Journal Article Analysis (Outline & Summary Instructions):

NOTE: The article must be no more than 5 years old (2009-present) and approved by me.

Students are to read, summarize and analyze a research article that investigates one of the topics discussed in class. The grade is determined by the quality of the written report.

It should be 2-4 pages (TYPED) using APA style format. Below is an outline of how you should critique the article.

NOTE: You must use the subheadings below when answering each section. The following areas must be addressed:

SUBHEADINGS---REQUIRED :

• Title of the article and journal reference/date.

• The abstract or purpose of the study (research question and hypothesis)

• Brief summary of past research (from the literature review) which provides the rationale for the research question/methodology.

• Summary of the methodology by addressing the following. What method of data collection was used? What developmental research design was used?

Determine if it is experimental or correlational by addressing each of the following: what are the independent and dependent variables; was the independent variable manipulated; was there random assignment; was there experimental control; is there a correlation coefficient?

What is the sample and population?

• Major findings of the study.

• Limitations of the study.

• Discuss how credible is the source of information based on the media/journal chosen.

• Implications of the findings presented in the article and how effectively they may be applied to personal, social and-related issues.