Amanda Wattenburg ThursdayJul 26 at 7:24pm Manage Discussion Entry Link to screen cast-o-matic: https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cFitVbFMms (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. Script: A brief introduction Studying cognitive functioning is important as these processes impact individual’s behavior and emotions (Heeramun-Aubeeluck et al., 2015). Various factors can impact cognitive functioning. A disorder known to impact cognition is psychosis. Thus, it is essential to examine psychosis and how these psychotic experiences effect cognitive functioning over time.   Devise a specific research question related to the topic you chose in Week One. How does psychosis effect cognitive functioning over time in patients who have experienced first-episode psychosis? Explain the importance of the topic and research question. Psychosis is a mental state in which individuals experience a loss of touch with reality(Boychuk, Lysaght, & Stuart, 2018). Psychosis may lead to additional occurrences or may indicate signs of a mental health disorder. It is important to examine the cognitive impairment that is caused as a result of psychotic episodes. In addition, this would unfold information that may lead to the importance of treating psychosis when the first signs are noticed in hopes of decreasing the chances of psychosis leading to a mental disorder.     A brief literature review Zaytseva, Korsokava, Agius, & Gurovich (2013) and Bora & Murray (2014) discovered altered cognitive functioning exists prior to onset or before the prodrome stage. In addition, Bohus & Miclutia (2014) indicate that cognitive functioning at first-episode psychosis was not as strong. Thus, it can be concluded that cognitive functioning impairment occurs prior to first-episode onset however, there is varying research that indicates the impact on cognitive functioning as time goes on. Popolo, Vinci, & Balbi (2010) conducted a year-long study on neurocognitive functioning amongst children and adolescent patients with first-episode psychosis. Cognitive impairment is indicated in early psychosis onset thus the study focused on examining cognitive impairments. Several cognitive assessments were given to patients and the results were evaluated. The results of the cognitive assessments indicated that adolescents with first-episode psychosis (FEP) have neurocognitive impairments. In addition, psychotic patient’s cognitive deficiencies do not decline over the course of the psychotic disorder. However, according to the article Neurocognitive functioning before and after the first psychotic episode: does psychosis result in cognitive deterioration? (2010) , the results indicated that there is no decline in cognitive functioning during the first psychotic episode. This indicates a gap in research of the effect psychotic episodes has on cognitive functioning. Evaluate published research studies on your topic found during your work on the Weeks One, Two, and ...

1. Amanda Wattenburg
ThursdayJul 26 at 7:24pm
Manage Discussion Entry
Link to screen cast-o-matic:
https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cFitVbFMms (Links to an
external site.)Links to an external site.
Script:
A brief introduction
Studying cognitive functioning is important as these processes
impact individual’s behavior and emotions (Heeramun-
Aubeeluck et al., 2015). Various factors can impact cognitive
functioning. A disorder known to impact cognition is psychosis.
Thus, it is essential to examine psychosis and how these
psychotic experiences effect cognitive functioning over time.
Devise a specific research question related to the topic you
chose in Week One.
How does psychosis effect cognitive functioning over time in
patients who have experienced first-episode psychosis?
Explain the importance of the topic and research question.

2. Psychosis is a mental state in which individuals experience a
loss of touch with reality(Boychuk, Lysaght, & Stuart, 2018).
Psychosis may lead to additional occurrences or may indicate
signs of a mental health disorder. It is important to examine the
cognitive impairment that is caused as a result of psychotic
episodes. In addition, this would unfold information that may
lead to the importance of treating psychosis when the first signs
are noticed in hopes of decreasing the chances of psychosis
leading to a mental disorder.
A brief literature review
Zaytseva, Korsokava, Agius, & Gurovich (2013) and Bora &
Murray (2014) discovered altered cognitive functioning exists
prior to onset or before the prodrome stage. In addition, Bohus
& Miclutia (2014) indicate that cognitive functioning at first-
episode psychosis was not as strong. Thus, it can be concluded
that cognitive functioning impairment occurs prior to first-
episode onset however, there is varying research that indicates
the impact on cognitive functioning as time goes on. Popolo,
Vinci, & Balbi (2010) conducted a year-long study on
neurocognitive functioning amongst children and adolescent
patients with first-episode psychosis. Cognitive impairment is
indicated in early psychosis onset thus the study focused on
examining cognitive impairments. Several cognitive
assessments were given to patients and the results were
evaluated. The results of the cognitive assessments indicated
that adolescents with first-episode psychosis (FEP) have
neurocognitive impairments. In addition, psychotic patient’s
cognitive deficiencies do not decline over the course of the
psychotic disorder. However, according to the article
Neurocognitive functioning before and after the first psychotic
episode: does psychosis result in cognitive deterioration? (2010)

