Article Critique
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Type of Design
This study was conducted using a mixed design method that included both qualitative and quantitative designs (QUAL-Quan). This can be identified because the author used the interview as the primary data and Likert scale to analyze the secondary data. The type of qualitative method used in the article is narrative, while the quantitative method used is the causal-comparative method.
Ten Questions
- Are the size and major characteristics of the population described?
Yes, 32 males, 80% of whom were white, and 65% have served conviction and drugs.
- If a sample was selected, is the method of selecting the sample clearly described?
Yes, it took place through the identification of inmates.
- Does the method of sample selection suggest any limitations or biases in the sample? For example, was stratified sampling used to obtain sample subgroups?
Yes, the limitations in the study failed to recognize individuals out of prison who could have provided good insights for the research that were not considered in the research.
- If the study is quantitative, does the sample size meet the suggested guideline for the minimum sample size appropriate for the method of research represented?
Yes, a sample size of 32 meets the suggested guideline for the minimum sample size appropriate for the causal-comparative method deployed in the research.
- Are the design and procedures appropriate for examining the research question or testing the hypothesis of the study?
Yes, a narrative qualitative and causal-comparative method is appropriate as they result in a comprehensive conclusion on the cause-effect relationship of the study of the impacts of parenting education on children who have parents in prison.
- Are the procedures described in sufficient detail to permit replication by another researcher?
Yes, procedures have been described in detail, from sample selection to data analysis and conclusion to permit replication by others.
- Do procedures logically relate to one another?
Yes, the procedures relate to one another in a logical manner, and the conclusion is explicitly based on logical interrelationship.
- Were instruments and procedures applied correctly?
The pre and post-test measurement instruments in the article have been applied correctly and relate to the hypothesis of the study.
- Are control procedures described?
No, the study did not conduct any control procedures.
- Does the researcher discuss or account for any potentially confounding variable that he or she was unable to control?
No, there is no confounding variable in the study that needs discussion from the researcher.
Analysis of the Participants
Yes, the study involved 34 participants, which is a sufficient number to discuss the hypothesis of the research. The number is also ideal for the research not to have repetitive data.
Data Collection Methods
The data collection method used in the research is the rating scales that use pre-defined data gathered from the individual interview that has been obtained from the qualitative phase. The rating scales use ordinal data that have statistical meaning on the values they are representing.
Research of the Article
The article’s procedures and conclusion indicate it has been well researched. The choice of the respondents and the data they give also highlights the research that has gone into making the article a success. The strengths of the article are:
- The number of respondents (34) is ideal to obtain sufficient data and avoid the repetition of results.
- The article has clearly described the major characteristics of the sample and the significance of this characteristic.
- The QUAL-Quan research method is appropriate because too much narration without a quantitative explanation can decrease the validity of an article.
However, despite the strengths, the article has the following weaknesses.
- The article’s conclusion is contradicting the hypothesis as it highlights the mismatch between the inmate’s own report and the test’s measurement.
- The research failed to mention how the major characteristics of the respondents related to the research.
- The article did not involve a control experiment that would have increased its validity.
Reference
Bushfield, S. (2004). Fathers in prison: Impact of parenting education. Journal of Correctional Education, 104-116.