The purpose of the Article Critique assignment is to:
• Go through the process of thinking critically about the strengths and weaknesses of a research article.
• Allow you to practice applying your knowledge about research methods.
• Assess your competencies in research method content and critical thinking.
This is the article that your critiquing
1. Gany, F., Bari, S., Gill, P., Loeb, R., & Leng, J. (2015). Step on it! Impact of a workplace New York City taxi driver health intervention to increase necessary health care access. American Journal of Public Health, 105(4), 786-92.
A critique has various definitions, including:
• A critical review or commentary
• A detailed analysis and assessment of something
• A method of disciplined, systematic analysis of a written or oral discourse
• Involves identifying both strengths and faults
The purpose of the Article Critique assignment is to:
• Go through the process of thinking critically about the strengths and weaknesses of a research article.
• Allow you to practice applying your knowledge about research methods.
• Assess your competencies in research method content and critical thinking.
Assignment Directions:
1. Gany, F., Bari, S., Gill, P., Loeb, R., & Leng, J. (2015). Step on it! Impact of a workplace New York City taxi driver health intervention to increase necessary health care access. American Journal of Public Health, 105(4), 786-92.
1) Introduction/Literature Review. Did the author(s) adequately present the topic? Do you have a better understanding of the topic and why it is the focus of the paper? Why or why not? Some points to consider:
• The accuracy and appeal of the title
• The depth (detail) and breadth (overview) of the topic presented in the introduction
• The given rationale for the study’s need
• The age of the references cited
• The author(s) hypothesis
• Any theories presented in support of their research
2) Methods. Do you think the methods listed below were the best suited in answering the study’s research questions? Why or why not? Address the following elements:
• Research design:
• The authors’ explanation for their chosen research design
• Any alternative designs that would be better suited
• Sampling methods:
• Recruitment methods and sampling methods
• Response rate during recruitment,
• The study population (Types of participants, demographics)
• Sample size
• Types of data and data collection methods:
• Ability of the data to answer the research questions
• Adequacy of the data collection methods in ensuring reliable and credible data
• Whether instruments used in data collection were tested for reliability/validity
• Feasibility of data collection methods (is it worth the investment?)
3) Results, discussion and implications. Do you think this study’s findings fill a gap in the knowledge base on this topic? Why or why not. Do you think the study’s findings have relevance for practice and policy in this area? Why or why not. Consider:
• What new knowledge was created because of this study?
• How important do you think this latest information is in terms of its impact on practice and policy?
• Can these results be generalized to the population in question?
• Were results presented in a user-friendly manner (were there tables, graphs, charts, etc.)?
4) Directions for future research. Do you think the directions for future research outlined in the article will help improve on this study and move the field forward with respect to this topic? Why or why not. Consider:
• The specificity of the authors’ recommendations for future research
• The originality of the authors’ recommendations for future research
• Your own ideas for future research
Tips:
• Be sure to explain the reasons for your opinions. You can reference outside sources. (Make sure to use APA format)
• Whenever possible, provide examples from the article to support your conclusions.
• If you find fault in an area of the article, consider an alternative approach that would improve the methods.
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