Paper Instructions
Although your grade on the paper will be based on your answers to the questions below, additional points may be awarded for relevant comments or observations that are not required to answer these questions. In all cases, arguments will be strengthened by indicating how the researcher(s) of the article could have corrected any problems identified.
Specifically, your paper will be graded on the following criteria:
• Quality and clarity of responses and organization of the paper
• Content: How well you address the issues and demonstrate understanding of the concepts (I am looking for integration of course content)
• Use of proper grammar, punctuation, spelling, complete sentences, APA format
• Follow the directions for the assignment
Additionally:
• Use one-inch margins, double-spaced, 12 font
• Use headers for the each critique question listed below
• Use clear and precise explanations
• Include a title page, page numbers (in headers), and reference page (include the article you are using; other resources)
• The paper should be 6 pages in length
• Paper needs to be sent through Canvas
Research Article Critique
Research Problem, Questions/Hypotheses
What is the social problem addressed in the article. Is it clearly stated? Are there research questions, hypotheses, or both? What are they (give an example, you don’t need to list all of the questions or hypotheses)? Are the research questions and/or hypotheses clearly connected with the social problem? Do they seem reasonable given the review of the literature?
(Page length: approximately ½ pages)
Points: 2
Variables
What are the independent and dependent variables in this study (give an example of a few, you don’t need to list them all)? How are they being conceptualized? How are they being operationally defined? Are these definitions sensible and appropriate? Why or why not? If you feel they need improving suggest a better definition (based on your opinion).
(Page length: approximately ½ pages)
Points: 3
Sampling
What is the population of interest in this study (who makes up the sample)? What is the sampling frame (describe who is included and excluded in the study)? Are the subjects used in the study representative of the population of interest (this may be based on the sampling method used)? Justify your answer. If not, then how might a more representative sample been obtained (is there a different sampling method that could have been chosen, in your opinion)?
(Page length: approximately 3/4 to 1 pages)
Points: 5
Study Design and Data Collection Procedures
What, if any, are the potential problems with the research design AND data collection procedures used in the study? Are there any aspects of the study that may have provided the opportunity for bias? Other internal and external threats to validity? Issues with generalizability? How might these problems have affected the obtained results and how could they be corrected?
(Page length: approximately 1 to 2 pages)
Points: 5
Conclusions/Implications
What conclusions does the author make on the basis of the study? Does the author discuss implications for social work practice? Does the research study apply to diverse groups of people and populations at risk? Are the conclusions and implications reasonable based on the findings of the study? Why or why not? In your opinion, how could this research be applied to social work practice and policy?
(Page length: approximately 1 to 2 pages)
Points: 5
