Module 3 – SLP
STRESS AND THE IMMUNE
RESPONSE
Note: If you have trouble viewing some of the course
materials, install Quicktime and the Adobe Shockwave Player, both of which can
be downloaded free from the Internet.
The readings you accomplished for Module 3’s Case Assignment
are quite new scientific theories that are currently being tested by scientists
who are trying to figure out why individuals suffer from many immune-related
issues such as fatigue, chronic pain, and even cancer. The scientific and
medical communities have collected a lot of evidence that stress (and even
inflammation) plays a very big role in these conditions. We still have a long
way to go and a lot of unanswered questions.
The Dartmouth study in Case 3 gave you an introduction to
the scientific method (watch the previous hyperlink for an overview of how the
scientific method is used to gather data and analyze results). The “gold
standard” of research design is often a “true experimental design” because it
uses control and experimental groups which produce data that is analyzed
statistically. Below you can read about another example of research design
called a case study. There are many ways to conduct a study depending on
budget, time, resources and the questions being asked. There are pros and cons
to each. You can review different types of research methods at the following
site: https://explorable.com/research-designs. Note the differences in true
experimental designs versus case studies as you will contrast them later in this
assignment. After you view this linked animation about the scientific method,
read the following case study and complete the questions following this
assignment:
Case Study
Derek is a 25-year-old male who recently moved back in with
his parents after his girlfriend was killed by a drunk driver 2 months ago. He
had been dating his girlfriend for the past 3.5 years. As she was walking
across a busy intersection to meet him for lunch, she was hit by a passing
vehicle. He still vividly remembers the horrifying scene as the drunk driver
ran the red light, plowing down his girlfriend right before his eyes. He ran to
the scene, embracing her crumpled body as she died in his arms in the middle of
the crosswalk. He keeps trying to erase the scene from his memory, but can’t
seem to stop reliving the entire incident as if it was happening all over.
Derek has been having nightmares about the accident almost
every night since the accident. He had to quit his job because his office was
located in the building right next to the little café where he was meeting his
girlfriend for lunch the day she died. The few times he attempted to return to
work were unbearable for him. He has since avoided that entire area of town.
Normally an outgoing, fun-loving guy, Derek has become increasingly
withdrawn and irritable since his girlfriend’s death. He’s stopped going to the
gym, playing his guitar, or going out with his friends – all activities he once
really enjoyed. His parents worry about how detached and emotionally flat he’s
become.
Answer the following questions in essay format about Derek’s
condition:
Observation: What are some of the observations you can make
about Derek’s current state of health and well-being based on the information
you have?
Question: What question (or questions) would you formulate
about his condition to help you arrive at a diagnosis?
Hypothesis: What do you currently know about short- and
long-term stress and its effects on the body that can help you arrive at a
hypothesis about his condition? Incorporate your knowledge of stress and
inflammation to help you develop at least one hypothesis concerning his
condition.
Experiment: How could you collect data to help you answer
your questions above? Remember, you do not have a control in this scenario, so
you must evaluate the case based on Derek’s symptoms alone. Do a bit of
research on the technology available today that could help you evaluate his
condition. Examples of new technology include brain imaging, blood chemistry,
hormone level tests, CAT scans, MRIs, and DNA mapping.
Result: Now that you have some additional information,
briefly and in simple terms, describe how you would test any missing
information about Derek’s condition.
Conclusion: Do you have any conclusions regarding what
condition Derek may be suffering from? Review different types of research
methods at the following site: https://explorable.com/research-designs.
Research and describe some of the strengths and weaknesses of the case study
design under “Descriptive Methods”. How would you contrast the case study
design with a true experimental design (found under the heading “Experimental
Designs).
SLP Assignment Expectations
For this SLP assignment, answer all questions in an essay
format. Answer each question under the subtitle “Observation”, “Hypothesis”,
etc. using complete sentences that relate back to the question. Use APA
formatting to cite any sources used and be sure to include a reference section
at the end of your assignment that lists any resources you used to complete
your answers. Please use scholarly references such as a peer-reviewed journal
article or a government-sponsored or university-sponsored website. As you read,
take notes from your sources and then write your paper in your own words,
describing what you have learned from your research. Direct quotes should be
limited and must be designated by quotation marks. Paraphrased ideas must give
credit to the original author, for example (Murray, 2014). Direct copying from
“homework help” websites will not receive credit.
ScholarMatic: Explanation & Answer
Your ready answer from a verified tutor is just a click away for as little as $14.99
Click Order Now to get 100% Original Answer Customized to your instructions!
