Getting Started

This week’s reading focuses on the analysis aspect of research when critiquing articles. While you have been identifying articles each week, you have examined various elements that ultimately culminate in the analysis phase. Researchers analyze so they can draw conclusions and report findings of their research. The critical thinking exercises you have been completing along with these writing exercises are ideal companions to prepare you for your own research and your culminating project, the ADP. You will want to consider the variables that interest you as you continue searching for and selecting articles that may support your own studies. Either way, analysis is a critical step in the research process and this assignment will further propel you and your success.

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

• Analyze and brainstorm variables in the methods section of journal articles.

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade. 
2. Read Chapter 7 of How to Critique Journal Articles in the Social Sciences.
3. Follow the instructions for Exercise 7.2 on page 81 and write a 300 – 400 word response explaining your findings of the article searches, locations, and contents.  Remember to consider the questions listed in the text as you craft your response. 
4. Because this is a writing exercise, focus on generating clear ideas rather than a formal, structured response. 
5. Use APA format for all in-text citations and references and Grammarly to ensure your submission is free of writing errors. 
6. Post your initial response by the end of day 4 of the workshop. Please link to your article in your initial post.
7. Read and respond to at least two of your classmates’ postings, as well as any follow-up instructor questions directed at you, by the end of the workshop. 
8. Your postings are interactions with your classmates and instructor that should facilitate engaging dialogue and provide evidence of critical thinking. For this discussion, focus on the following:
   1. Extension: Expand the discussion.
   2. Challenge: Interrogate assumptions, conclusions or interpretations.
   3. Relational: Make comparisons or contrasts of themes, ideas, or issues.
   4. Clarification: Provide clarification to classmates' questions and provide insight into the discussion

400 words , APA 7 e 

Review the associated rubric

 10 points

Thoroughly addresses the prompt(s).

Clearly demonstrates understanding of relevant course concepts using course materials and additional resources (with citations and references).

Provides clear evidence of critical thinking.

 10 points

Demonstrates critical thinking through quality interaction with at least two classmates by directly commenting on their ideas and making connections to relevant content.

Advances the discussion by introducing new ideas, asking clarifying questions, and synthesizing concepts.

 10 points

Written communication is easy to read and understand. Communicates clearly through the effective control of grammar and spelling.