Introduction
Observational studies attempt to understand cause-and-effect relationships. However, unlike experiments, the researcher is not able to control (1) how subjects are assigned to groups and/or (2) which treatments each group receives. A study design that randomly assigns participants into an experimental group or a control group. As the study is conducted, the only expected difference between the control and experimental groups in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) is the outcome variable being studied. Randomized controlled trials are considered the gold standard in the hierarchy of research designs for evaluating the efficacy and safety of a treatment intervention.
A critique has 2 purposes: (1) to develop the analytical ability of the person doing the critique in relation to a professional field; and (2) to respond to a professional article orally or in writing for communication with those with like professional interests as in a journal club; response to a paper given before peers; or a response published in a journal.
Assignment
Write a brief critique of the article you chose for Supportive Submission #1, focusing on the abstract and introduction parts of the article.
In your critique, briefly discuss the main point(s) of the article; discuss and critique relevant research methods (qualitative or quantitative) including the research designs used, key features of methods of data collection, steps in the research process, and descriptive statistics utilized in research.
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of research methods used in study and results from the abstract.
Submit an electronic version of the article you are critiquing along with your reflection assignment on blackboard. You can just copy the abstract and introduction parts of the article and paste them below your initial reflection.
Based upon the current chapter readings/lectures, personal experiences, worldview, and media/resources provided, you must comment on the specific reflection prompts provided- reflecting on how they relate to the weekly topic(s) and current society. Posts should be thoughtful, insightful, and 250-500 words. These posts should add significant substance to the conversation and clearly reference (i.e. cite) information from current chapter readings/lectures (please follow current APA guidelines for your in-text citations and references).
Textbook
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc. (US). https://online.vitalsource.com/books/9781506386690