Research Hypothesis
The research is aimed to study the aspects of bipolar disorder. Originally, the authors of the research state the following: “the research investigating the childhood and adult etiology of bipolar disorder will be organized according to the situational, behavioral, and organic factors proposed in PB theory. Finally, 15 hypotheses regarding the etiology of bipolar disorder will be offered and directions for the development of psychological treatments and sub typing are noted.” (Riedel, Heiby, Kopetskie, 2001)
Originally, it is necessary to emphasize that the disease should be clearly and distinctly defined for the successful curing, consequently, the definition of the symptoms is of essential importance for the researchers who are engaged in this issue. Consequently, these statements and facts support the hypothesis which is adjusted for the paper. Thus, the flow of the confirmations and logic following of the paper may be regarded as perfect. The analysis of the arguments, given in the paper, indicate that there is strong necessity to arrange further research of this problem.
Variables
The variables which are regarded to be independent are represented in the flow of previous research review. These variables were stated by the researchers who were engaged in studying the BD, thus, the authors of this paper used those variables as the basis for the current research.
As for dependent variables, the following should be emphasized: “For heuristic purposes the BBRs are divided into three types: emotional-motivational (e-m), sensory-motor (s-m), and language-cognitive (I-c). In actuality, however, most behaviors are regulated by all three types of BBR processes. An individual’s BBRs encompass the various forms and patterns of responding which make up an individual’s personality. BBRs can be regarded as personality characteristics, insofar as they are viewed as having a causal role in determining current behavior.” (Riedel, Heiby, Kopetskie, 2001)
Appropriateness of the Operationalization of the Variables
The appropriateness of the variables is covered in the following notion: “Individual differences in predisposing BBRs partly account for the onset and the heterogeneity of a manic episode. When these characteristics do not grossly impair functioning, they are often referred to as hypomania”. This reveals the fact that the set up variables are rather operationable, and may be used in the following researches.
Research methods used in the paper are regarded as imperative, as they use the data represented in the papers of other researchers, and the experience of the authors of the paper. Thus, it unites the practice which is essential for deep research of BD issues.
Findings
Riedel, Heiby and Kopetskie, (2001) state that the key findings are the following: “The PB theory of bipolar disorder provides a framework for integrating the disparate research into six types of potential etiological factors. While there is a paucity of research relevant to many of these six types of factors, the theory does offer an additional 15 hypotheses. The theory also has implications for sub classification and psychological treatment and prevention evaluation efforts”
Strength and Weakness of the Research
Originally, the treatment of bipolar disorder is not widely applied because of several reasons:
- This disorder is rather rear, consequently, there is no much practice in treating it
- Lack of practice originates the problem of low development of the treatment technique
The strength of this research is not only in the compilation of the generally accepted practices and curing traditions, but also providing extensive information on the disorder itself.
Weakness
The weakness is covered in the fact that the data may entail essential errors, as the data is not fully supported by the medical practice and sufficient researches.
As for the contributions, it is necessary to mention that this paper is of essential importance due to its compilation of different approaches towards the research of this issue. From a medical point of view, the paper is not innovative or progressive.
References
Riedel, H. P., Heiby, E. M., & Kopetskie, S. (2001). Psychological Behaviorism Theory of Bipolar Disorder. The Psychological Record, 51(4), 507.
Wilkinson, G. B., Taylor, P., & Holt, J. R. (2002). Bipolar Disorder in Adolescence: Diagnosis and Treatment. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 24(4), 348.