors; use of food to cope and depressive moods among healthy ethically/racially diverse adolescents (Martyn-Nemeth, Penckofer, Gulanick, Veslsor-Friedrich and Bryant, 2009). The data was collected through questionnaires where participants were recruited using announcements in school, fairs related to health and flyers. This is a non-probabilistic sampling method referred to as convenience sampling in which the researcher selects the sample on the basis of their willingness to respond (Polit and Beck, 2004). The volunteers used their lunch hours or after school time to complete the 45 minutes questionnaires which they were allowed to fill in groups of 10.

In the analysis of data, descriptive comparative design was applied. This is a design which is used in comparing two or more than two groups or variables (Schmidt and Beck, 2004). First, the researchers provided descriptive statistics to present the demographic characteristics of data. They made use of cronbach’s alpha to assess internal consistency of the data that was coded using Likert scale. Weight groups were assigned to respondents weights where normal weight was assigned between 5th to 85th percentiles and overweight/obese was above 85th percentile. Any weight below 5th percentile was not considered. Independent samples t-tests were used to investigate the differences between groups on the study variables. Finally, to assess the variables which contribute to depression, multiple regression was applied.

Strengths and weaknesses of data collection and analysis techniques used in the study.

Strength of the data collection methods used was that it was cheap since they used secondary data. Moreover, the secondary data was collected using questionnaires which were discussed by the respondents in groups of 10. This was to make sure that the respondents have the chance to discuss and understand the questions further, hence well responded to feedback.

On weaknesses, the data was collected for other purpose and not primarily for this study. Also, it was hard to infer on psychosocial correlates’ direction of causality since the data were collected at one point in time (Martyn-Nemeth and Penckofer, 2009).

Concerning the data analysis techniques, independent samples t-test does not require a large amount of data since each participant takes part in all treatments. This saves on money and collection of large amounts of data. Another advantage is that random errors are minimal in independent samples t-test therefore; it ensures good control of differences between groups. Multiple linear regression allows for predictions.

Independent samples t-test is affected by “carry over” effects whereby the result of the previous treatment carries over into the following treatment. This creates confusion in analysis and reporting. Multiple regression is sensitive to outliers.

Quality of the implications for theory building, practice, or knowledge developed in the study.

The study found out that “healthy adolescents are still at risk of depressive mood levels and that the situation would worsen for the obese adolescents” (Martyn-Nemeth and Penckofer, 2009). The study recommended for counseling seminars for the adolescents so as to reduce their levels of depression.