Complete the checklist for the attached research proposal

CHECKLIST CRITERIA FOR CRITIQUING A RESEARCH REPORT

STEP 1.

THE PROBLEM YES NO

Is the problem clearly and concisely stated? ____ ____

Is the problem adequately narrowed down into a researchable problem? ____ ____

Is the problem significant enough to warrant a formal research effort? ____ ____

Is the relationship between the identified problem and previous research clearly described? ____ ____

STEP 2. LITERATURE REVIEW

Is the literature review logically organized? ____ ____

Does the review provide a critique of the relevant studies? ____ ____

Are gaps in knowledge about the research problem identified? ____ ____

Are important relevant references included? ____ ____

STEP 3.

THEORETICAL OR CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Is the theoretical framework easily linked with the problem (or does it seem forced)? ____ ____

If a conceptual framework is used, are the concepts adequately defined, and are the relationships among these concepts clearly identified? ____ ____

STEP 4. RESEARCH VARIABLES

Are the independent and dependent variables operationally defined? ____ ____

Are any confounding variables present? If so, are they identified? ____ ____

STEP 5. HYPOTHESES

Are the hypotheses clear, testable, and specific? ____ ____

Does each hypothesis describe a predicted relationship between two or more variables included in each hypothesis? ____ ____

Do the hypotheses logically flow from the theoretical or conceptual framework? ____ ____

STEP 6. SAMPLING Is the sample size adequate? ____ ____

Is the sample representative of the defined population? ____ ____

Is the method for selection of the sample appropriate? ____ ____

Is any sampling bias in the chosen method acknowledged? ____ ____

Are the criteria for selecting the sample clearly identified? ____ ____

✔STEP 7. RESEARCH DESIGN

Is the research design adequately described? ____ ____

Is the design appropriate for the research problem? ____ ____

Does the research design address issues related to the internal and external validity of the study? ____ ____ STEP 8. DATA COLLECTION METHODS

Are the data collection methods appropriate for the study? ____ ____

Are the data collection instruments described adequately? ____ ____

Do the measurement tools have reasonable validity and reliability? ____ ____

STEP 9. DATA ANALYSIS

Is the results section clearly and logically organized? ____ ____

Is the type of analysis appropriate for the level of measurement for each variable? ____ ____

Are the tables and figures clear and understandable? ____ ____

Is the statistical test the correct one for answering the research question? ____ ____

STEP 10. INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSION OF THE FINDINGS

Does the investigator clearly distinguish between actual findings and interpretations? ____ ____

Are the interpretations based on the data obtained? ____ ____

Are the findings discussed in relation to previous research and to the conceptual/theoretical framework? ____ Are all generalizations warranted and defended? ____ ____

Are the limitations of the results identified? ____ ____

Are implications of the results discussed? ____ ____

Are recommendations for future research identified? ____ ____

Are the conclusions justified? ____ ____