Research Design Analysis - Article Example

Research design Fiske, Edward B., 1999, Champions of Change: The Impact of the Arts on Learning. Institution President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, Washington, DC: Arts Education Partnership. http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED435581.pdf Methodology Appraisal There is no congruity between the philosophical perspective and the research methodology The philosophical perspective of the study is that arts education is very important and hence arts involvement improves educational performance as well as increases participation in community service (Bassett & Bissett, 2003). However, in the research methodology, it is not sated whether the study adopted a critical perspective and therefore there is no congruence between critical perspectives. In addition, the study initially states that the study used interpretive perspective and used standardized measures, and this indicates incongruence because there is no relationship between an interpretive perspective and standardized measures (Bassett & Bissett, 2003). There is congruity between the research methodology and   objectives The methodology used in the study is suitable for tackling the research question as well as the study objectives. This is because the study objective was to understand the impact of arts in education and the study adopted a phenomenological approach. In this regard, there is congruity between the study objective and the methodology because the study methodology sought to determine the cause-and –effect and this could be achieved using this methodology (Coughian et al, 2007). Suitability of study methodology and methods used for data collection The data collection methods used are suitable for the research methodology. This is because the study used an interpretive perspective and in turn used data collection methods such as questionnaires. Therefore, there is correspondence between the methodology and the data collection because interpretive perspective can be established using written responses as well as standardized measurements as used in this study (Bassett & Bissett, 2003). Congruence between the study methodology and data analysis and representation In addition, there is congruence between the study methodology and the data analysis and also data representation. This is because the data analysis and representation is congruent with the stipulated methodological position. The study aimed at determining if arts has impact in education and therefore sought to explore the experiences of the participants by asking questions. Afterwards, generations of texts was done by asking questions in order to determine the meaning of arts and impact to study participants and the meanings of all study participants were incorporated in the study outcomes and therefore this represented congruence (Hewitt, 2007). Methodology and study outcome interpretation   Generally, the methodology part is relatively detailed and comprehensive. In addition, it is possible to establish the source of data used in this experiment and also the explanations provided for the results are plausible and coherent (Hewitt, 2007). The results analysis section has clearly outlined data interpretation and the results. The results are well illustrated using diagrams and figures which make interpretation of the results much easier. The graphs and tables have also been used in illustrating the results, which eases interpretation. Influence of the researcher The study does not address the potential influence of researchers on the study and the research process. This is because researchers can influence the study and hence affect the interpretation of the study results. For instance, the study does not state if there is any relationship between researchers and the study participants. Moreover, the likely influence of researchers on data collection has not been tackled too (Bassett & Bissett, 2003). Ethical approval The study does not indicate if ethical approval was sought from the suitable body. This was erroneous because every study necessitates ethical approval from the appropriate authority. Moreover, there is no indication of whether informed consent was sought from the study participants. (Coughian et al, 2007). Relationship of conclusions to analysis In this study, there is a relationship between the study findings and the views of the study participants. This is because the study findings clearly represent the views of the participants and hence the data interpretation represents the participants’ views (Coughian et al, 2007). Parks M & Rose D, The Arts and Academic Achievement: What the Evidence Does (and Doesn't) Show In this study, the researchers used a systematic review methodology whereby 20 articles that had summary of findings from more than 250 studies. All the articles used in this study utilized meta-analysis methodology that combines findings of comparable research studies with an aim of drawing conclusions basing on large group of studies. Methodology appraisal The review question was clearly stated The review question for this study was explicitly stated and it was “what evidence does and does not show?” This question is well articulated and defines the scale of the study review. As a result, the question helped in developing the search strategy to locate the pertinent evidence for the study. However, the research question was not formulated around its PICO and hence it might have been difficult for readers to establish whether the review attained its study objectives (Ham-Baloyi, 2016). Appropriateness of the search strategy The study review provided a search strategy that was utilized in locating the evidence. This was in the methodology section of the review. In addition, the review presented a clear search strategy where all aspects of the review question were addressed. There is also a description of the approach that was used to search and locate evidence. There was also an inclusion and exclusion criterion where only studies from particular data were included and this exclusion criterion was suitably justified. Adequate sources for the review According to Ham-Baloyi (2016) a systematic review should aim at identifying all the available evidence on the study topic and hence the search strategy should be comprehensive and at the same time explicit. However, in this study, the location of data was not comprehensive enough because multiple electronic databases were