Locating and Critically Analyzing Primary Research Articles

Stages in Critical Reading of Research Articles Stage Purpose Activities or Critical Questions Previewing and determining legitimacy Judging if the study or article is high quality and legitimate • Check the authorship credibility. • Is the work peer review ed?

• Is there a bibliography or reference list? • Is the research timely or current? Preliminary understanding Skimming or quickly reading to gain familiarity with the content and layout of the article • Is the research question significant to your study? • Highlight or underline main steps in the research process. • Make notes (comments, key variables, and questions). • Decide if the research will be of benefit to your study. Annotating Noting the information needed for future use • Create an APA reference citati on.

• Write a brief summary or keywords identifying the source. Comprehensive understanding Increasing understanding of concepts and research terms • Clarify all unfamiliar terms before a second reading. • Identify how the main concepts relate to each other and the context of the study. • Write a brief summary of the main idea or themes of the article in your own words. • Identify any questions or areas that need further clarification. Analysis understanding Breaking the study into parts; understanding each aspec t of the study; • What is the purpose of this article? • Am I clear about the specific design used so I can apply appropriate critiquing criteria? © 20 14 Laureate Education, Inc. Page 1 of 2 Stage Purpose Activities or Critical Questions relating to steps in the research process • How was the study carried out? • What are the researchers’ main conclusi ons?

• Can I say that I understand the parts of the article and summarize them in my own words? Synthesis understanding Pulling together the above steps to make a (new) whole; making sense of it; explaining relationships • Briefly summarize the study in your own words; identify gaps, weaknesses, and ideas for new theories or projects. • Write a critical commentary on the study. Adapted from “Critical Reading Strategies: Overview of the Research Process .” (2002) I n G. LoBiondo- Wood, J. Haber, & B. Krainovich -Miller (Eds.), Nursing Research: Methods, Critical Appraisal, and Utilization (5th ed., chapter 2) . St. Louis, MO: Mosby; Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. © 20 14 Laureate Education, Inc. Page 2 of 2