EXAMPLE ANSWERS: Q17

Q17. Criteria for empirically supported therapies have been defined by Chambless and Hollon (1998). When is a therapy considered efficacious in this context?

Learning outcomes: 5.7

Student answer Chambless and Hollon (1998) define empirically supported therapies as being considered efficacious if they have at least 2 sets of evidence that show it is more effective than placebo, control or as effective/more effective as another evidenced therapy and with any conflict issues having been complexly resolved. If there is only one set of evidence it may be considered possibly efficacious. In order to do this The therapy must be empirically evaluated using a controlled research setting. This enables evaluation of whether any effects observed are due to the therapy or if they can be attributed to other factors including personal characteristics or change that would naturally occur over time. There must be comparison with a non-treatment control group, a placebo group or an alternative therapy type. It must be demonstrated that the therapy is more effective than a control or placebo and at least equivalent to an alternative, established therapy. It must be able to be replicated The methods used must be based on scientific research methodology. Consideration must be made as to sample size and selection; standardisation of therapy provision (everyone gets the same) and analysis must make consideration of therapist effects and participation bias. (LO 5.7 An understanding of the term 'empirically supported therapies/treatments'.)

Tutor feedback (DO NOT delete/edit feedback. Write amendments, additional information & thoughts underneath this table) Correct. You have demonstrated your understanding of the term, thank you.

Further Student Example Answer:  The criteria defined by Chambless and Hollon considers a minimum of 2 separate tests showing superior results of experiments against medications, placebos and previously accredited treatments. The experiments they evaluated were for limited illnesses only:

Anxiety and stress, insomnia, pain management and certain psychosomatic illness only.

They went on to state further research was necessary to extend the range of illnesses covered but this has yet to be carried out to a satisfactory standard for full accreditation of hypnosis for use in the treatment of other conditions.

PLEASE RESUBMIT with reference to Chambless and Hollon's three main points on efficacy. More detail required on the specifics of the term efficacious.

(Further student work goes here if requested through feedback)

The criteria for judging the efficacy of the testing process requires studies to produce repeatable results in at least 2 different study facilities or separate research groups where all known biases, limitations and conflicts are identified and/or resolved for the end results to be considered efficacious in those particular studies.

If it effective in only one of the tests then it is classed as possibly efficacious.

1.The importance of being able to reproduce the same results independently before a treatment has been identified for its efficacy is emphasised, and a large number of factors must be elaborated and considered in evaluating whether studies supporting a particular treatment or processes efficacy are sound.

2. The therapy must be compared with a no treatment control group, an alternative therapy, or placebo. The results must be shown to be more beneficial than no therapy or placebo AND at least equivalent to an alternative or established therapy.

3. The empirical study must use sound scientific methods.