not searched. However, major bibliographic citation databases were used to locate the articles used in this study. Reviews of efficacy aimed at searching trial registries to locate more information on the study topic. However, the search strategy was comprehensive enough and this reduced publication bias. Moreover, the review also attempted to locate grey literature that involved searching websites that were relevant to the study question. Appropriateness of the appraisal criteria The review presented an explicit statement regarding the critical appraisal that was performed as well as provided details of the tools used in assessment of the studies used in the review. The tools used in appraisal were suitable for the review question. This is because the appraisal tool used addressed elements of validity for all studies that were used in the review (Ham-Baloyi, 2016). Appraisal of the review was conducted by more than one reviewer Critical appraisal to assess the quality of the literature used in this review was done by several reviewers. This was done in order to reduce bias as well as reduce systematic error for the systematic review (Ham-Baloyi, 2016). The members of the team that conducted the appraisal of the studies were independent. Methods to reduce errors during data extraction The review authors made effectors to reduce bias as well as reduce systematic errors when extracting the data. Approaches used to reduce bias consisted of performing all data extraction independently and utilizing certain instruments for guiding extraction of the data (Ham-Baloyi, 2016). Assessment of the probability of bias According to Ham-Baloyi (2016) an all-inclusive search strategy is the most effective method that review author can use in alleviating the effect of publication bias on the findings of the review. During this review, a comprehensive search strategy was used and hence this reduced the likelihood of bias in the study. Won M, 2009, The Significance of Music Education in the Primary Curriculum, Dublin: School for International Training. Appropriateness of the qualitative approach used in the study The qualitative approach used in the study is appropriate because the study seeks to understand as well as shed light on the experience of the study participants. As a result, the study adopted interviewing as the qualitative approach for data collection from the study participants. Interviewing is a suitable process because participants were able to provide their experiences regarding the study topic (Coughian et al, 2007). Sampling strategy The study has not defined the sampling strategy that was used to locate the study participants. This is because the study methodology does not in any way describe the sampling method that was used as well as the traits of the study subjects and participants. Methods used in data collection Interviewing and observations were used to collect data in this data. Interviewing was an appropriate method to collect data because it allowed comprehensive collection of data. The methodology party adequately describes the interviewing process as the data collection method. Similarly, observation was also used in data collection (Coughian et al, 2007). Observation allowed collection of the first hand data without any influence by either the researcher or the study subjects. Basically, the methods used in data collection were reliable and independently certifiable. For instance, field notes and audiotapes were used to record and document the collected data which can be used for further reference during data analysis. More importantly, observations were taken during different times and this reduced probability of bias during data collection (Bassett & Bissett, 2003). Data analysis methods The study does not clearly specify the methods that were used in analyzing the data as well as the quality control strategies that were adopted in the study methodology. However, themes from the data were derived in grouping the themes as per the specific category. Only one researcher conducted the analysis and therefore there was a likelihood of bias in the study. However, the discrepant results were entirely tackled and this helps the reader to understand the study results much better (Coughian et al, 2007). Relationship between the researcher and the study participants There is no explicit relationship between the study participants and the researcher and this minimizes the likelihood of the relationship affecting the responses from the study participants (Hewitt, 2007). Influence of the researcher The study does not address the potential influence of the researcher on the research process. This is because researchers can influence the study and hence affect the interpretation of the study results (Coughian et al, 2007). For instance, the study does not state if there is any relationship between researchers and the study participants. Moreover, the likely influence of researchers on data collection has not been tackled too. Ethical approval The study does not indicate if ethical approval was sought from the suitable body. This was erroneous because every study necessitates ethical approval from the appropriate authority (Coughian et al, 2007). Moreover, there is no indication of whether informed consent was sought from the study participants. Transferability of the study results Generally, the study results can be generalized to similar settings because the sample size used in the study was adequate and hence this enables generalization of the study results (Bassett & Bissett, 2003). Reference list Bassett C & Bissett J, 2003, Reading and critiquing research, BrJ Perioper NriK, 13(4), pp: 162-164. Coughian M, Cronin P & Ryan F, 2007, Step'by-step guide to critiquing research. Part 1: quantitative research, British Journal of Nursing, 16(2), 658-663. Fiske, Edward B., 1999, Champions of Change: The Impact of the Arts on Learning. Institution President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, Washington, DC: Arts Education Partnership. Ham-Baloyi W, 2016, Systematic review as a research method in post-graduate nursing education, Health SA Gesondheid, 21(1), pp:120-128. Hewitt M, 2007, How to Search and Critically Evaluate Research Literature, East Midlands: The NIHR. Parks M & Rose D, The Arts and Academic Achievement: What the Evidence Does (and Doesn't) Show Won M, 2009, The Significance of Music Education in the Primary Curriculum, Dublin: School for International Training. Read More

