Abstracts & Critiques
Designing a solid research study requires the ability to critically analyze the results of published research. To this end, students are required to read, summarize, and critique two research articles in their field. These articles may be used in the literature review section of the Individual Research Project. In fact, this is highly encouraged.
One abstract & critique needs to be of a Quantitative Research article; the other abstract and critique is to be of a Qualitative Research article. The format of both papers is as follows:
Part 1: Abstract. Review APA, 5th edition for specific guidelines on writing and formatting an abstract.
Part 2: Critique. Address the following items in narrative form, using APA headings. (2-3 pages).
- General
- Title
- Author information
- Source
- Identify article correctly as Quantitative Research or Qualitative Research
- Statement & significance of the problem
- Theoretical background of the study and/or literature review ( Is adequate information provided?)
- Hypothesis(es) or Research Question(s)
- Procedures
- Subjects & how selected
- Materials
- Data collection & analysis
- Results
- Conclusions & implications
- Overall evaluation
- Possibility of Replication
- How it applies to you
- Was article worthy of publication?
Part 3: Copy of Article. Include a legible copy of the article being critiqued.
