Descriptive Study On Concussions

The data collection method was a descriptive survey. A descriptive survey is information collected that doesn’t change the environment (Houser, 2015, p. 256). It describes the current state of the phenomena to describe what’s happening compared to the variables in the study. A descriptive survey is a popular method because it is simply design and offers a broad range. The four steps in designing a descriptive survey include selecting an appropriate sample, plan and develop the instrument, administer the instrument and collect data, and analyze the findings (Houser, 2015, p. 256). This method is accomplished by surveys that depict the current state. In the study, Concussion knowledge in high school football players, a descriptive survey
was given to 334 team players from 11 high schools in a team meeting the first half of the football season. The questionnaire had three sections. The first section asked five questions to identify signs of concussions. The second section consisted of questions to select outcomes from possible concussions. The last section consisted of questions about the education the football players received on concussions. This study was done by self-report only. The data was then transcribed into Excel. Descriptive statistics was used to determine the frequency of symptoms and consequences of concussions, in conjunction with the percentage who had education from parents or another source. According to Houser (2015, p. 287), descriptive statistics consist of numbers and/or graphs to organize and describe features of the sample. There were limitations to the study on concussions in high school varsity football players.
The limitations include all the 11 high schools that participated in the study had provided a licensed athletic trainer (Cournoyer & Tripp, 2014). Another limitation of the study noted was the questionnaire was distributed out to very large groups were the players could have helped each other on the answers even though the researchers and coach were present at the time of the questionnaire (Cournoyer & Tripp,
2014). There were many findings reported in this study. The participants had identified that the symptoms of concussion were headache (97%), dizziness (93%), and confusion (90%). Other important symptoms of concussion such as nausea, vomiting, neck pain, difficulty concentrating, and personality changes were not detected by the participants (Cournoyer & Tripp, 2014). A tiny percentage of participants were able to state that brain hemorrhage, coma, and death and possible conclusions if concussions are not properly treated. A quarter of the participants (25%) reported that they never had education on concussions, while just more than half (54 %) stated they received education from their parents, and 60% received education from another source (Cournoyer & Tripp, 2014). In my opinion, this study appropriately answers the research question outlined. The study demonstrated that high school varsity football players did not have the correct information regarding signs, symptoms, and consequences of concussions which ultimately could kill someone if left undetected and not treated. This study provided statistical data to support their research question. Also the study provided clinical significance and statistical significance. It was clinically significant because it reflects the extent to which the intervention can make a difference in the high school football player’s life. The statistical significance is because the probability that the results were due to chance were very small (< 0.05) (Houser, 2015, p. 356). The study, Concussion knowledge in high school football players provides a cross-sectional study of concussions in high school football players.
The study demonstrates that concussion and the lack of knowledge can lead to serious consequences such as a brain hemorrhage, coma, and death (Cournoyer & Tripp, 2014). The study provided an accurate sample size, described the data collection method, including its limitations of the study, and discussed the findings of the study. The study provided information supporting their research question, concluding high school football players have inadequate knowledge on concussions and need more education on the topic. According to Cournoyer & Tripp (2014), if the athlete had a better understanding of the signs and symptoms, and reporting it to the coach would ensure better management of concussions. Based on these findings, there is sufficient evidence to suggest a change in practice. Concussions in school aged children have gained so many peoples attention in New York State, that the state developed the New York State Concussion Act in July 2012, it was last updated in 2014. This act states that children suspected of a concussion be removed immediately from play. The may return to activities only when they are cleared by a physician. And school districts are to create a concussion management team to provide education and training to recognize concussion (www.nysed.gov,
2016).