Discussion Four

Question: How does the loss of a parent/guardian (via divorce, death, etc.) affect the child’s/children's relationship with the remaining parent/guardian?

Hypothesis: After the loss of a parent/guardian (via divorce, death, etc.), the relationship between the child/children and the remaining parent/guardian grows stronger.

Sample: The age, gender, and date of loss would not be taken into consideration for this study because I think that the ways that the stated question affects the person differently by age is a whole separate question. So because this study has so many potential participants, I would filter my sample down to people of Montana that have lost a parent/guardian.

Research Method: I would choose to utilize the clinical review type of interview mixed with a survey for my research method. I would make a different survey for the parent/guardian than I would for the child/children, as well personalized questions particular to each party.

Research Design: Since the loss of a parent/guardian can happen at any point in life, I would use a cross-sectional design with this study. That way I can have people from all ages, all backgrounds, all situations involved in the study versus focusing on one specific age group.