The Quantitative Research Process
The SLP for this course is to compare and contrast two research studies in the health sciences with a specific focus on the methodology and data analysis used by the researchers.
The purpose of this SLP is to teach the student how data analysis is conducted and to understand the strengths and limitations of various data analysis methods and tools.
The SLP for this course will cover the following steps:
I. Selection of two research studies for evaluation/critique for this course. It is recommended that you find two studies in your area of research interest.
II. Overall review and critique of each selected study
III. Critique and evaluation of the study methodology and data analysis
IV. Discussion of data analysis
V. Discussion of findings and conclusions
Critiquing Research Papers
HOW TO CRITIQUE A JOURNAL ARTICLE www.uis.edu/ctl/writing/documents/jrnlcrtq.pdf
For this Module you are to complete the following tasks:
Identify two research studies for critique and evaluation during this course. It is recommended that you find two studies in your area of research interest.
Prepare a brief summary of each study.
II. Overall review and critique of each selected study
Was the research question and/or hypothesis related to the problem and purpose statement? Explain.
Was there a theory on which the studies were based? Explain your response.
Was the research method (design) used in each study the most effective method to properly answer the research question? Explain.
Was there a representative sample? If not, was this issue appropriately discussed in the study?
Were the groups used in the study equivalent? If not, was this issue appropriately discussed in the study?
Do the measurement instruments adequately measure the study variables? Were the measurement instruments properly validated? Were the measurement instruments reliability?
III. Critique and evaluation of the study methodology and data analysis
Have the researchers minimized the threats to internal validity? Explain.
Did the researchers logically link the research design to the sampling method and the method of analysis for the study's data?
List and appropriately discuss any other design or sampling factors regarding the subject studies that you believe must be discussed and critiqued and/or evaluated.
Was the decision to accept or reject the null hypothesis adequately discussed?
Was the decision to retain or reject the null hypothesis based on a rationale that is common to data analysis?
Was the effect size adequately discussed?
Where the study's basic assumptions described and discussed in the study?
IV. Discussion of data analysis
Did the researchers adequately discuss reliability, sample size (In addition to effect size), Alpha level, and Power?
Briefly present your opinion on the adequacy of the data analysis for your selected studies.
Identify each study's strengths and weaknesses. Briefly discuss each strength or weakness identified.
V. Discussion of findings and conclusions
Did the researchers discuss relate their findings to the study's objective, question(s), and/or hypothesis?
Did the researchers adequately explain the significant and insignificant findings of the study?
Did the researchers base their conclusions on statistically significant and/or clinically significant results?
Did the researchers adequately identify and discuss all of the study's limitations?
Did the researchers make thoughtful recommendations for future studies?