Research Methodology of Players With and Without Schizophrenia in Basketball Teams

Research Design 

The study will apply a randomized experimental design. A randomized experimental design allows samples to be randomly allocated to an experimental group without bias (Christensen, 2014). An experimental and a control groups will be used for the study. The results from both groups will be analyzed and compared to determine the effectiveness of mass social contact in reducing stigma related to mental health illnesses 

Target population 

The target population will comprise of college students in an open basketball team and basketball players who have schizophrenia. 

Sampling 

Random sampling will be used to select participants. In random sampling, each sample has an equal chance of being picked to participate in a study (Christensen, 2014). A random sample is unbiased and that is the reason it will be used for the study. 

Setting 

The study will be conducted in a college where players with and without schizophrenia will be identified and sampled for the study. 

Independent variables 

An independent variable is the variable that the researcher manipulates/controls in an experimental study in order to determine its impact on a dependent variable (Christensen, 2014). Social contact is the independent variable. It will be controlled by the researcher to determine its effect on stigma in mental illness. 

Dependent variables 

A dependent variable is the variable that receive the effects of the independent variable and it is tested and measured by the researcher in a study (Christensen, 2014). The researcher does not manipulate or control a dependent variable. A dependent variable depends on an independent variable. The dependent variable of the proposed study is stigma in mental illness. Aspects related to stigma which are social distance, rage, feelings of sympathy and blame are the variables that the researcher will measure in determining the effectiveness of social contact in mental illness related stigma. 

Evaluation 

AQ-9 English version will be used to evaluate stigma related behaviors in the two study groups before and after the study and the results compared and analyzed. 

Reference 

Christensen, L. B. (2014).  Research Methods . Pearson Education Limited.