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Essay Instructions: Research Article Critique:

Using the quantitative or qualitative research study from a peer-reviewed nursing journal that your facilitator approved in Week Three, prepare and submit a 1,050 – 1,400 word, APA formatted paper that includes a critique of the research article using the following criteria:
For Qualitative Research Articles:
1) Standard 1: Descriptive Vividness
2) Standard 2: Methodological Congruence
3) Standard 3: Analytical and Interpretative Preciseness
4) Standard 4: Philosophical and Theoretical Connectedness
5) Standard 5: Heuristic Relevance
Mechanics - 3 points possible Points Earned
The paper, including the title page, reference page, tables, and/or appendices, follows APA guidelines for format as directed by the instructor. (No abstract needed)
Citations of original works within the paper follow APA guidelines.
The paper is laid out with effective use of headings, font styles, and white space.
Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed.
Sentences are complete, clear, concise, and varied.
Spelling is correct.
Organization/Development - 2 points possible Points Earned
The paper has a structure that is clear, logical, and easy to follow
The paper is directed toward the appropriate audience, and the tone is appropriate to the content and assignment.
The introduction provides sufficient background on the topic and previews major points.
The conclusion is logical, flows from the body of the paper, and reviews the major points.
Transitions between sections aid in maintaining the flow of thought.
The content is comprehensive and accurate.

Here is the article to use for the Research Article Critique:

Johansson, D. M., Alexsson, B., & Danielson, E. (2006). Living with incurable cancer at the end of life: Patients' perceptions on quality of life. Cancer Nursing, 29(5), 391-399. Retrieved January 24, 2007 from Journals@Ovid database.











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Essay Instructions: Research Article Critiques

A research critique is a critical estimate, value, or judgment regarding general or key features of a research report. A research critique involves careful, systematic, and critical analysis of the research report according to specified criteria. Consequently a research critique "encompasses a descriptive account of what has been studied..." and focuses upon "making...judgments]" [or, evaluations] about the [research] proposal's [or research report's] scientific merits and ultimate worth" (Wilson, 1993, p. 269). Therefore a research critique is a judicious appraisal of a research study's strengths, weaknesses, and limitations and, hence, serves two (2) purposes: 1.) to assist the researcher to refine and to improve the process of inquiry, and 2.) to assist the research consumer in deciding how to utilize research findings. To this end, evaluation of assigned research articles critiques is based upon scientific criteria. These criteria must be attached to each completed critique when presented to the instructor for grading. Failure to do so will result in five (5) -point deductions from the numerical grade.

Critique of the Quantitative Research Report
Purpose: The purpose of a research critique is to provide the student with the opportunity to acquire expertise as a consumer of nursing research while refining critical thinking skills through the process of analysis of research articles. This activity is designed to assist the student to objectivity and critically evaluate a research report’s content for scientific merit and application to nursing.

Guidelines: The following is a listing of key elements/components that the researcher should consider in the process of critique of quantitative research. In the process of critique, the reader should consider each element/component since each specific element/component could affect the written report and subsequently affect the reader’s process of analysis. As the analysis is completed, the reader should consider each element/component critically; one should analyze each in the following ways:

* Is the element weak or absent?
* Is the element appropriate?
* Is the element strong?
* What are the suggested improvements for the elements?
* What are the potential impacts on the findings of the particular element?

1. This section addresses areas in the problem statement, identification of need for the study and purpose for the research. The critique should consider the following elements/components* of the research article selected for review:
A. Title
B. Abstract
C. Problem statement
D. Purpose of the study
E. Literature Review
F. Theoretical Framework/Conceptual Framework
G. Hypotheses/Research Questions

H. Research Design/Methods
I. Sample
J. Instrumentation
K. Validity and reliability
L. Data collection procedures
M. Data Analysis
N. Results
O. Discussion of findings
P. Implication, limitations and recommendation

* It is not necessary to address each item in a separate paragraph. It is acceptable to combine several elements into paragraphs when it seems logical to do so.

