PSYC 525 ARTICLE CRITIQUE ASSIGNMENT
PSYC 525 ARTICLE CRITIQUE ASSIGNMENT
Article Critique Instructions
Description: This assignment requires you to critique a piece of published empirical literature in developmental psychology.
Purpose: Since peer-reviewed empirical research is the backbone of developmental psychology, graduate students must become familiar with how to evaluate such research, so that they can consume and disseminate the research appropriately. This assignment will allow you to practice critiquing empirical research.
PSYC 525 ARTICLE CRITIQUE ASSIGNMENT Details:
- Select an empirical article published in the field of developmental psychology within the last 3 years.
- Read the article thoroughly, paying close attention to research questions and/or hypotheses, the method, results, and interpretations of the author.
- Write the critique (see format below).
- The instructor will not proofread papers, but it is acceptable for a friend to proofread for clarity, grammar, and spelling. In addition, the can help with overall writing and flow.
PSYC 525 ARTICLE CRITIQUE ASSIGNMENTFormat:
- Include a title page, abstract, references page, and 4 pages of critique.
- Use Times New Roman 12-point font, double spacing, and 1” margins.
- B egin with a short introductory paragraph that summarizes the purpose of the research, including the research questions/hypotheses. In 2–3 sentences, explain the overall method, results, and conclusions.
- Next, provide your critique of the article, noting strengths and weaknesses in the following areas:
- Research questions/hypotheses
- Research methodology including design, measures (think about different types of validity, reliability), participants (think about generalizability), procedures, ethics, etc.
- Results including analyses, clarity of findings, tables/graphs/figures.
- Discussion including whether the results validate the author’s conclusions/interpretations/recommendations, the major limitations, and what other alternative explanations for the findings might exist.
- End with a conclusion that includes your judgment on the adequacy of the research, given the preceding critique.
- Avoid first and second person pronouns, and be sure to use past tense when describing completed research.
- APA format must be followed.
This assignment is due by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday of Module/Week 2.
PSYC 525 ARTICLE CRITIQUE ASSIGNMENT Article Critique Grading Rubric
| Criteria | Levels of Achievement | |||
| Content 70%
70 points |
Advanced 90-100% (A) | Proficient 70-89% (B-C) | Developing 1-69% (< D) | Not present |
| Content | 63 To 70 points
The paper exceeds content requirements: The critique contains a title page, abstract, references page, and a 4-page body. Introduction The introduction includes a summary of the purpose of research, research questions/hypotheses, overall method, results, and conclusions. Critique – Research Questions/Hypotheses The research questions/hypotheses are appropriate. Methodology The design, measures, participants, procedures, reliability, validity, etc. are appropriate. Results The analyses, findings, tables, graphs, and figures are appropriate. Discussion The conclusions, based on data, limitations, and alternate explanations, are appropriate. Conclusion The research is adequate. |
49 to 62 points
The paper meets content requirements: The critique contains a title page, abstract, references page, and a 4-page body. Introduction The introduction includes a summary of the purpose of research, research questions/hypotheses, overall method, results, and conclusions. Critique – Research Questions/Hypotheses The research questions/hypotheses are appropriate. Methodology The design, measures, participants, procedures, reliability, validity, etc. are appropriate. Results The analyses, findings, tables, graphs, and figures are appropriate. Discussion The conclusions, based on data, limitations, and alternate explanations, are appropriate. Conclusion The research is adequate. |
1 to 48 points
The paper meets some of the content requirements: The critique contains a title page, abstract, references page, and a 4-page body. Introduction The introduction includes a summary of the purpose of research, research questions/hypotheses, overall method, results, and conclusions. Critique – Research Questions/Hypotheses The research questions/hypotheses are appropriate. Methodology The design, measures, participants, procedures, reliability, validity, etc. are appropriate. Results The analyses, findings, tables, graphs, and figures are appropriate. Discussion The conclusions, based on data, limitations, and alternate explanations, are appropriate. Conclusion The research is adequate. |
0 points
Not present. |
| Structure 30%
30 points |
Advanced 90-100% (A) | Proficient 70-89% (B-C) | Developing 1-69% (< D) | Not present |
| Format | 27 to 30 points
The paper exceeds structure requirements: Grammar, spelling, and current APA format are used, including citations, running head, page numbers, headings, etc. The critique is readable and flows well. |
21 to 26 points
The paper meets structure requirements: Grammar, spelling, and current APA format are used, including citations, running head, page numbers, headings, etc. The critique is readable and flows well. |
1 to 20 points
The paper meets most of the structure requirements: Grammar, spelling, and current APA format are used, including citations, running head, page numbers, headings, etc. The critique is readable and flows well. |
0 points
Not present. |
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