*Refer to Chap 2 (Research Methods) ask yourself the questions of critical thinking as you evaluate the article.
*Address BOTH positives (strengths) and negatives (weaknesses) of the study. Don’t just be a pessimist. The
sky isn’t always dark and gloomy. Also, don’t just be an optimist. The world isn’t just about puppies and
rainbows ;)
Introduction
How understandable did they make the variables they wanted to study?
How well did they explain, reason, and rationalize their theory and hypothesis? What were the
hypothesis/hypotheses of the study?
How well did they describe the importance of their study?
Methods
How representative was their sample to the population?
Did their methods make sense based on the variables they wanted to study?
How well did they measure and operationalize their variables?
Did they use case study, surveys, naturalistic observation, etc.?
Did they take into account the limitations of each of these?
How realistic was their method to real life (Remember though, that no study can perfectly replicate real life… it
is all about how close you can get to it)?
How valid and reliable were their methods?
Results
Don’t worry about understanding the statistics.
How generalizable or applicable were the findings to real life?
Did the researchers make reasonable claims from their study?
Did they over-generalize their claims?
Discussion/Conclusion
All studies have flaws! How well did the researchers address the limitations and weaknesses of their study (at
least 2 limitations need to be discussed)?
How well did the researchers talk about implications of their findings and future directions (at least two
strengths/implications need to be discussed)?
Sample Solution