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Gaps and Inconsistencies
Sampling Problems:
Most of the research to date has been conducted with very small samples
(between 50-100 in many cases), which poses a considerable problem for
generalization of research findings. This problem is caused by limited
time and research funding as well as the considerably high attrition rate
among research participants. There are also very few research projects
done with random sampling procedures.
Difficulty Isolating Variables:
Understanding the implications of adolescent parenting can be difficult
to determine due to the host of other extraneous variables. A main problem
is isolating the variables associated with a low standard of living, since
poverty is both an antecedent and a consequence of adolescent parenting
(Burke and Liston, 1994, p. 597). There have been a few longitudinal studies
completed, but the generalizations are questionable due to the drastic
changes in society which can have a strong affect on the nature of adolescent
parenting.
Positive Accomplishments:
A positive note is the fairly consistent agreement of sampling females
less than or equal to 20 years of age, which increases the comparability
of findings. Through the research to date, accurate and valid research
instruments developed with an adolescent population in mind have been developed
such as the Hopefulness Scale for Adolescents (HAS), Rosenburg Self-esteem
Scale (RSES), and the Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire (NSSQ) . This
increases the validity of research findings and allows comparisons to be
made without as much concern over different measurements of variables. |
