CHECKLIST FOR EVALUATING A RESEARCH REPORT

Provided by Dr. Blevins

1. The Title

a. Is it clear and concise?

b. Does it promise no more than the study can provide?

INTRODUCTION

2. The Problem

a. It is clearly stated?

b. Is it properly defined?

c. Is its significance recognized?

d. Are specific questions raised; hypotheses clearly stated?

e. Are assumptions and limitations stated?

f. Are important terms defined?

3. Review of Related Literature

a. Is it adequately covered?

b. Are important findings noted?

c. Is it well organized?

d. Is an effective summary provided?

METHODOLOGY

4. Procedures Used

a. Is the research design described in detail?

b. Is it adequate?

c. Are the samples described?

d. Are relevant variables recognized?

e. Are appropriate controls provided?

f. Are data-gathering instruments appropriate?

g. Are validity and reliability established?

h. Is the statistical treatment appropriate?

RESULTS

5. Data Analysis

a. Is appropriate use made of tables and figures?

b. Is the textual discussion clear and concise?

c. Is the analysis of data relationships logical and perceptive?

d. Is the statistical analysis accurately interpreted?

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

6. Summary and Conclusions

a. Is the problem restated?

b. Are the procedures and findings concisely presented?

c. Is the analysis objective?

d. Are the findings and conclusions justified by the data presented and analyzed?

STEPS IN ANALYZING A RESEARCH ARTICLE

Provided by Dr. Blevins

INTRODUCTION

· Does it properly introduce the subject?

· Does it clearly state the purpose of what is to follow?

· Does it briefly state why this report is different from previous publications?

METHODS AND MATERIALS

· Is the test population clearly stated? Is it appropriate for the experiment? Should it be larger? more

comprehensive?

· Is the control population clearly stated? Are all variables controlled? Should it be larger? more

comprehensive?

· Are methods clearly described or referenced so the experiment could be repeated?

· Are materials clearly described and when appropriate, manufacturers footnoted?

· Are all statements and descriptions concerning design of test and control populations and materials

and methods included in this section?

RESULTS

· Are results for all parts of the experimental design provided?

· Are they clearly presented with supporting statistical analyses and/or charts and graphs when

appropriate?

· Are results straightforwardly presented without a discussion of why they occurred?

· Are all statistical analyses appropriate for the situation and accurately performed?

DISCUSSION

· Are all results discussed?

· Are all conclusions based on sufficient data?

· Are appropriate previous studies integrated into the discussion section?

ABSTRACT

· Does the first sentence contain a clear statement of the purpose of the article (without

starting....The purpose of this article is to.....)

· Is the test population briefly described?

· Does it conclude with a statement of the experiment’s conclusions?