2. The critique should be concluded with a summative evaluation. The reader should comment on the article’s strength and weaknesses. The critique should conclude with overall comments about the article. This constitutes the readers personal reaction to the article.

Format: This critique should be presented as a scholarly paper. It should be type written and should follow the guidelines specified by American Psychological Association (APA) in the Publication Manual (5th edition) for the presentation of a paper of this nature. It is expected that this paper will follow conventional guidelines related to English usage (i.e., spelling, grammar, sentence structure) and other stylistic considerations. The mechanics involved in presenting this paper are part of the evaluation process. Additionally. the article that has been critiqued should be attached.

Evaluation: This assignment will be evaluated in the following manner.
1. Elements of the Article (60%)
a. Title, Abstract, Problem Statement (10 pts): 1 2 3 4 5 X 2 =

b. Literature Review, Theoretical Framework (10 pts):

1 2 3 4 5 X 2 =

c. Hypotheses/Research Questions, Research Design, Sample (10 pts)
1 2 3 4 5 X 2 =

d. Instrumentation, Validity and reliability, Data collection procedures, and data analysis. (10 pts) 1 2 3 4 5 X 2 =

e. Results, Discussion of findings. (10 pts) 1 2 3 4 5 X 2 =

f. Implications, limitations, and recommendations (10 pts)
1 2 3 4 5 X 2 =

2. Personal Reaction (10 pts):
Summative evaluation, strengths and weaknesses, overall comments. Clearly stated as to what is the needed next step. Implications for nursing practice and nursing knowledge development identified.
1 2 3 4 5 X 2 =

3. Mechanics (30%)
a. English usage (25 pts): written in past tense and 3rd person, preferably gender neutral. Correct spelling, grammar, capitalization, punctuation, sentence structure, and paragraph construction; absence of run-on sentences, compounded ideas.
1 2 3 4 5 X 5 =

b. Appearance (5 pts): neatly typed; errors corrected neatly; 1 inch margins; APA format for references, documentation, and style.
1 2 3 4 5 X 1 =

Critique of the Qualitative Research Report
Purpose: The purpose of a research critique is to provide the student with the opportunity to acquire expertise as a consumer of nursing research while refining critical thinking skills through the process of analysis of research articles. This activity is designed to assist the student to objectivity and critically evaluate a research report’s content for scientific merit and application to nursing.

Guidelines: The following is a listing of key elements/components that the researcher should consider in the process of critique of qualitative research. In the process of critique, the reader should consider each element/component since each specific element/component could affect the written report and subsequently affect the reader’s process of analysis. As the analysis is completed, the reader should consider each element/component critically; one should analyze each in the following ways:
* Is the element weak or absent?
* Is the element appropriate?
* Is the element strong?
* What are the suggested improvements for the elements?
* What are the potential impacts on the findings of the particular element?

1. This section addresses areas in the problem statement, identification of need for the study and purpose for the research. The critique should consider the following elements/components* of the research article selected for review:
A. Title
B. Abstract
C. Problem for study/Problem statement
D. Purpose of the study
E. Sample
F. Measures to capture data
G. Procedures for data collection:
1. method (e.g. ethnography)
2. time/length of study
3. subject involvement
J. Procedures for data gathering:
1. researcher’s feelings
2. researcher-subject relationship
3. checking for bias
4. organizing/categorizing/summarizing
N. Results of data gathered
O. Discussion for the use of findings/Conclusions
P. Suggestions for use of findings
Q. Style/organization

* It is not necessary to address each item in a separate paragraph. It is acceptable to combine several elements into paragraphs when it seems logical to do so.

2. The critique should be concluded with a summative evaluation. The reader should comment on the article’s strength and weaknesses. The critique should conclude with overall comments about the article. This constitutes the readers personal reaction to the article.

