Instruction
I will provide you with an article to review, which I will choose from the following course readings: Allen (2009); Farkas, Cyr, Lebeau, & Lemay (2010); Miller, et al (2007); Raider, et al (2008). Once you have reviewed the article, you will need to critically appraise it using the following criteria. Your answers should be in narrative format in your blue book.
1. Critically appraise the problem formulation, conceptualization, and operationalization of the variables. Your discussion should address the following:
a. Does the literature review adequately cover the topic? Why or why not?
b. Does the literature review logically build up to the research question(s) and hypothesis(es)? Why or why not?
c. Is there a research question(s) and hypothesis(es)? Are they well thought out? Why or why not?
d. Does the hypothesis(es) allow the researcher to answer the research question(s)? Why or why not?
e. Are the variables operationally defined? Are they consistent with the hypothesis(es)? Are they measurable? Why or why not?
2. Critically appraise the measurement. Your discussion should address the following:
a. Does the measurement instrument measure the variables? Why or why not?
b. Is the measurement instrument valid? Why or why not?
c. Is the measurement instrument reliable? Why or why not?
d. What are the potential sources of measurement error?
3. Critically appraise the method of sampling. Your discussion should address the following:
a. What is the sampling method used?
b. Is it applied appropriately? Why or why not?
c. What are the strengths/weaknesses of the sampling method?
4. Critically appraise the design. Your discussion should address the following:
a. What is the design employed?
b. Is it consistent with the research question(s) and hypothesis(es)? Why or why not?
c. Is it implemented appropriately? Why or why not? (Hint: to what degree does the design address threats to internal validity?)
5. Critically appraise the data analysis and results. Your discussion should address the following:
a. What is the statistical test that was utilized?
b. Are they appropriate for the measurement (level of measurement)? Why or why not?
c. Are they appropriate for the hypothesis(es)? Why or why not?
d. Are the results interpreted correctly? Why or why not?
6. Critically appraise the implications. Your discussion should address the following:
a. Based on all the above factors, can the author draw the implications included in the article? Why or why not?
b. Does the author accurately report the limitations of the study? Why or why not?
c. Would you use this article to inform practice? Why or why not?