A critique is an essential tool for analyzing and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of a written or oral piece. It allows the reader to gain insights into the author’s claims and assess the research methods employed while identifying the pros and cons of the outcomes. This assignment requires the student to perform a critique on a research article that addresses contemporary health issues. The paper should be a minimum of five pages, excluding the title page and references, and must adhere strictly to APA guidelines.
The introduction of the paper should provide an overview of the author’s research problem, research questions, and main point, along with an evaluation of how the author supports their argument. Moreover, it is crucial to explain the author’s initial objectives (hypothesis) and the results obtained, including the process employed to arrive at the conclusion.
The next section involves evaluating the research methods employed by the author. In paragraph form, the following questions need to be answered:
– Does the author provide a literature review? A literature review is vital for establishing the existing knowledge on the subject and contextualizing the author’s research within the broader academic landscape.
– Is the research current and relevant to today’s existing health issues? Assessing the timeliness and relevance of the research is critical to determine its significance and potential impact.
– Describe the research type utilized. Identify whether the research is experimental, non-experimental, quasi-experimental, or falls into another category. This classification helps assess the strength of the research design and the validity of the findings.
– Evaluate the sample. Assess the sample size, composition, and selection process in relation to the purpose of the study. Determine if the sample was appropriate for the research and if any bias was present.
– Consider the practicality of the work. Evaluate how feasible or applicable the research seems to you. Examine how the author suggests the research results could be applied and provide your own thoughts on how they could be applied.
– Can the study be improved? Offer suggestions on how the study could have been enhanced or made more robust.
– Is the writing in the article clear and straightforward? Assess the clarity and coherence of the author’s writing style, as it influences the overall effectiveness of the paper.
– Can further research be conducted on this subject? Provide an analysis of whether there is scope for additional research in this area and explain your reasoning.
In the conclusion, synthesize the key points of your critique and emphasize your own main arguments about the author’s work. Relate the researcher’s findings to your own knowledge or to topics discussed in your course to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the subject.
Finally, ensure to include a reference page formatted according to APA style guidelines, as indicated in the provided rubric.
The rubric provided (attached separately) outlines the criteria by which the assignment will be graded, serving as a guidance for meeting the expectations and requirements outlined in this brief.