Research Evaluation Activity and Paper Assignment

Abstract

This in-class activity allows students to apply the methodological knowledge they have learned thus far in class to critiquing and evaluating existing research. This activity is used to prepare students for a series of paper assignments assigned throughout the semester. Through this series of research evaluation papers, students apply the methodological...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Research Methods

Resource Type(s):

Assignment, Class Activity

Class Level(s):

College 200

Class Size(s):

Any

Usage Notes

I include citations for all research discussed in this assignment below in the references section. Before the first paper is assigned, we practice research evaluation in class. Students read a paper, or a series of papers, and then in class I give them a series of questions about the methods to facilitate group discussion. Each group offers an oral...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Students are able to discuss what methodological practices the researcher(s) did well and where there were methodological problems or concerns.
2. Students can apply class concepts in their analysis of the methodology.
3. Students can offer alternative ways the research study could be redesigned to alleviate the problematic methods.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Students use class content or terms to explain what the researcher did well and what they did poorly in their research using specific examples from the article.
2. Students use concepts or terms from the course, backed up with an example from the research, or explain their concern about the researcher’s methods, or the fact that they did not adhere to certain research practices.
3. After explaining their methodological concerns with the research, students can articulate different methods or practices the researcher could use to conduct their research without methodological or ethical concerns.