Wk 5 For this assignment, you will demonstrate that you can summarize and critically evaluate scholarly research and clearly present that evaluative information in writing. You will be able to use portions of this assignment for your Signature Assignment. These skills will be invaluable as you continue to build your literature review. Download the Week 05 Critique Research Articles file to complete and submit as your assignment. Your paper should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course by providing new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. Your response should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards For this assignment, you will demonstrate that you can summarize and critically evaluate scholarly research and clearly present that evaluative information in writing. You will be able to use portions of this assignment for your Signature Assignment. These skills will be invaluable as you continue to build

Week 5: Critiquing Research Articles to Prepare an Annotated Bibliography TOPIC: Why is it that male pay grade is higher than female pay grade for the same position? As mentioned, one component of becoming an independent scholar is learning how to provide an evaluative critique of the work of other scholars. A critique of scholarly work requires your ability to use high level critical thinking skills. In addition, you must be able to write constructively and communicate your ideas well with clear and focused writing. The purpose of this assignment is two-fold. First, you are to demonstrate your ability to clearly and precisely summarize and critically evaluate specific information from peer-reviewed resources. Secondly, you are to demonstrate your ability to clearly present that evaluative information in writing that meets academic and professional expectations. These skills will be invaluable as you go on to develop your literature review and in your journey to become an independent scholar. The result of this activity is produce annotated bibliographies based on at least two additional peer-reviewed journal articles related to your chosen topic (you are welcome to include more articles for practice and feedback). Use the sections and questions below to help you critique each article. You do not need to answer every single question as some questions might not apply. The questions are listed as a means to help you generate ideas as you work on critiquing each article. You might also consider using this template in the future when critically analyzing articles. Please REMOVE the instructions and questions listed below for your paper and submit an annotated bibliography for each article. 1) APA reference for article #1 2) Introduction and core study elements Give an overview of the purpose of the study and the problem or issue discussed. Consider whether the problem is clearly described. Did the author(s) document and support the existence of the problem with scholarly sources and data? Were the sources credible and relevant (as defined by the readings you’ve done for this course)? What were the research questions? What were the key findings and conclusions of the study? 3) Evaluate literature reviewed Examine the literature reviewed by the author(s). How relevant is the) cited literature? Do certain ideas or concepts appear to be over/underemphasized? Was there any bias in language or tone of the writing? What discussions need elaboration or could be more concise? What is missing? 4) Evaluate theoretical framework What theoretical or conceptual framework was used as the basis for the study? What are the key variables and from which theories do they originate? Are variables well-defined? What alternative theories might support this study? 5) Evaluate methods What research method and designs are used in this study? How well are the methods described (could a reader duplicate the research process if needed)? Do the method and design appear to be appropriate for the problem being addressed and the purpose of the study? Who were the participants (demographics)? Do you see any issues with the size of the sample or the way participants were recruited? What data collection methods were used (e.g., survey, interview guide, etc.). Was this the best way to collect the data needed to address the problem, purpose, and research questions? How were data analyzed? Did the authors use appropriate statistical analysis methods (quantitative studies) or text analysis methods (qualitative studies)? How clearly did the authors describe the data analysis methods and what tools (e.g, software) did they use? 6) Overall impressions How useful does this work seem to you in regards to theoretical and/or practical applications? Does the author suggest the findings could be applied in theory and/or practice? Is the writing clear and easy to follow? How useful are the visuals (e.g., tables, charts, maps, photographs) utilized? How do they help to illustrate the argument/findings? Are they confusing or hard to read? 7) Conclusion Synthesize the pieces of your critique to emphasize your own main points about the author’s work. Based on the limitations noted above and recommendations from the author(s), what further research might be conducted on the subject? Ideas for future research could also include alternative ways to conduct the study. For example, could different samples or materials be used? What about a different method or design? 1) APA reference for article #2 2) Introduction and core study elements Give an overview of the purpose of the study and the problem or issue discussed. Consider whether the problem is clearly described. Did the author(s) document and support the existence of the problem with scholarly sources and data? Were the sources credible and relevant (as defined by the readings you’ve done for this course)? What were the research questions? What were the key findings and conclusions of the study? 3) Evaluate literature reviewed Examine the literature reviewed by the author(s). How relevant is the) cited literature? Do certain ideas or concepts appear to be over/underemphasized? Was there any bias in language or tone of the writing? What discussions need elaboration or could be more concise? What is missing? 4) Evaluate theoretical framework What theoretical or conceptual framework was used as the basis for the study? What are the key variables and from which theories do they originate? Are variables well-defined? What alternative theories might support this study? 5) Evaluate methods What research method and designs are used in this study? How well are the methods described (could a reader duplicate the research process if needed)? Do the method and design appear to be appropriate for the problem being addressed and the purpose of the study? Who were the participants (demographics)? Do you see any issues with the size of the sample or the way participants were recruited? What data collection methods were used (e.g., survey, interview guide, etc.). Was this the best way to collect the data needed to address the problem, purpose, and research questions? How were data analyzed? Did the authors use appropriate statistical analysis methods (quantitative studies) or text analysis methods (qualitative studies)? How clearly did the authors describe the data analysis methods and what tools (e.g, software) did they use? 6) Overall impressions How useful does this work seem to you in regards to theoretical and/or practical applications? Does the author suggest the findings could be applied in theory and/or practice? Is the writing clear and easy to follow? How useful are the visuals (e.g., tables, charts, maps, photographs) utilized? How do they help to illustrate the argument/findings? Are they confusing or hard to read? 7) Conclusion Synthesize the pieces of your critique to emphasize your own main points about the author’s work. Based on the limitations noted above and recommendations from the author(s), what further research might be conducted on the subject? Ideas for future research could also include alternative ways to conduct the study. For example, could different samples or materials be used? What about a different method or design?

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Week 5: Critiquing Research Articles to Prepare an Annotated Bibliography TOPIC: Why is it that male pay grade is higher than female pay grade for the same position?