How to Write a Great Paper - Research Proposal Example

Running Head: Article Critique: Name: University: Running head: Course: Date of Submission: Critique of Article’s title A good research title for an article should be definitive, precise, concise and identify the real purpose of the article in a congruent and informative manner. A research article which is informative as well as congruent gives the reader an overview of the article before reading it in depth (Anthony & Jo Ray McCuen, 2009). The article’s title “The Effects of Computer Supported Problem Based Learning on Students’ Approaches to Learning” is congruent and informative. This is because it gives the reader an overview of the article without having to read it. Reading the article’s title one can easily gauge what the article is talking about since the article’s title is brief and definitive hence a reader can easily point out that the article is all about issues in education and related to computer based learning. Abstract An abstract is a brief summary on what the article is all about and the steps which were involved in doing the research. A good and effective abstract therefore should be brief, comprehensive, comprehensive, concise, specific, accurate in which it correctly reflects the purpose of the article (Charles, 2009). Additionally, it should in length be self-contained in a manner that it actually identifies as all the abbreviations and acronyms used in the research except for units of measurements which cannot be defined (Roger, 2008). In view of this article, it has an abstract which gives in summary what the article is all about. On reading the abstract one can easily identify what the article is about since it contains sufficient information. Critique of article’s Abstract The abstract first and foremost identifies the aim as well as purpose of the research to the reader which is clearly shown from the article’s abstract first sentence “The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of computer supported problem based learning on students’ approaches to learning”. This actually gives the reader a clue of article contents by reading the abstract only. The abstract identifies the research design that was used hence it is clear that it that the research was conducted as pre-test and posttest which was done to achieve the research objectives, though the abstract does not identify the research objectives. The abstract of the article as well identifies in brief the research design approach used and it’s evident that experimental process of study was used which lasted for five weeks. The 78 participants involved in the research are mentioned as well as the data collection instruments used. In the abstract, the author mentions that “the Scale of Approaches to Learning was used as the data collection instrument and this was developed by researcher”. The abstract too identifies the statistical procedures used for data analysis which was paired simple t-test. In summary the article abstract contains sufficient information since it defines research design method used, instruments of collecting data, participants involved, statistical procedures and the findings which are elements of a good abstract (Roger, 2008). Introduction The article has no introduction which actually is one of the weaknesses related to this article. This is because an introduction in any research paper provides comprehensive and inclusive context for author’s arguments hence attracting reader’s attention. A good introduction is very much important in any research paper since it gives the reader an overview of the thesis as well as the article in brief. This is because it introduces the concept of the research to the reader giving a clear mind to the reader on what he or she should expect from the study (Beverly, 2004). Problem of the study is usually stated under introduction hence easier to be identified by the reader. Literature Review Elisabeth (2009) argues that a good literature review establishes hypothetical framework for the author’s area of research. An appropriate literature review therefore, should define key terms and terminologies, identify related studies, models supporting the topic of research as well as establish the area of study (Elisabeth, 2009).In addition, a good literature review should demonstrates the ability of the author to identify relevant information and existing knowledge on the topic of study. A research study done by (Carol & Sharon, 2008), they argue that a good literature review should have the following characteristics; Organization and here the information as well as materials used by the author should flow from general to specific. It should be relevant to the topic of study as well as easy and simple to understand. Thirdly, it should be well written and easy to follow covering the scope as indicated. Lastly, it should be accurate, use current scholarly information in an analytical manner. Moreover, it should be critical and covers intensively existing knowledge on the topic of study. Critique of literature review The article has a literature review which summarizes extensively body of knowledge related to the phenomenon of interest in a manner that the author utilizes various studies done on this topic to establish the significance the study topic. The literature review utilizes current pieces of information related to the topic of study primarily to identify various approaches related to learning. Additionally, the author tries to use current pieces of information as way of trying to put across various concepts as far as effective learning process is concerned. Current pieces of literature review are usually perceived important than older pieces of literature review since they provide the reader with current information as far as studies are concerned in that area. When an author uses current pieces of literature review, it makes the research study more relevant and current giving the reader an urge to read through the article more (Laurel, 2003). Though, this is case older pieces of literature review are very much