Critiquing Research

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Critiquing Research
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Title

• 15-word limit
• Avoid
• a study of
• An analysis of
• An investigation of
• Use simple language

• Avoid abbreviations
• ID target population
• Show relationship between variables
• Maintain scholarliness

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Introduction (Chapter 1)

• Is it clear?
• Does it set the stage for the problem statement?
• Does it use recent research?
• Does it establish the importance of the topic?
• If applied or action research, is there a clear
  theoretical framework?

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Statement of the problem

• Are variables clearly specified?
• Is target population identified?
• Is relationship between variables established?
• Is the problem significant?
• Are operational teems defined?
• Is it stated in simplest terms?

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Research questions/hypotheses/objectives

• Are they stated in operational terms?
• Declarative sentence (objectives)
• State relationship of variables
• Show direction or null (hypotheses)
• Are they specific?
• ID dependent and independent variables in
  measurable terms
• Are they related to the body of theory?
• Can they be tested (if needed)?

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Review of Literature (Chapter 2)

• Is prior research interpreted clearly?
• How current is the research?
• How complete is the lit review?
• Is cited literature relevant to study?
• Is a conceptual framework established?
• Is a clear theoretical framework used or
  developed?

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Research procedures (Chapter 3)

• Is an appropriate design or plan used?
• Are the population and sample appropriately and
  clearly identified?
• Are procedures presented clearly and completely?
  (Can the study be replicated with the information
  you provide?)
• Are validity and reliability addressed?

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Analysis Interpretation of Data (Chapter 4)

• Are data presented clearly?
• Only necessary data
• Tables figures appropriate
• Both written and tables/figures stand alone
• Are data presented in relationship to hypotheses,
  objectives, or questions?
• Are data presented completely (i.e., only
  appropriate data are presented but ALL of
  appropriate data are presented).

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Conclusions, Implications, Recommendations
(Chapter 5)

• Is the summary accurate?
• Are conclusions limited to the research data?
• Is there at least one conclusion for each
  hypothesis/objective/question?
• How do your conclusions compare to previous
  research?
• What practical meanings (implications) do your
  findings have? So what?
• Do you have recommendations for both
  practitioners and researchers?

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Format Style

• Format and writing style APA format scholarly,
  clear communications
• Content organization around variables
• Layout organization around objectives
• Citations cite appropriately
• Typing/proofing get a 2nd reader (not your
  advisor)
• Appendices include everything you used in the
  study
• Tables figures clean simple, APA format