Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Paper Summary:

This paper argues in favor of a combination of quantitative and qualitative data when evaluating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs. Qualitative research methods are presented in the essay, including self-report questionnaires and rating scales, observational measures and interviewing. This is followed by a discussion on quantitative methods, which include meta-analysis and control groups. The qualitative methods focus mainly on the research methods of CBT in clinical practice, while the quantitative methods investigate the research methods of CBT in theory. Various approaches to evaluating CBT and issues arising from these methods are examined in the paper in order to encourage therapists to evaluate CBT program with extreme care.

Outline:
Single-case Experimental Designs (SCEDs
Qualitative Evaluation
Self-Report Questionnaires and Rating Scales
Observational Measures
Time Sampling
Self-Observation
Interviewing
Quantitative Evaluation
Meta-Analysis
Control Groups
Conclusions
References
Table 1
Questionnaires Frequently used in CBT
Table 2
Types of Control Group Used in CBT Outcome Studies.

From the Paper:

"In a many Counselling and Psychotherapy studies, research is often conducted through qualitative evaluation (attempts to assess what kind of change has occurred), rather than with quantitative methods, (deciding how much change has occurred). Conversely, CBT has, until quite recently, been dominated by the latter consideration (Ward, et al., 2000). At various points in this essay I will argue for a combination of quantitative and qualitative data as the sensible basis of evaluation for example with single-case experimental designs. Qualitative research methods discussed in this essay are: self-report questionnaires and rating scales, observational measures and interviewing, this is followed by a discussion on quantitative methods, which will include meta-analysis and control groups. The qualitative methods dealt with in this essay will focus mainly on the research methods of CBT in clinical practise, while the quantitative methods will investigate primarily the research methods of CBT in theory. Various methods of evaluating CBT and issues arising from these methods will be handled in this essay to emphasize the need for therapists to choose methods of evaluating CBT programmes with extreme care."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Barlow, D.H., Hayes, S.C. and Nelson, R.O. (1984) The Scientist Practitioner: Research and Accountability in Clinical and Educational Settings. New York: Pergamon
• Beck, A.T., Rush, A.J. Shaw, B.J. and Emery, G.D. (1979) Cognitive behavioural therapy of depression: A Treatment Manual. New York: Guilford Press.
• Beck et al., A.T., Ward, C.H., Mandelson, M. et al (1961) 'Inventory for measuring depression', Archives of General Psychiatry, 4: 561-71
• Cohen, J (1960) 'A coefficient of agreement for nominal scales', Educational and Psychological Measurement, 20: 37-46.
• Elliott, R. and Shapiro, D.A (1998) 'Brief Structural Recall: a more efficient method for studying significant therapy events', British Journal of Medical Psychology, 61: 141-53.

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