important in any research study since it gives an overview of older studies done in the area and what was documented as far as the area of study is concerned. Moreover, they have recommendation, conclusions, discussions hence they give an opportunity for one to implement and work on the recommendations proposed to make the research even more accurate by using appropriate literature review study materials. This article uses a combination of older and current literature review primarily as way of laying down foundation of the topic of area hence making the problem more significant as far as education issues are concerned making the literature review more appropriate. Problem of study Is there a stated purpose and clear study aims/hypotheses The article has a clear stated problem statement. Though the author fails to define the problem of the study in the introduction part which is missing, the author states it under the section of problem statement. The author of the article uses the existing literature review to link to the problem statement. From the article it is clear that, the author first of all identifies with the studies done as far as this topic area is concerned before stating the problem statement. The author therefore uses an evidence based approach in defining the problem statement of the study and primarily this approach is usually used to ensure proper relationship between the research problem and the existing studies. Moreover, it gives the reader an overview of what the research is all about. The article’s problem statement is clearly stated hence the reader is able to gauge what is expected from the research. The article has one identifiable aim though it has no stated hypothesis which is a weakness as far as this research study is concerned. To effectively achieve the research objective author supports his problem statement with additional research questions. Research method Experiment research method was used where pre-test and post-test grouped design was implemented to investigate the effects. This was an appropriate choice since the study primarily aimed at finding out the effects of computer supported problem based learning which implies that experiment research was the best in finding out the results. Moreover, it is an investigation study in such cases no other research method can give the best results except for Experiment research method. The research methods section is clear and logically structured. Under the research methods section, the author starts by Research Design, Study Group, Instruments, PBL Implementation, Data analysis, Results interpretation and finally discussion which is usually perceived as an appropriate research method order. The article does not identify any key concepts or variables in the research methods section. In this section, it very hard for the reader to identify any variable since the author fails to mention them though, they are present in the study. The research article mentions the sample size as well as it does specify the sampling and recruitment strategy method used. Sample size From the article the sample population was adequately identified and described as it is evident that 78 pre-service teachers were used in the study who attended Information Technologies in Education II course in their second semesters and of age 21-27 years old. The best sampling design was used to enhance the sample’s representativeness since the total population comprised of 41 male and 37 female which approximately it about 52% male and 48% female. This is clear that purposive sampling was used as only participants of particular category and age bracket were used though, the author does not directly mention to the reader that purposive sampling was used (McBurney & White, 2009). Purposive sampling is usually described as a type of sampling method where the researcher specifically chooses participants who have specific characteristics. The sample size was adequate enough since the participant’s ratio is almost the same, though the sample size could be adequately enough if the sample size comprised of an equally population of women and men. Data collection and Data analysis methods The instruments used for data collection have been clearly identified and explained. From the article, the author used the Learning Approaches Questionnaire (LAQ) to collect data which contained 39 items. Primarily, these questionnaires were developed by the researcher and they were used to measure each student’s approach to learning on a scale ranging from deep, surface, and achievement. The author in addition states the question scale which was used and it is evident that Likert question type scale was used in which students were supposed to respond to a range of questions. The article identifies the methods used in data analysis, from the article simple t-test was conducted to see the effects of online PBL on approaches to learning. This is usually considered an important part in any research paper since it shows the data collected and how it was analyzed to arrive at the findings hence it connects data findings and the results of the study. Ethical considerations Ethical considerations are always very important in any research study since it ensures participants information privacy from public consent (Kothari,2008). Before any study is undertaken, it is always important that it is ethically proved, though not mentioned it can be seen that it was ethical approved for the author to undertake the study. The author does not mention if ethical consideration were undertaken in terms of participants information privacy is concerned. This is one of the emerging ethical issues related to this study thus participants privacy and their individual rights as far as this study is concerned. Findings section The findings actually flow from the data since the article outlines the data in relation to the results in a tabular manner which is a strong evidence to justify the flow. The aim of the study was actually to investigate the effects of computer supported problem based learning on students’ approaches