Critical Evaluation of Research

(Reflection #3)

For each group, only one student needs to turn in the written to this reflection. However, to make
sure that everyone gets credit please make sure that the names of ALL group members are listed
on the document before it is uploaded to eLearn.

List ALL Group Members FULL Names: Auna R. Allen Kristen Fanella, Jason Trbovic,
Miranda Ulses

Highlight which topic/article your group is critiquing:

Expressive Writing
Baikie, K. A., Geerligs, L., & Wilhelm, K. (2012). Expressive writing and positive writing for
participants with mood disorders: An online randomized controlled trial. Journal of
affective disorders, 136(3), 310-319.

Mindfulness 
Baer, R. A., Carmody, J., & Hunsinger, M. (2012). Weekly change in mindfulness and perceived
stress in a mindfulness‐based stress reduction program. Journal of Clinical
Psychology, 68(7), 755-765.

Relaxation 
Perciavalle, V., Blandini, M., Fecarotta, P., Buscemi, A., Di Corrado, D., Bertolo, L., ... & Coco,
M. (2017). The role of deep breathing on stress. Neurological Sciences, 38(3), 451-458.

Work together to answer the following: Based on your assigned article, does it appear that
the authors followed the steps of the experimental method when the designed their study?
1. What psychological phenomenon was observed?
a. The participants experienced fewer mental health symptoms post writing.

2. Did the authors state a hypothesis (if so, what was it)? What were the independent
variables and dependent variables being examined?
a. No clear hypothesis was stated but we can pull from the text the idea of
expressive writing improving mental health symptoms in participants. It was also
noted that there might be physical improvements as well.
b. Independent: the expressive writing
c. Dependent: Emotional/Physical Health outcomes

3. How did the authors design their study (For example: Did they conduct an RCT? Is it a
quasi-experimental design? Did they use between/within/or mixed group design? Use
your text to guide your response)
a. Participants were recruited online and randomly assigned to expressive writing,
control writing, and positive writing followed up by questionnaires.
 b. Quasi experimental
c. Used depression scale
d. Personality questionnaire
e. Cope inventory
f. Overall health questions
g. Then a follow up questionnaire

4. What did the authors find? Was their hypothesis supported? What interpretations for their
findings did they provide?
a. All three groups showed improvements in both aspects of mental and physical
health. But, physical health was shown to improve more than mental health was.