Purpose: The purpose of this assignment is for you
to show your understanding of peer-reviewed
empirical articles through 1) reviewing original research; 2) evaluating
claims, methods, and conclusions; and 3) communicating your analysis in a way
that translates scientific information into common terms for a general
audience. In writing an article review, you gain skills in summarizing key
points and findings, interpreting results, evaluating the validity of the
methods used and results reported, and communicating information to an audience
in ways they understand.
Step 1: Read the tips from the UMGC library on “Finding
Experimental (Empirical) Research Articles.” Pay special attention
to the sections on “Scholarly
Research Articles” and the “Structure of An Experimental Article”
Step 2: Using the UMGC
Library electronic
databases, find an article published in the last seven (7) years in a
psychology journal with a focus on Clinical Psychology (e.g., Journal of
Clinical Psychology). Topics may include advances in the field,
aging, psychological disorders, types of therapy, the effect of media violence
on youth, effects of drug abuse on families, and the effects of childhood
trauma. The article should describe an experimental
manipulation by the researchers specifically. This means that the
researchers conducted a study that is an experiment with easily
identifiable independent and dependent variables. (Do not
select meta-analyses, summaries, correlational studies, editorials, or
theoretical articles).
**Article to be used for this assignment:**
Kluwe-Schiavon, B., Viola, T. W., Sanvicente-Vieira, B.,
Pezzi, J. C., & Grassi-Oliveira, R. (2016). Similarities between adult
female crack cocaine users and adolescents in risky decision-making scenarios.
Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 38(7), 795–810. https://doi-
org.ezproxy.umgc.edu/10.1080/13803395.2016.1167171
Step 3: Read the article starting with the Title
and Abstract, which will give you a quick preview of the purpose and results of
the article.
Step 4: Read the Introduction. Highlight the
purpose of the article and the author’s hypothesis (e.g., what was studied,
what the authors predicted, and why they found the topic worthy of study). Pay
attention to the context provided for the research. (For example: What research
has been done previously in the field? What issue or problem is this study
trying to address?)
Step 5: Read the Methods section. Note the
description of the participants and any tests, surveys, questionnaires,
apparatus, or other materials that were used. Pay particular attention to the
details involved in the experimental procedure. How were the variables
manipulated or measured? Recall that the independent variable (IV) is the
variable that is manipulated by the research [e.g., whether the room is hot or
cold – if that is the variable of interest) or whether participants are given a
placebo, shown any type of media or other stimuli, given talk therapy, or
instructed to take medication (if that is the variable of interest)]. Remember
that the independent variable is what was different about the experiences of
the different groups. Recall also that the dependent variable (DV) is that
variable that is measured, or, the outcome of the study (i.e., test performance
or lessening of depressive symptoms).
Step 6: Read the Results. Try not to get
intimidated by complex statistical analysis. Instead of focusing on the
numbers, focus on the short descriptions that accompany the findings explaining
what the researchers found. (Did the researchers find evidence that supports
their hypothesis?)
Step 7: Read the Discussion. Pay special
attention here to what the authors say about the importance of their findings
or the lack of findings. Think about other things you could do to look at this
issue.
Step 8: Prepare a 3- to 5-page summary of the
article fully paraphrased in your own words and your own writing style and
structure. Changing a few words from the original is not fully
paraphrasing. Be sure to address the following questions in your summary:
What is the purpose of the
research? (Address specifics regarding the overall purpose of the research
in question.)
What hypothesis is tested? (Provide a clear
statement of the researchers’ prediction.)
How did the researchers
investigate their research question? (Provide details regarding the study
methodology.)
What are the pertinent results of
the manipulation? (What were the findings and conclusions drawn?)
What is your personal opinion
of the study conducted? Should it be repeated? What could be
improved?
What is your overall impression of
the work? What are the implications of the study for the practice of
counseling psychology?
Your summary should be written as a coherent essay (do
not format it as a bullet list of answers to these questions). You may include
additional insights in your analysis, but you must address these key issues.
Step 9: Prepare your Article Review according to
the following guidelines:
Structure your paper
utilizing APA style (7th Edition); this includes a title page, headings, in-text
citations,
reference page, and general paper format (1-inch margins, double-spaced,
appropriately sized sans serif or serif fonts – e.g., 12 Times
Roman). An abstract is not required.
Apply sound writing mechanics:
write with clarity, paying attention to spelling, grammar, and syntax.
Submit to your Assignment Folder
as a single document in either Microsoft Word, PDF, or RTF format.
**Grading rubric:**
Introduction – Study Relevance/Purpose ~ The
student shows a strong understanding of the research questions and the research
findings presented in the article. Identifies relevant articles presenting
empirical work dedicated to clinical psychology. Provides an insightful,
detailed summary of the study’s purpose and hypothesis tested. Article within last 7 years.
Method ~ The student critically examines
aspects of the study (demand characteristics, external validity, selection of
subject population). Provides an insightful, detailed summary of the
participants and methods used to perform the research (e.g., sample
population/size, variables, procedures).
Results and Conclusions ~ The student discusses
the results and conclusions made; mentions at least one critical dilemma in the
study (ethical/socio-cultural). A clear statement of the main results of the
study. Detailed, insightful
explanation/discussion of the researcher’s conclusions; mentions multiple
critical dilemmas in the study (ethical/socio-cultural).
Takeaway ~ The student explains the strengths,
weaknesses, and benefits of such research and future trends. Meaningfully examines
the positive and negative aspects of the research. Critical/creative analysis
details ideas of how the research might be improved or expanded. Comprehensive
statement regarding the implications of the research. Thoughtful overall
impression of the study.
APA Format
Flawless use of APA style (title page,
structure, headings, subheadings, references, etc.).
Scientific Literacy
Demonstrates skillful use of high-quality,
credible, relevant sources to develop ideas that are appropriate for clinical
psychology.
Critical Analysis
Information is considered critically, stated
clearly, and described comprehensively; analysis delivers all relevant
information to demonstrate a full understanding.
Written Communication
Uses graceful language that skillfully
communicates meaning with clarity and fluency, and is virtually error-free.
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