Posted: January 31st, 2023

CRIJ 4380 Journal Article Critiquing Assignment

CRIJ 4380
Journal Article Critiquing Assignment

Watch the video on how to find quantitative peer-reviewed articles on the Lamar University Library website. Now choose two articles that have an empirical (quantitative) orientation and answer the following questions in the question-answer format using one article at a time. The responses provided here are examples to help you understand.

1. Give the full citation for the article in APA format. For example,
Morrison, G.B. (2009). Conducted energy weapons: Learning from operational discretion and encounter outcomes. Criminology and Public Policy, 8(4), 915-925.
2. What were the major concepts employed in the study?
e.g. Recidivism
3. How were these concepts operationalized?

e.g. Recidivism can be operationalized as offenders reoffending within 3 years of release from prison. (This is how recidivism is defined or operationalized in a particular article). Operationalization takes place before the study begins.

4. Identify the dependent and independent variables.

e.g. DV: Recidivism (the variable that is dependent on the independent variable and is caused by the IV)
IV: Peer pressure, etc. (demographic variables are usually IVs)

5. What types of data gathering strategies were utilized?

e.g. Looking at arrest reports, or survey method. This is how the researcher collects data.

6. Which hypothesis(es) were tested?

e.g. Peer pressure can increase the likelihood of recidivism.
Hypothesis is always a statement that shows the direction of the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. It is never in the form of a question.

7. Identify the threats to internal validity.

Define the threats you identified in the article using the information you learned in Chapter 3 of your book and explain how they are applicable to the study you chose. First, you identify the threats, define them in your own words, then demonstrate how it is applicable to the study you selected.

8. Identify the threats to external validity.

Similarly, define the threats you identified in the article using the information you learned in Chapter 3 of your book and explain how they are applicable to the study you chose.

9. What was/were the major conclusion(s) of the study? Do you feel that the author(s) fulfilled his/her/their investigation?

10. What is your critique of this article? What do you think the author(s) could have done differently?

Please submit the critiques of both the articles as only one paper. Respond to each question. Put major terms in bold. Respond to the 10 questions for one article first, and then do the next. Please refer to the writing rubric below to understand how you will be graded.

WRITING ASSIGNMENT RUBRIC

0-69 70-89 90-100 POINTS
Content & Development
60 pts
Poor
– Content is incomplete. – Major points are not clear and /or persuasive. Responses to the questions are vague and unclear. Major concepts are not clearly identified, operationalization is unclear, and there is a confusion between independent and dependent variables. Threats to validity are not identified and explained clearly.
Fair
– Content is not comprehensive and /or persuasive. – Major points are addressed, but not well supported. – Research is inadequate or does not address course concepts. – Major concepts are identified, operationalization of the concepts are not demonstrated correctly, variables are clearly identified, threats to validity are identified, but not explained clearly.

Good
– Content is comprehensive, accurate, and persuasive. – Major points are stated clearly and are well supported. – Research is adequate, timely and addresses course concepts. – Content and purpose of the writing are clear.
– Major concepts are identified, operationalization of the concepts are demonstrated correctly, variables are clearly identified, threats to validity are identified and their application to the peer-reviewed articles explained clearly.

Organization & Structure
10 pts
Poor
– Organization and structure detract from the message of the writer. – All the responses are clubbed together in a single paragraph.
Fair
– Structure of the paragraph is not easy to follow. – Not clear which question is being responded to.
Good
– Structure of the paragraph is clear and easy to follow. All the responses appear in order of the questions and are indicated by proper numbering. Major terms appear in bold.
Format
10 pts
Poor
– Paper lacks many elements of correct formatting. – Responses are inadequate/excessive in length. Articles not cited properly as per the APA style; More than 5 mistakes in citation.
Fair
– Paper follows most guidelines. – Paper is over/ under word length. – Articles not cited properly as per the APA style; 1- 5 mistakes in citation.
Good
– Paper follows designated guidelines. – Paper is the appropriate length as described for the assignment. Articles cited properly in the APA style.
Grammar, Punctuation & Spelling
20 pts
Poor
– Paper contains numerous grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors. – Language uses jargon or conversational tone; use of contractions and first person.
Fair
– Paper contains few grammatical, punctuation and spelling errors. – Language lacks clarity or includes the use of some jargon or conversational tone, use of contractions and first person.
Good
– Rules of grammar, usage, and punctuation are followed; spelling is correct. – Language is clear and precise; sentences display consistently strong, varied structure.
TOTAL POINTS

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