Posted: October 5th, 2016

what are the strengths and limitations of this study? Does this study make a significant contribution to the literature and advance the knowledge base? Why or why not?

Worksheet: Evaluating Primary Research Articles
For basic theoretical research, a research problem is identified through a close examination of the literature in the discipline. Examining the existing literature can reveal gaps where the knowledge is lacking. After determining where the knowledge is lacking, health professionals are then better situated to answer the following question: What issue or problem still needs to be addressed as evidenced by the gap in the literature?
Understanding how to evaluate a research study such as those published in the peer- reviewed literature is crucial for health educators and public health practitioners. Evaluation of a study requires examining the major components of the study for clarity, validity, and scientific rigor.
The following questions are essential for an effective analysis of a study: Was the problem under study clearly stated? What are the primary and secondary research questions? Was the appropriate methodology chosen given the research questions? How were data collected and analyzed? How were findings reported and interpreted?
For this week’s Assignment, refer to the Course Announcements area to determine which article your Instructor has assigned for this quarter. Use the same article assigned by the instructor that you used for this week’s discussion.
Carefully read the article selected by your Instructor. Using the Week 3 Research Study Analysis Worksheet document located in this week’s Learning Resources, answer each question in Part I of the worksheet. In Part II of the worksheet, provide a brief critical analysis summary of the study, including major findings and conclusions based on your answers in Part I.
Part I: Components of the Study
Topics include but are not limited to the following:
Problem
Primary research question or purpose of the study
Research hypothesis or anticipated outcome
Methodology
Sources
Independent and dependent variables
Population of interest
Study sample
Data-gathering instruments
Study procedures
Part II: Brief Critical Analysis Summary
Major findings and conclusions:
Provide a brief (200 words) critical review of the article or study based on your responses to the questions in the worksheet.
In your opinion, what are the strengths and limitations of this study? Does this study make a significant contribution to the literature and advance the knowledge base? Why or why not?