to learning. In order to achieve, this the author uses the compares the results of pre-test and post-test scores of surface approach subscale with t-test. The author uses the results findings to come up concrete evidence related to the purpose of study. Though, the author fails to give a deeper analysis of the findings as far as this study is concerned, it is evident that the findings are related to purpose of the study. Findings therefore have been adequately summarized as well as the analysis addressed each research question and appropriate methods used Discussion section The results were interpreted according to the context of prior studies done as far as this topic is concerned and in relation to the findings of the study. From the findings it was evident that computer supported PBL environment had a positive effect on adopting deep approaches to learning by students and a negative effect on adopting surface approach to learning. To achieve this results the author used three approaches which comprised of T-test-surface approach T-test- deep approach and T-test- achieving approach scores. In the discussion, the author gives evidence of past studies related to the findings to support the research results. The article discusses comprehensively the research findings in the discussion section to justify the findings and there relevance to the topic of study. The research finding does not mention any implication as well as the author does not mention any limitations encountered during the research study. Conclusions/Overall comments In regards to the article there is consistency in the article with elements stated clearly. The instruments used are valid and reliable as far as the research process is concerned as well as topic of study. The research style used is update and in accordance with the stipulated characteristics a good research study. Though, this case some key elements in the research are missing such as introduction, implications, limitations and research hypothesis. The article additionally, does not state any research objectives though the research aims are mentioned. The author never mentions the kind of research design used whether it is qualitative or quantitative this leaves the reader in dilemma on the research design being utilized by the researcher. The problem definition is quiet clear and here the author defines the problem both in the abstract as well as under problem statement section this give the reader an overview of what the researcher intends to investigate. Studies indicate that good research problem should be Smart thus Specific, Measurable, Attainable/Achievable, Realistic and Time Conscious which are all evident in the so underlined article’s problem definition (Jackson,2008).Moreover, the problem definition poses a problem worthy solving as well as significant to the reader and interest of the audience. Research methodology for the study covers outlined characteristics of a good research methodology as well as the sample size was adequate enough. Moreover, the sample size used of is adequate for the research hence minimizes chances of any errors or even unlikely results from the study (Denscombe, 2007). The interpretation of results and analysis of the research data is not done deeply by the author hence it does give concrete results as far as this study is concerned. Though, the author analysis the data collected in relation to the aim of the study as well as makes conclusions basing on the collected and analyzed data. In terms of originality, the author of the article has based his article from his thoughts and ideas. The referencing style as well as citation style used is appropriate in relation to APA referencing guide. The references as well as sources used are update and have been listed in accordance to APA referencing guide. Moreover, the references are in alphabetical order which is usually seen as an important element in any research study (Miettinen, 2004). Answers to the Additional Questions Research paradigms are three in number namely quantitative, scientific approach and qualitative research paradigms. As far as this research is concerned it is based on qualitative research paradigm (William & Donnelly, 2006). Qualitative research is perceived to be a method which involves an inquiry process of understanding that is based on distinct methodological traditions of inquiry which are based on a social or human problem. The researcher in detail builds a complex and holistic picture of the study. This kind of research paradigm uses various methods of data collection and they include; observation, In-depth interviews, questionnaires among others from the article it is evident that questionnaires were used to collect data as well as the researcher basis his research on given social problem (Garner, Wagner, & Kawulich, 2009). This method requires the researcher to capture language as well as behavior of the participants. The research is based on conceptual framework since the research actually presents the researcher’s idea as far as the research problem is concerned. The article tries to outline as well as present a specific approach to topic of study. Exploratory research is a kind of research which actually relies on secondary research hence it is a kind of research which uses available literature review studies or data as well as qualitative approaches (Jackson, 2008). References Anthony, C., W & Jo Ray McCuen, M (2009).Writing the Research Paper: A Handbook, 2009 APA Updated Edition 7.Publisher: Cengage Learning Beverly, C (2004). How to Write a Great Research Paper. Publisher. Wiley & Sons Carol, A., R & Sharon, O., B (2008) .Nursing research: a quantitative and qualitative approach. Publisher: Jones and Bartlett, Charles, M (2009) Writing an Effective Abstract-How to Write a Research Paper. Publisher: Cactus Communication Cohen,L .,Manion, L., Morrison, K (2007). Research methods in education. London: Routledge, Denscombe, M (2007).The good research guide: for small –scale social research projects; 3rd ed. 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