3. , the results indicated that there is no decline in cognitive
functioning during the first psychotic episode. This indicates a
gap in research of the effect psychotic episodes has on cognitive
functioning.
Evaluate published research studies on your topic found during
your work on the Weeks One, Two, and Four assignments and
identify two relevant published studies.
One study was published related to career-decision making of
emergent adults with first-episode psychosis (Boychuk,
Lysaght, & Stuart, 2018). Although this article may not directly
relate to the research question used for the research proposal,
the information obtained is relevant. It was discovered that
during the onset of first-episode psychosis, symptoms worsened
making it difficult to continue with various activities, primarily
school and work. The article indicated the need for support and
interventions amongst individuals with first-episode psychosis.
This article was helpful in gaining a better understanding of
psychosis and the effect it has on young adult’s lives.
The other studies were not relevant to decision making or
cognitive functioning, therefore another article was found to be
relevant. The article studied how psychosis that is untreated
effects cognitive functioning. It was discovered that there was
no cognitive decline amongst Chinese patients with
schizophrenia when psychosis is left untreated (Heeramun-
Aubeeluck et. al., 2015). However, in the article, other research
reports varying information on cognitive functioning. Some
found that cognitive functioning was related to the length of
untreated psychosis, while others found there was no relation.
In addition, other research indicates some declining cognitive
factors.

4. A description of potential methods
Although several potential methods exist, the following are
most relevant and align with the research question:
Quasi-Experimental in which pre and post tests would be used.
This method would be used to evaluate the effect of psychosis
on cognitive functioning. Cognitive functioning is measured and
the study is examining whether the differences in the results are
directly caused by psychosis.
Case study: this study provides a closer look at one test
subjects, which would be patients with FEP. Collecting data
from a variety of sources provides a better understanding of
what is happening.
Sequential Explanatory: Quantitative data collection and
analysis is conducted prior to collection and analysis of
qualitative data. This would be useful in understanding and
interpreting the results of a quantitative study.
Based on what you have learned about research design options
and requirements in this course, create an appropriate research
approach and design to investigate your research question.
In order to provide additional information to the research topic,
a mixed methods approach will be used. Using a sequential
explanatory method, selecting participants will be selected
based on certain criteria. Using a quantitative approach such as
the quasi-experimental method, data would be collected and
analyzed. A qualitative method using case studies would then be
conducted to collect and analyze data.

5. Provide a rationale for your design choices.
Using a sequential explanatory mixed methods approach,
provides additional information as results can be examined from
both a quantitative and qualitative perspective. In addition, the
design would allow to use larger and smaller samples. For
example, a larger sample sized could be used for the
quantitative method, while a smaller sample size could be used
for the qualitative method. This design would provide a better
understanding the effect psychosis has on cognitive functioning.
Finally, the question would be addressed from various angles.
A discussion on ethical issues
Researchers must be continuously aware of ethical issues while
conducting a study. Informed consent is essential for all
participants participating in the quantitative study followed by
the qualitative study to give consent prior to conducting the
study. It is imperative to maintain confidentiality and protect
participant’s privacy. Ensuring the results of the study are
accurate. Receiving approval for the study from proper entities.
Assessments should be appropriate and aligned with the study.
Staying within the boundaries of competence.
Apply ethical standards to the proposed research and identify
potential ethical issues that would apply. Explain how you plan
to address these issues.
In order for the study to maintain its validity and accuracy, it is

