Midterm Paper: Article Critique Instructions

Midterm Paper Article Critiquearticle Critique Instructions To Studen

Midterm Paper: article critique Article Critique Instructions to Students FROM: Professor Davis TO: Students in Research Methodology Course SUBJECT: Research Project For your first research project, please investigate one of the journals listed below for an article of interest to you. The article should be no more than two years old. Choose one that has sufficient content from which you can write a report a 6 page report (approximately three double-spaced pages). The object of your critique is to describe how the study followed, or failed to follow, the criteria for good research, as described in Research Methods for Business Textbook. Speculate on which of the writer’s conclusions were warranted and which were not.

Journals to consider: 1. Academy of Management Review 2. Administrative Science Quarterly 3. Business and Society Review 4. Decision Sciences 5. Financial Management 6. Harvard Business Review 7. Industrial and Labor Relations Review 8. Journal of Accountancy 9. Journal of Applied Behavior Science 10. Journal of Applied Psychology 11. Journal of Banking and Finance 12. Journal of Finance 13. Management Review 14. Personnel Journal 15. Public Administration Review 16. Training and Development Journal Other journals may also be used. The outline referenced below may also assist you with your critique. Research Article Format Research Problem Research Theory Methodology Hypotheses Instruments Sample Findings Implications Future Research

Paper For Above instruction

The midterm research project requires a critical evaluation of a scholarly article from a reputable journal, chosen based on its recent publication date—no older than two years. The primary aim is to analyze how well the study adheres to established research criteria outlined in "Research Methods for Business," and to evaluate the validity of the authors' conclusions. The critique should be comprehensive, approximately six pages in length, with a focus on the article's research problem, theoretical framework, methodology, hypotheses, instruments, sample, findings, implications, and suggestions for future research.

Introduction

The introduction of the critique should begin with an overview of the importance of rigorous and ethical research practices within the field of business. It should also specify the objective of the critique—to assess the research quality and the validity of conclusions drawn in the selected article—and mention the criteria based on "Research Methods for Business." This sets the foundation and context for a detailed exploration of the article’s content.

Selection of the Article and Relevance

Choosing the appropriate article is critical. The selected paper must originate from one of the specified reputable journals such as the Academy of Management Review or Harvard Business Review, and must be recent—published within the last two years. A well-chosen article will have sufficient content to allow for a detailed critique, especially regarding the core components: research problem, theoretical framework, methodology, hypotheses, instruments, sample, findings, and implications.

Analysis of the Research Components

The core of the critique involves systematically analyzing each part of the research article. The research problem should be clearly defined, relevant, and significant to the field. The theoretical foundations should be grounded in existing literature, with logical connections to the research questions. The methodology must be appropriate—qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods—and adequately described, including data collection tools and procedures. The hypotheses should be logical extensions of the theory and supported by previous research.

Instruments and sample selection should be scrutinized for validity and reliability, with attention to how well the sampling method ensures representativeness. The findings should be examined critically—are they statistically sound, valid, and aligned with the research questions? The implications for theory, practice, and future research should also be assessed for their merit and applicability.

Assessment of Rigor and Validity

Evaluation should determine whether the study follows the criteria for good research: clarity of purpose, systematic design, rigorous data collection and analysis, objective interpretation, and acknowledgment of limitations. Any deviations or shortcomings should be identified, with suggestions for improvement. This evaluation is crucial for understanding the strength and credibility of the research and its contributions.

Conclusions and Critical Perspective

Drawing from the analysis, conclusions should be made regarding which of the authors’ claims are justified based on the evidence and methodology. Conversely, any overextensions or unsupported assertions should be critically discussed. The critique may also address whether the article offers meaningful contributions to the field and how it aligns with existing literature and research standards.

Future Research and Practical Recommendations

Based on the critique, recommendations for future research should be outlined. These might include suggestions for improving study design, exploring other variables, or applying different methodologies. Practical implications for managers, policymakers, or practitioners should also be discussed, emphasizing how the research can inform real-world business decisions.

Conclusion

The conclusion should synthesize the critique, reaffirming the importance of rigorous research practices, summarizing the main findings of the analysis, and reflecting on the value of the article within the broader field of business research.

References

  • Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Sage Publications.
  • Neuman, W. L. (2013). Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches. Pearson.
  • Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2019). Research Methods for Business Students. Pearson.
  • Yin, R. K. (2018). Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods. Sage Publications.
  • Bryman, A., & Bell, E. (2015). Business Research Methods. Oxford University Press.
  • Robson, C., & McCartan, K. (2016). Real World Research. John Wiley & Sons.
  • Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods. Sage Publications.
  • Venkatesh, V., Brown, S. A., & Bala, H. (2013). "Bridging the Qualitative-Quantitative Divide: Guidelines for Conducting and Reporting Mixed Methods Research." Journal of the Association for Information Systems, 14(7), 429-486.
  • Altinay, L., & Paraskevas, A. (2015). Critical Constructionist Approach to Business and Management Research. Routledge.
  • Kaplan, R. S., & Norton, D. P. (2008). The Strategy-Driven Organization: Unlocking the Power of CAD. Harvard Business Review.

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