Format: This critique should be presented as a scholarly paper. It should be type written and should follow the guidelines specified by American Psychological Association (APA) in the Publication Manual (5th edition) for the presentation of a paper of this nature. It is expected that this paper will follow conventional guidelines related to English usage (i.e., spelling, grammar, sentence structure) and other stylistic considerations. The mechanics involved in presenting this paper are part of the evaluation process. Additionally, the article that has been critiqued should be attached.

Evaluation: This assignment will be evaluated in the following manner.
1. Elements of the Article (60%)

a. Title, Abstract, Problem for study/Problem Statement (15 pts):
1 2 3 4 5 X 3 =

b. Purpose, Sample, Measures to capture data (15 pts):
1 2 3 4 5 X 3 =

c. Procedures for data collection/Method, Procedures for data gathering (15 pts)
1 2 3 4 5 X 3 =

d. Results of data gathered/Findings. Discussion for use of findings/Conclusions, Suggestions for use of findings (15 pts)
1 2 3 4 5 X 3 =

2. Personal Reaction (10 pts):
Summative evaluation, strengths and weaknesses, overall comments. Clearly stated as to what is the needed next step. Implications for nursing practice and nursing knowledge development identified.
1 2 3 4 5 X 2 =

3. Mechanics (30%)
a. English usage (20 pts): written in past tense and 3rd person, preferably gender neutral. Correct spelling, grammar, capitalization, punctuation, sentence structure, and paragraph construction. Absence of run-on sentences, compounded ideas. 1 2 3 4 5 X 5 =

b. Appearance (10 pts): neatly typed; errors corrected neatly; 1 inch margins; APA format for references, documentation, and style.
1 2 3 4 5 X 2 =






Critique Guidelines



Title
1. Does the title clearly and concisely describe the study?
2. Are the variables included in the title?
3. Is the population/sample included in the title?
4. Is the length of the title appropriate?
Abstract
1. Is an abstract included in the article?
2. Does the abstract include a statement of the problem, purpose, and/or hypotheses?
3. Does the abstract briefly summarize design, methodology, results, and conclusions?
4. Is the abstract adequate - why or why not?
Confidence in the Findings of the Report
1. What are the qualifications and reputation of the investigator(s)?
2. What evidence is there in this report that they are qualified to conduct this study?
3. What other articles have the authors published in this area of research?
4. Is this article published in a refereed journal?
5. What are the dates of submission of the report and the publication of the report?
Section 1: Theoretical/Conceptual Framework:
1. Is a conceptual framework described? If not, does the absence detract from the significance of the research?
2. Are the concepts to be studied identified and defined?
3. Are measures for each of the concepts identified and described?
4. Does the research problem flow naturally from the conceptual framework?

Section 2: Protection of Human Rights:
1. Is there evidence of an independent ethics review by a board or a committee?
2. Has the study been designed to minimize risk and maximize benefits to participants?
3. Is there an indication that participants gave voluntary, informed consent?
4. Is there evidence in the study that individuals can be identified?



Section 3: The Problem:
1. Was problem statement introduced promptly?
2. Is the problem significant to nursing and is the significance described?
3. Has the purpose for conducting the research been explained?
4. What are the research variables and how are they measured/operationalized?
5. Will an answer to the problem provide insight into clinical applicability of the problem?
Section 4: Research Questions/Hypotheses:
1. Are research questions or hypotheses formally stated? If no, should they be included?
2. Do the research questions and hypotheses naturally flow from the research problem and theoretical framework?
3. Does each a research question or hypothesis contains at least two variables?
4. Are the research questions or hypotheses worded clearly and objectively? Is a prediction evident?
Section 5: Review of the Literature:
1. Is the review comprehensive, logical and relevant to the problem?
2. Is the relationship to the research purpose evident?
3. Does it include recent research and theoretical work?
4. Can a case be made for conducting this study based on the review?
Section 6: Research Design:
1. What design has been used for the study?
2. Is the design appropriate for the research question and purpose of research?
3. Has enough information been given to permit replication?
Section 7: Sampling:
1. Is the target population carefully described?
2. Are sample selection procedures clearly defined?
3. Does the sampling method fit the research design?
4. Are potential sample biases described?
5. Is the sample sufficiently large?
6. Did the authors use power analysis to document that the study size was adequate or inadequate?
7. How was sample size justified?
8. To whom can study results be generalized?

