Content Reflection
Throughout my research process, exploring the mention of systemic reform in high profile malpractice articles, I learned so much. I determined that a very small percentage of all high-profile malpractice articles mention reform (only 0.4%-6.3%). This evidence, despite only using an 80% confidence level (meaning I am 80% confident my interval is accurate), is very concerning for many reasons. It leaves the public uninformed about the changes and improvements being implemented into medical facilities, making them question whether it is safe to visit these centers. This small amount of articles mentioning systemic reform is also concerning because it allows for the recurrence of certain errors. When healthcare workers don’t understand what went wrong in a previous malpractice case, it leaves room for more errors to be made in the future. My initial hypothesis, which stated that high-profile medical malpractice articles would rarely include systemic reforms, was proven true with the very small interval I calculated. For next steps, I could potentially analyze articles that do mention reform to better understand what changes are implemented and why. I could also look at how effective different reforms are when implemented into a hospital system, focusing on what reforms work, and what reforms don’t work, leading to systemic improvements in an entire medical setting.
Result of running the 1-proportion z-interval in Stapplets (Stapplets)
Product Reflection
From the final presentation, oral defense, and academic paper, I learned the importance of proper preparation. This means rehearsing your presentation over and over again to ensure that no errors or slip-ups are made in the final presentation. It could also mean re-reading and revising your paper over and over again until it sounds like something you would see online. I also learned how important it is to be thorough in your work, and to make sure you go into great detail about every important topic, almost overexplaining the significance of your findings just so the reader can understand. I can apply these learned skills to my future learning in many ways. In college, I will use these skills to complete more research and advance my learning in many more ways. Whether it be another content analysis, or a different research method in the future, these projects have prepared me in the best way possible for any challenge ahead of me.
Process Reflection
In my research process I learned so much about myself. I learned that I am able to conduct a long and thorough research process over an extended period of time. This shows that I am able to persevere through difficult challenges, as well as stay focused and dedicated to a specific topic of interest. In school and as a student, I have learned discipline skills that make me a better student in so many ways. I have also learned research skills that can be applied in college to allow for my academic career to thrive. As a person, my research journey allowed me to realize the importance of patience. I needed to stay patient in my process because I knew that I would run into many errors and limitations. If I didn’t keep my composure, I wouldn’t have been able to produce my best work. In collaboration with mentors and peers, I have learned how important it is to ask for help when it is needed. If I am having trouble with something, I now know that it is okay to ask for some support, and this is because with a new perspective my best work would be produced. My topic itself has also made me more aware of the many challenges and issues found in healthcare media coverage. This project has expanded my knowledge on malpractice cases, and it has allowed me to appreciate patients even more as they are undergoing incredible surgeries that may not always result in a positive result. This display of bravery is truly moving, and it has made me more courageous as well.
Acknowledgments
My research would have been incredibly difficult if it weren’t for the help I received along my research journey. To start, Mrs. Dobos and Mr. McBride, my AP research teachers, were some of the most impactful people that assisted in my research. They not only provided me with advice and support on how I should proceed in my research, but they also provided incredible feedback that pushed me in the right direction to refining my research. I would also like to thank Mr. Burridge, my AP Statistics teacher. Without him, my data collection would’ve meant nothing. Mr. Burridge was so helpful in guiding me through my data analysis, hinting at which formula may be best for my research, as well as providing me with the necessary tools to conduct my data analysis. Finally, I would like to thank my family who listened to me rehearsing my presentation almost everyday leading up to my final presentation. They gave me subtle hints while practicing, and this was so helpful. All of the support I received along the way was so valuable, and I am so grateful for everyone who helped me throughout my research journey.