ARTICLE CRITIQUE RUBRIC
Using the article distributed in class, complete the critique questions as specified on the syllabus. Answers should be
typed and in complete sentences, with exception to #4 and #5 where you need only to list the variables. You may discuss
the questions; however, responses should be written up independently.
Ratings correspond to the following: 1 = Poor, 2 = Good and 3 = Excellent (½ s will be assigned).
Question
(1) What type of research was
conducted?
(2) Choose one construct used to
guide the main research question
and discuss how the construct was
used.
(3) How did the authors present the
research hypothesis(es), directly
or indirectly? If stated directly,
cite the page and paragraph. If
implied, state in your own words.
(4) List the independent and/or
explanatory variables used in the
study.
(5) List the dependent and/or
response variables used in the
study.
(6) Choose one main independent
and/or explanatory variable and
note how the variable was
operationalized.
(7) Chose one main dependent and/or
response variables and note how
the variable was operationalized.
(8) If any control or extraneous
variables were included in the
study, choose one and explain
how the variable was
operationalized and how it was
used.
(9) How would the design be
diagramed? Name or describe the
design.
(10) Discuss whether the design was
appropriate to address the
hypothesis(es).
(11) Identify and explain one strength
and one weakness in the design as
used in this study.
(12) Discuss one threat to internal
validity specific to this study as it
was designed and carried out.
(13) Discuss one threat to external
validity specific to this study as it
was designed and carried out.
Support Rating
You are expected to describe the type or categories 1 2 3
of research conducted and reported in the article
and justify your reason(s).
You should know what a construct is and how to 1 2 3
identify the constructs used in research studies.
Many studies incorporate more than one construct;
limit yourself to one.
You should be able to recognize the research 1 2 3
hypothesis(es) used in the research even if not
stated directly.
You should know what an independent and 1 2 3
explanatory variable are and how to recognize
these in research studies.
You should know what a dependent and response 1 2 3
variable are and how to recognize these in research
studies.
Choose one that relates to the construct you 1 2 3
discussed in question 2.
Choose one that relates to the construct you 1 2 3
discussed in question 2.
You should be able to recognize the different types 1 2 3
of variables used in research studies and identify
how each of the variables in the study is
operationalzied. For example, an extraneous
variable could be controlled by limiting the
sample, i.e., include only Native Americans.
There are many ways to diagram a study. You 1 2 3
may use Xs and Os or you may draw a table with
boxes, if appropriate. When you name the design,
you may link the design to the kinds of variables in
the study. For example, you may have a factorial
design with two between-subjects variables.
If the research hypothesis predicted improvement 1 2 3
or change, then a repeated measure design would
probably be necessary. If the study was a one shot
study, then the design was not appropriate.
Limit yourself to one strength and one weakness in 1 2 3
the design.
You should know what internal validity is and how 1 2 3
to recognize a threat to it.
You should know what external validity is and 1 2 3
how to recognize a threat to it.