Locating and Critically Analyzing Primary Research Articles

Locating and Critically Analyzing Primary Research Articles

Developing the proficiency to locate, read, and evaluate research articles is essential to your success in this doctoral program and your career. With this Assignment, you have the opportunity to become familiar with the Walden Library by searching the databases, reviewing resources, and downloading full-text articles. You are asked to think critically as you do this, keeping in mind that as a doctoral candidate you must be able to enhance your profession’s body of knowledge by synthesizing what you have learned into new insights and applying them in meaningful ways within the practice environment (as a DNP-prepared nurse) or engaging in original research (as a PhD-prepared nurse).

To prepare:

• Participate in or review an archived version of the following Walden Library Webinars:
  • Introduction to the Walden Library
  • Evaluating Online Resources
  • An Introduction to Evidence-Based Searching
• Then search the Walden Library and locate two peer-reviewed primary research articles that pertain to your practice area and are of particular interest to you.

By Day 7

To complete:

By Wednesday 6/21/17, write a 4-paragraph APA-formatted paper with 4 references from the list below addressing the following:

1)       Write a 1-paragraph summary of each of the articles you have selected (a total of 2 paragraphs). See Attached PDF for Articles

2)       Write 1 paragraph that synthesizes the two articles using a scholarly voice.

3)       Write a final paragraph in which you discuss the differences between summarizing and synthesizing research.

P.S. Include an Introduction ending with a purpose statement (e.g. the purpose of this paper is…), and a conclusion.

Required Readings

 Walden Library. (2014). Publication Comparison Chart. Retrieved from: http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/peerreviewvsscholarly

 This guide discusses three main publication types that you will encounter in the Walden Library: scholarly journals, trade publications, and popular magazines. It contains information about these publication types and a chart comparing their purpose, content, audience, etc.

 Eaton, S. E. (2010). Reading strategies: Differences between summarizing and synthesizing [Blog post]. Literacy, Languages and Leadership. Retrieved from http://drsaraheaton.wordpress.com/2010/09/29/reading-strategies-differneces-between-summarizing-and-synthesizing/

The author proposes that critical reading must include using critical thinking to create “new” information and insights from this information.

 Institutional Review Board for Ethical Standards in Research: IRB Office Hours and meetings. Retrieved January 15, 2014, from http://researchcenter.waldenu.edu/Institutional-Review-Board-for-Ethical-Standards-in-Research.htm

 This the Walden online tutorial at the bottom of this page provides information on Walden’s Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). These boards are responsible for ensuring that all Walden research studies meet specific ethical and legal criteria.

 Walden University Library. (2014). Webinar archives. Retrieved from http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/library/webinararchives

Introduction to the Walden Library

Evaluating Online Resources

An Introduction to Evidence-Based Searching

The Walden Library webinars provide relevant information on accessing and evaluating scholarly sources. The information on retrieving evidence-based practice sources is especially pertinent to the DNP student.

 Walden University. (2011). Student publications: Code of conduct. Retrieved from http://catalog.waldenu.edu/

Select the current version of the “Walden University Student Handbook” from the drop-down menu.

In the left navigation bar, click “University Policies and Code of Conduct.”

Then click “Student Conduct and Responsibilities.”

This link provides you with Student Conduct and Responsibility guidelines to help you develop a better understanding of Walden University’s expectations.

 Document: Stages in Critical Reading of Research Articles (PDF) (See attached file)

This chart describes the purpose of and questions for six stages of critically reading research articles. Focus on the many activities and questions that make up the critical-reading process. Begin to consider the journal articles and books you read in terms of these criteria.

 Document: Introduction to Scholarly Writing: Plagiarism and Academic Integrity (PDF) (See attached file)

 This document supplements the information on plagiarism and academic integrity presented in the related video program.

 Document: Introduction to Scholarly Writing: Tips for Success (PDF) (See attached file)

 This document, which accompanies the video program of the same title, provides resources for improving your scholarly writing and critical-thinking skills.

 Document: Common APA Style and Formatting Challenges (PDF) (See attached file)

 This document can be used as a quick reference guide for proper APA style and formatting.

Murphy, J. (2011). The nursing informatics workforce: who are they and what do they do?. Nursing Economic$, 29(3), 150-153.

Collins, S., Po-Yin, Y., Phillips, A., & Kennedy, M. K. (2017). Nursing Informatics Competency Assessment for the Nurse Leader. Journal of Nursing Administration, 47(4), 212-218. doi:10.1097/NNA.0000000000000467

Required Media

Laureate Education (Producer). (2012b). Introduction to scholarly writing: Finding a scholarly voice[Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

 Note:  The approximate length of this media piece is 4 minutes.

This media program discusses the importance of writing with a scholarly voice, distinguishing between a voice that is effective and one that is not, and identifying what is needed to develop your own scholarly voice.

Laureate Education (Producer). (2012c). Introduction to scholarly writing: Plagiarism and academic integrity [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

 Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 5 minutes.

 Scholarly writing requires ethical practice in every phase and form of the process, from the drafting of a course paper to the completion of a capstone project. Academic integrity is foundational to all teaching and learning at Walden University. As a Walden student, you are required to follow the guidelines of academic integrity as set forth in the Walden Catalog. This media program helps you to do so.

Laureate Education (Producer). (2012d). Introduction to scholarly writing: Purpose, audience, and evidence [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

 Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 5 minutes.

 Key concepts related to scholarly writing are introduced in this media program.

Laureate Education (Producer). (2012e). Introduction to scholarly writing: Tips for success [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

 Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 3 minutes.

This media program presents tips for becoming a scholarly writer, including how to identify fears related to scholarly writing and connect with resources to improve writing skills.