Critiquing a Research Article

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that, when critiquing research articles, the reviewer must adhere to the basic principle of prudent evaluation by analyzing the structure of the research upon which scientific conclusions are drawn. The author points out that the purpose of the reported research investigation was to determine if a desktop virtual reality program was suitable to teach children about the user-friendliness and attitudinal barriers encountered by their peers who have mobility problems and to promote more positive attitudes toward children with disabilities. The paper concludes that, although the research article was well written, so many errors exist in terms of design that commenting on the efficacy of the results cannot be accomplished.

From the Paper:

"In addition to omitting a research question and testable null hypothesis, the authors failed in other research areas as well, namely, sampling, instrumentation or measurement, and statistical tool selection. The errors here are of such magnitude that they can only be presented on a very general basis. Notwithstanding the fact that the authors failed to properly identify the type or research, research question, and testable null hypothesis their selection of research design (statistical tool and sample) is completely without merit. When selecting a design the author is obligated to inform the reader as to the rational."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Olson, E. L. (1998). Best Fit Statistical Practices. Chicago, ACTS Testing Labs.
• Pivik, Jayne, MacFarland, Ian, McComas, Joan and LaFalamme (2002). Using virtual reality to teach disability awareness. Journal of Educational Computing Research,26, 2003-218.

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