Evaluating Primary Research Articles

iterature 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?

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