Article Analysis Worksheet
To conduct a search of the literature, you must identify key words to enter into a search database, such as a Social Work Abstracts or PsychInfo. This document will help you analyze empirical research articles on your chosen topic.
Basic Elements Criteria for Evaluating the Basic Elements Notes
Empirical Research Article
1 Is the article from an academic journal that presents a quantitative or qualitative study related to the topic
2 Cite the article read Use APA style: Author.(Date).Title.Source.
Introduction
1 What was the purpose of this study
2 What is the problem statement or hypothesis
3 What are the independent and dependent variables
4 Relevant to social work
5 Develops or tests a theory
6 Is there more than one possible answer to the question addressed
Literature Review
1 How many articles were reviewed At least four to five major sources, and reference to classic works on this topic
2 What were the articles’ publication sources Preferably academic journals and books written by academics, or historical documents
3 Time frame for articles cited Most articles published within five years of the literature review article’s publication date
4 Time frame for articles cited Most articles published within five years of the literature review article’s publication date
5 How were the articles reviewed related to this study Had a same or similar research hypothesis or focus for the study, participants and setting, data collection and analysis methods.
Problem Statement
1 What was the research hypothesis or focus of the study Clearly stated, consistent with purpose of the study, and had a credible relationship between variables.
2 What were the variables that the study measured or observed that lead to changes in other variables
(Independent (IV) or “cause” variables) Observable (by researcher or others), measurable (by indicators and dimensions), specific (categorized, limited, named)
3 What were the variables that the study measured or observed that were changed or influenced
(dependent (DV) or “effect” variables) Observable (by researcher or others), measurable (by indicators and dimensions), specific (categorized, limited, named)
Research Design
1 Was the study exploratory, descriptive, explanatory or evaluative Type specified, appropriate to the topic, appropriately related to previous studies.
2 How did the researchers select participants Population and sampling frame specified, participation selection method appropriate, number of participants (and groups) explained.
3 What was the diversity of the participants Identify the diversity of the sample (age, gender, race, location, etc.)
4 What methods did the researchers use to measure or observe the variables Tools were appropriate to the purpose of the study, valid and reliable.
5 What ethical considerations were addressed in this design Anonymity, confidentiality, informed consent. Do the benefits outweigh the risk
Data Collection
1 What was the social setting or data source used in the study Specified, appropriate to the topic, and appropriately related to previous studies
2 What was the data collection procedure used in the study Specified, appropriate, effective
Data Analysis
1 What data analysis method was used Clearly specified, appropriate, effective
2 How generalizable were the findings Specified, limitations stated.
Findings
1 What were the significant findings How does this research inform social work practice
2 What were the strengths and limitations of the study Clearly identified to guide future research.
For a custom paper on the above topic or any other topic, place your order now!
What Awaits you:
- On-time delivery guarantee
- Masters and PhD-level writers
- Automatic plagiarism check
- 100% Privacy and Confidentiality
- High Quality custom-written papers