6. imperative for potential ethical concerns of the research to be
addressed. The researcher should continuously be aware of their
moral perspectives and continuously monitor by checking for
potential ethical issues throughout the entire study. Having
another individual check for potential bias or ethical concerns
would be done as well. Ensuring data is not duplicated and
credit is given to the appropriate researcher, and the researcher
is not taking credit for another individual’s work. All
participants must understand the study in its entirety what their
role of participation as well as what they are consenting to. It is
essential for researchers to stay within the scope of their
competence and ensure the results are accurate. At times,
researchers may need another individual that is competent in a
specific area to interpret data. The tools used within the study
should be evaluated and provide information specifically related
to the study.
A conclusion
Psychosis is a health concern that affects the lives of
individuals. Cognitive functioning is important to study and
gain a better understanding of potential causes for decline.
Gaining information and knowledge may assist individuals with
treatment options as well as guide health professionals.
Additional knowledge is essential in this area of psychosis and
cognitive functioning in order to be able to assist individuals
enhance their health and well-being.
Summarize the main points of the presentation and reiterate why
the proposed research is important and why it should be carried
out.

7. Several studies have indicated cognitive functioning decline in
the prodrome stage of psychosis. If cognitive functioning is
shown to decline over time as a result of psychosis, health care
may be able to design and implement effective treatment
options. Using a mixed methods approach will allow researchers
to interpret and compare results from the various methods in
hopes of attaining the most accurate information. Continuously
being aware and examining potential ethical concerns will help
ensure accuracy and validity of the study.
References
BOHUȘ, A., & MICLUȚIA, I. (2014). THE LEVEL OF
NEUROCOGNITIVE FUNCTIONING AT EARLY FIRST
PSYCHOTIC EPISODE ONSET.
Acta Medica Transilvanica
,
19
(3), 190-192.
Bora, E., & Murray, R. M. (2014). Meta-analysis of Cognitive
Deficits in Ultra-high Risk to Psychosis and First-Episode
Psychosis: Do the Cognitive Deficits Progress Over, or After,
the Onset of Psychosis?.
Schizophrenia Bulletin
,
40
(4), 744.
Boychuk, C., Lysaght, R., & Stuart, H. (2018). Career Decision-
Making Processes of Young Adults With First-Episode
Psychosis.
Qualitative Health Research
,
28
(6), 1016. doi:10.1177/1049732318761864

8. Heeramun-Aubeeluck, A., Liu, N., Fischer, F., Huang, N., Chen,
F., He, L., & ... Lu, Z. (2015). Effect of time and duration of
untreated psychosis on cognitive and social functioning in
Chinese patients with first-episode schizophrenia: A 1-year
study.
Nordic Journal Of Psychiatry
,
69
(4), 254-261. doi:10.3109/08039488.2014.929738
Hesse-Biber, S. N. (2010).
Mixed methods research: Merging theory with practice
.
New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Neurocognitive functioning before and after the first psychotic
episode: does psychosis result in cognitive deterioration?.
(2010).
Psychological medicine
, (10), 1599. doi:10.1017/s0033291710000048
Popolo, R., Vinci, G., & Balbi, A. (2010). Cognitive function,
social functioning and quality of life in first-episode psychosis:
A 1-year longitudinal study.
International Journal Of Psychiatry In Clinical Practice
,
14
(1), 33-40. doi:10.3109/13651500903282881
Zaytseva, Y., Korsakova, N., Agius, M., & Gurovich, I. (2013).
Neurocognitive Functioning in Schizophrenia and during the
Early Phases of Psychosis: Targeting Cognitive Remediation
Interventions.
Biomed Research International
,

9. 2013
1. doi:10.1155/2013/819587
Wk6 Discussion Psychosis.pptx