M2: Assignment: Critique of a Research Article

Instructions
Throughout this module, we have examined the foundational tenets of research design. As a budding designer of research in social work, you are learning how to create testable hypotheses, how to determine ways to measure variables, and so forth. But, how do you know that the measures you are using are valid or reliable? How can you identify whether or not someone else’s research measures are valid or reliable?

For this assignment, you will read and critique a research article. Your critique will be a short paper in which you fully address the questions listed below. You will be asked to identify and discuss key components of the study, the researcher behind the study, and the reliability of the study. You will also discuss the ethical considerations taken into account by the researcher.

Be sure that you have read the following article from this module’s assigned readings:

Beckerman, N.L., Auerbach, C., & Blanco, I. (2011). Psychosocial dimensions of SLE: Implications for the health care team Preview the document. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 4, pp. 63-72.
Then, write a critique of the article in which you address the following questions:

1. What was the purpose of the study? Is the phenomenon to be studied clearly articulated and delimited?
2.What was the need or rationale for this particular study?
3.Which purposeful sampling technique was used? What was the sample size? How were people selected to be interviewed or observed?
4.What was the research role assumed by the researcher? What was the persons training and background?
5.What was the design selected?
6.What data collection strategies were used? Were multiple strategies employed?
7.What strategies did the researcher use to minimize potential bias (internal and external validity)?
8.What are the recognized limitations of the study?
9.What ethical consideration was addressed?
10.Did the researcher specify how informed consent, confidentiality, etc. were handled in the field?

Requirements
Submit your critique by the deadline posted on this page.
Your critique should be about three pages in length, double-spaced.
Submit your critique as a Word document.
You will receive 10 points for each question fully addressed for a total of 100 points possible.

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