Influence of the researcher The study does not address the potential influence of researchers on the study and the research process. This is because researchers can influence the study and hence affect the interpretation of the study results. For instance, the study does not state if there is any relationship between researchers and the study participants. Moreover, the likely influence of researchers on data collection has not been tackled too (Bassett & Bissett, 2003). Ethical approval The study does not indicate if ethical approval was sought from the suitable body.

This was erroneous because every study necessitates ethical approval from the appropriate authority. Moreover, there is no indication of whether informed consent was sought from the study participants. (Coughian et al, 2007). Relationship of conclusions to analysis In this study, there is a relationship between the study findings and the views of the study participants. This is because the study findings clearly represent the views of the participants and hence the data interpretation represents the participants’ views (Coughian et al, 2007).

Parks M & Rose D, The Arts and Academic Achievement: What the Evidence Does (and Doesn't) Show In this study, the researchers used a systematic review methodology whereby 20 articles that had summary of findings from more than 250 studies. All the articles used in this study utilized meta-analysis methodology that combines findings of comparable research studies with an aim of drawing conclusions basing on large group of studies. Methodology appraisal The review question was clearly stated The review question for this study was explicitly stated and it was “what evidence does and does not show?

” This question is well articulated and defines the scale of the study review. As a result, the question helped in developing the search strategy to locate the pertinent evidence for the study. However, the research question was not formulated around its PICO and hence it might have been difficult for readers to establish whether the review attained its study objectives (Ham-Baloyi, 2016). Appropriateness of the search strategy The study review provided a search strategy that was utilized in locating the evidence.

This was in the methodology section of the review. In addition, the review presented a clear search strategy where all aspects of the review question were addressed. There is also a description of the approach that was used to search and locate evidence. There was also an inclusion and exclusion criterion where only studies from particular data were included and this exclusion criterion was suitably justified. Adequate sources for the review According to Ham-Baloyi (2016) a systematic review should aim at identifying all the available evidence on the study topic and hence the search strategy should be comprehensive and at the same time explicit.

However, in this study, the location of data was not comprehensive enough because multiple electronic databases were not searched. However, major bibliographic citation databases were used to locate the articles used in this study. Reviews of efficacy aimed at searching trial registries to locate more information on the study topic. However, the search strategy was comprehensive enough and this reduced publication bias. Moreover, the review also attempted to locate grey literature that involved searching websites that were relevant to the study question.

Appropriateness of the appraisal criteria The review presented an explicit statement regarding the critical appraisal that was performed as well as provided details of the tools used in assessment of the studies used in the review. The tools used in appraisal were suitable for the review question. This is because the appraisal tool used addressed elements of validity for all studies that were used in the review (Ham-Baloyi, 2016). Appraisal of the review was conducted by more than one reviewer Critical appraisal to assess the quality of the literature used in this review was done by several reviewers.

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