How to Read a Research Article

Questions

Please complete the following questions on the Appel, Crusius & Gerlach (2015) article based on Rachel Dunifon’s “How to Read a Research Article.”  You may use bullet points for your responses, but please ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors in your responses.

Step 1: The Source

Which journal is the Appel et al. (2015) article found in and is it a peer reviewed journal?

Step 2: The Literature Review

According to the criteria outlined by Dunifon, did Appel et al. (2015) provide an adequate review of the literature?  Please briefly explain your reasoning.

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Step 3: The Research Question

In your own words, summarize the research questions put forth by Appel et al. (2015).

Step 4: Data

Evaluate the quality of the sample description provided by Appel et al. (2015).  Please address the following aspects in your response:

(a) Sample size?

(b) Representativeness?

Step 5: Measures

Did the authors adequately describe the measures used in the study?  Please briefly explain your reasoning.

Step 6: Methods and Results

(a) What type of method was used by Appel et al. (2015)?

(b) In your own words, briefly summarize what they found (i.e. the results of the study).

Step 7: Conclusions

(a) What were the authors’ primary conclusions/interpretations about the study?

(b) Did the authors adequately describe the limitations of the study?