Section 8: Data Collection:
1. Describe the instruments used for data collection.
2. Has rationale been given for the selection of instruments?
3. Are instruments congruent with the research question?
4. Are instruments suitable for use with the study sample?
5. Have procedures for testing the reliability and validity of instruments been described? Are results sufficient to indicate their use?
Section 9: Quantitative Analysis:
1. Do the research design and the study question fit with the analysis methods used?
2. Does the level of measurement of the data fit with the type of statistics used?
3. Is the link between the analysis and the findings logical and clear?
4. Is the statistical result presented clearly both in the text as well as in numerical presentation?
5. Are graphic displays clear, simple, and accurate?
Section 10: Conclusions and Recommendations:
1. What are the assumptions and limitations of the study? Are they listed or do you have to infer what they are?
2. Are results of data analysis clearly explained in reference to research questions, hypotheses and theoretical framework?
3. Has there been appropriate generalization of significant findings beyond the study sample to the population?
4. What recommendations for nursing practice and future research studies have been made? Are these recommendations supported by the data?

I will email the Nursing journal article. thank you.



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Essay Instructions: Research Article Summary (100 points)

By completing this project, students will demonstrate proficiency with the following common course objectives:

1. Critically analyze and apply data derived from psychological research on human development, with both human and animal participants in evaluating alternatives and making personal and workplace decisions.

2. Analyze, and evaluate information on human development found in film, television, radio, print, and information technology resources.

3. Apply concepts concerning human development to one’s own experiences, the workplace, and a culturally diverse community.

4. Communicate the understanding of human development concepts in written, oral, and/or signed format.

5. Describe the relevance of ethnicity, gender, religion, age and race to understanding differences in such areas of human development as parenting styles, sexual expression, relationship patterns, treatment of infants and later adults, gender roles, and other topic areas.

6. Demonstrate knowledge of informational technology tools for accessing interpreting and expressing knowledge of developmental psychology in a rapidly changing world.
Assignment Directions:
Students must choose either one of the articles from the listing provided, or a scientific article of your choice. After a selection has been made and the article has been located using the college’s library database, students are to write a multi-paragraph summary based on the different parts of the article (see below for more detailed information).
Papers should include individual paragraphs based on the following headings:
Introduction- An introductory paragraph introduces the reader to the topic of your paper and states the thesis of the research. For the purpose of this assignment, the introductory paragraph should describe the research topic presented within the selected article as well as the main points discussed throughout the article.
Rationale- Trace the logical reasons for this research based upon the findings of previous research. In other words, what prior findings discussed in the selected article led the researchers to the current experiment? For example, if researchers wanted to do a study about a new medication to be given to children, then part of the rationale (e.g. reasoning) might be that no one has researched the medication on children before. Another possibility could be that the medications currently used with children have been found to have serious side effects.
Methods- Describe the subjects, procedures, and measurement tools used in the study.
Results- What were the findings of the researchers? Although you are not expected to interpret advanced statistics, it is reasonable that you understand the summative statements in the section.
Discussion/Conclusion- What does the experimental evidence add to the existing knowledge? How did the authors critique their own research?
Critical Thinking- In what ways do the research findings fit with the content you have learned in Human Growth and Development? How might the evidence impact people during their lives? How does this research apply to diversity (e.g., age, gender, race, ethnicity, and/or religion)?
Papers should include a reference page with the article citation.
Your paper should be written in American Psychological Association (APA) format. It is not necessary to write an abstract for this assignment. You may access the APA Style for College Papers at http://www.docstyles.com/apacrib.htm.
Reminders:
Be sure that your paper includes at least six paragraphs identifying each of the research elements noted above.
Remember the rules for quotation and citation!
You may not use quotes for more than 30% of your paper.
Please spell and grammar check your papers.
Proofread your paper to insure your sentences make sense.
Choose one (1) article from this list or another scientific article of your choice:
(All of the articles are retrievable from the CCBC Library Electronic Journal Database. You will need your student ID and password to access the database).
Prenatal Development

