PART1: THE RESEARCH TOPIC (2.25/3 pts)
++ 1. Research topic described. Discuss: Is research topic fully stated? Anything missing?
++ 2. Discuss the purpose of the study: Is it clear why they are doing the study?
0 3. Discuss whether the topic is related to oppressed and vulnerable populations. Why/why not?
PART 2: THE LITERATURE REVIEW (5.5 /6 pts)
++ 1. How many references are cited? Reasonable number?
++ 2. Discuss: references fairly recent (except seminal/classic)?
- 3. Describe and summarize every key topic in the literature review!
- 4. Discuss: does literature review fully justify reasons for study?
- 5. What (if any) varying viewpoints are presented?
PART 3: Method THE SAMPLE (2 /3 PTS)
++ 1. What sampling approach was used (probability/non-probability)? Which specific strategy?
0 2. Fully describe the sampling PROCEDURE how did they find them?
- 3. Clearly describe the population and the sample
- 4. Discuss sample diversity
0 5. Discuss generalizability
PART 3: Method DATA COLLECTION ( 1/4 PTS)
++ 1. Describe data collection approach.
0 2. Discuss specific data collection procedures.
0 3. Is the data collection approach appropriate? If so, why? If not, what different approach would be better, and why?
na 4. For quantitative studies: describe how the variables were defined and measured
0 5. For qualitative studies: describe how questions were developed
PART 3: Method OTHER CONTENT (0 /2 PTS )
0 1. Ethical issues – mentioned? (resolved?) Discuss ethical issues not mentioned
0 2. Is there mention of informed consent? How discussed?
PART 4: ANALYZING THE DATA ( /2 pts)
Fully describe specific data analysis strategies
How are validity and reliability addressed? (for quantitative OR qualitative article)
PART 5: THE FINDINGS & DISCUSSION ( /6 pts)
1. Major findings discussed, including main themes.
2. Discuss: Understandability of the findings and recommendations
3. Discussion of tables (if present)
4. Implication for Practice: What were the primary recommendations and needed changes suggested for practice?
5. Discuss how a practicing social worker can use the findings.
6. Discuss limitations in the article. What other limitations do you see that were not reported in the study?
7. Your general impressions of the study.