Assignment task:
Discuss the following vignette and make sure to address all the questions below: Paul is an individual who tends to dominate group therapy sessions. Baseline data reveal he has a high frequency of episodes of interrupting others and changing topics to focus on his issues. His therapist discusses this with Paul outside the group session and learns Paul is concerned he will not get to discuss his own concerns if he does not "speak up" and have others listen to him. The therapist tells Paul she will try two different approaches with him during the morning and afternoon sessions. In one session, she will allow Paul to discuss his own concerns first with her for 30 minutes. He will then listen attentively to others and contribute more appropriately. In the second session, she will allow Paul to discuss his concerns after the session with her for 30 minutes and he should contribute appropriately in that session. However, regardless of his behavior in the group sessions, the therapist is obligated to provide Paul with his personal sessions.
1. What are the independent variables being compared? What is the dependent variable?
2. What are some variables the therapist would need to counterbalance in this study?
3. What is a primary disadvantage to allowing Paul to have his personal sessions regardless of his behavior in group therapy?