01 Mar When you think of gaining knowledge on a topic in order to make an informed decision in social work, why might it be more appropriate to turn to a research article published in a reputab

PEER-REVIEWED RESEARCH ARTICLES

When you think of gaining knowledge on a topic in order to make an informed decision in social work, why might it be more appropriate to turn to a research article published in a reputable journal than something on the Internet? The answer relates to who evaluates the accuracy of the information and what level of accountability there is in ensuring that it is up-to-date, reliable, and valid.

As a social work graduate student, scholar, and emerging researcher, you are asked to base your writings on peer-reviewed research articles. In this Discussion, you explore what peer review means and how a research article differs from other types of writing.

RESOURCES

Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity. Click the weekly resources link to access the resources. 

WEEKLY RESOURCES

TO PREPARE:

· Review the Learning Resources on peer-reviewed research and on APA Style.

· Skim the example peer-reviewed research article, making note of the content and language used, and how it compares to the editorial, blog, and website provided on a similar topic.

BY DAY 3

Post a description of peer review and its importance. Specifically, what makes an article peer reviewed? What is the importance of peer review in the research process and in social work practice? Finally, how does the content and language of a peer-reviewed research article compare to other forms of writing?

BY DAY 6

Respond to two colleagues by respectfully agreeing or disagreeing with their description of peer reviewed research or its comparison to other forms of writing. Also address what role APA Style plays in a peer-reviewed research article. 

Peer-Reviewed Research

· Kelly, J., Sadeghieh, T., & Adeli, K. (2014). Peer review in scientific publications: Benefits, critiques, & a survival guide.  EJIFCC, 25(3), 227–243. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4975196/

· Read “What Is Peer Review and What Is Its Purpose?” and “Impact of the Peer Review Process.”

· Walden University Library. (n.d.).  Verify peer review Links to an external site. . https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library/verifypeerreview

Example Peer-Reviewed Research Article:

· Holder, C. L., Perez-Gilbe, H. R., Fajardo, F. J., Garcia, S., & Cyrus, E. (2019).  Disparities of HIV risk and PrEP use among transgender women of color in South FloridaLinks to an external site. .  Journal of the National Medical Association, 111(6), 625–632. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnma.2019.08.001

Examples of Other Writing on a Similar Topic:

· Editorial:  Reyes, R. A. (2015).  Transgender Latinos fight for equality Links to an external site. . NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/transgender-latinos-fight-equality-n420316.

· Blog: UnidosUS. (2014, October 7).  Report sheds light on struggles of Latino transgender community Links to an external site. . https://blog.unidosus.org/2014/10/7/report-sheds-light-struggles-latino-transgender-community

· Website:  League of United Latin American Citizens. (n.d.).  Latino transgender discrimination preventionLinks to an external site. . https://lulac.org/programs/latino_transgender_discrimination_prevention

Searching for and Reading Research Articles

· Walden University Library. (n.d.).  Subject research: Social workLinks to an external site. . https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library/subject/socialwork

· Wentworth, H. (2020, June 29).  Reading a research article assigned as courseworkLinks to an external site. . The Savvy Student. https://waldenacademicskills.wordpress.com/2020/06/29/reading-a-research-article-assigned-as-coursework/

· Document:  Search Worksheet  Download Search Worksheet (Word document)