For this assignment, you will write a critique of the article, Parents and Vehicle Purchases for Their Children: A Surprising Source of Weight Bias.

Critique Paper Tips

*Refer to Chap 1 (especially the content on Research Methods) ask yourself the questions of critical thinking as you evaluate the article. *Address BOTH positives (strengths) and negatives (weaknesses) of the study. Don't just be a pessimist. The sky isn't always dark and gloomy. Also, don't just be an optimist. The world isn't just about puppies and rainbows ;) *You do not necessarily have to address every question I have outlined below (Reference the Grading Rubric to see how many questions need to be answered). Use them as food for thought. If your critique is running a little long, pick and choose which questions you want to address.However, it would be in your best interest to address the article as a WHOLE, meaning critique all sections of the article: Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion/Conclusion

Introduction

• • How understandable did they make the variables they wanted to study? What were the variables studied?
  • How well did they explain, reason, and rationalize their theory and hypothesis? What were the hypothesis/hypotheses of the study?
  • How well did they describe the importance of their study?

Methods

• • What was the sample and how representative was their sample to the population?
  • Did their methods make sense based on the variables they wanted to study?
  • How did they measure and operationalize their variables?How well did they measure and operationalize their variables?
    • Did they use case study, surveys, naturalistic observation, etc.?
      • Did they take into account the limitations of each of these?
  • How realistic was their method to real life (Remember though, that no study can perfectly replicate real life... it is all about how close you can get to it)?
  • How valid and reliable were their methods?

Results

• • Don't worry about understanding the statistics.
  • What were the findings and how generalizable or applicable were the findings to real life?
  • Did the researchers make reasonable claims from their study?
    • Did they over-generalize their claims?

Discussion/Conclusion

• • All studies have flaws! How well did the researchers address the limitations and weaknesses of their study (at least1 limitation needs to be discussed)?
  • How well did the researchers talk about implications of their findings and future directions (atleast1strength/implication needs to be discussed)?