Prenatal alcohol exposure, birthweight, and measures of child size from birth
to age 14 years Sampson, Paul D, Bookstein, Fred L, Barr, Helen M, Streissguth, Ann P.
American Journal of Public Health. Washington:Sep 1994. Vol. 84, Iss. 9, p. 1421-8 (8 pp.)
Infancy

Perinatal Outcomes for Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Other Pacific Islander Mothers of Single and Multiple Race/Ethnicity: California and Hawaii, 2003-2005. Schempf, A., Mendola, P., Hamilton, B., Hayes, D., & Makuc, D.. (2010). American Journal of Public Health, Volume 100, Iss. 5, pg. 877-887.
Early Childhood

Infant and Early Childhood Exposure to Adult-Directed and Child-Directed Television Programming: Relations with Cognitive Skills at Age Four. Barr, Lauricella, Zack, & Calvert. (2010). Merrill - Palmer Quarterly, Vol 56 Issue 1, pp 21-48.
Middle Childhood

Five-year predictive validity of DSM-IV conduct disorder research diagnosis in 4½-5-year-old children. Kim-Cohen, Arseneault, Newcombe, Adams, Bolton, Cant, Delgado, Freeman, Golaszewski, Kelesidi, Matthews, Mountain, Oxley, Watson, Werts, Caspi, & Moffitt, (2009). European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Volume 18, Issue 5, pp. 284-91.
Adolescence

Ethnic Differences in Delays to Treatment for Substance Use Disorders: African Americans, Black Caribbeans and Non-Hispanic Whites. Perron, Alexander-Eitzman, Watkins, Taylor, Baser, Neighbors, & Jackson. (2009). Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, Volume 41 Issue 4, pp. 369-77.
Young Adulthood

Racial Discrimination and Racial Identity as Risk or Protective Factors for
Violent Behaviors in African American Young Adults Cleopatra Howard Caldwell, Laura P. Kohn-Wood, Karen H. Schmeelk-Cone, Tabbye M. Chavous, Marc A. Zimmerman. American Journal of Community Psychology. New York:Mar 2004. Vol. 33, Iss. 1-2, p. 91-105
Middle Adulthood

Girls experiencing sexual intercourse early: Could it play a part in
reproductive health in middle adulthood? Chris Magnusson, Kari Trost. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology. Utrecht:Dec 2006. Vol. 27, Iss. 4, p. 237-44 (8 pp.)
Late Adulthood

Toward understanding age-related memory loss in late adulthood Mary A Luszcz, Janet Bryan. Gerontology. Basel:Jan/Feb 1999. Vol. 45, Iss. 1, p. 2-9 (8 pp.)
You can find these articles by going to CCBC library webpage:

http://www.ccbcmd.edu/library/index.html

Ø Then click on Find:

http://library.ccbcmd.edu/screens/databases.html

Ø Chose Psychology databases:

http://library.ccbcmd.edu/screens/databases.html#psychology

Ø From there you can find the full text of the article that you want to summarize.

Essay Instructions: Research Article Review Paper:
-Find one professional journal article related to psychology.
-This must be a scholarly, professional journal.
-Popular media such as Psychology Today, new websites, blogs or Wikipedia are not permitted.
-Summarize the content of the article in two pages.
-End the paper with 3 ideas(related to gen. psychology) the article inspired.
-This paper should have an APA (American Psychological Association) formatting style cover page.