Objective: Write a 2-3 full page college-level paper in APA format, in
which you analyze one scientific, peer-reviewed article in the discipline
of psychology and discuss how the results of the study may benefit the
surrounding community and/or society as a whole.
Rubric for the Journal Article Critique:
TOPIC – 10%
• Article topics must be selected from the following list: longitudinal
studies, sleep, consciousness, conditioning, observational learning,
memory, intelligence, motivation, emotions, gender and/or
sexuality, health psychology, personality, aggression, conformity,
obedience, altruism, bystander effect, stereotype threat, prejudice,
discrimination, cognitive behavioral therapy, or studies on
psychological disorders.
• If you want to propose a different topic other than the ones listed,
you must have it approved by the professor via email three days
ahead of the due date.
SOURCE – 10%
The peer-reviewed journal article must be within the last 15 years and
must come from professional, scientific journals. A peer-reviewed
journal article must have sections labeled “Methods,” “Results,”
& “Discussions.”
FORMAT – 10%
• You must use APA format. The format directions can be found on
the following web site:
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/
• APA format requirements include a cover page, reference page, in-
text citations, etc.
• PLAGIARISM WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. All information
must be stated in your own words.
STRUCTURE OF JOURNAL ARTICLE CRITIQUE – 70%
PART 1: INTRODUCTION (Purpose: to educate the reader on the
topic/concept)
• will define topic and other key terms
• will include symptoms, statistics of occurrence, and current
information in the field
PART 2: MAIN BODY (Purpose: to explain the research conducted in
the article)
1. HYPOTHESIS or PURPOSE:
• What were the researchers trying to discover (i.e. what was the
hypothesis or purpose)?
o This is usually found at the beginning of the article. Usually
the hypothesis or statement of a problem appears at the end
of the review of the literature, most often in the last or next to
last paragraph. The words that indicate that it is a hypothesis
are, “We will examine. . .” or “Our hypothesis is . . .” In a
statement of a problem, the researcher may say, “We plan to
see if a relationship…,” “We proposed to observe…,” or “The
problem we proposed to study…” (You must use your own
words—do NOT use quotes).
2. METHODOLOGY:
• How was the research conducted (research design/type of study)?
• Is the research descriptive (case study, naturalistic observation,
laboratory observations, surveys, tests), correlation, experimental,
or developmental? For more information on research methods,
refer to chapter 1 of your text.
• When and where the research was conducted?
• How long did the study take?
• Who were the participants? (number [N], age, sex, criteria to be a
part of study)?
3. RESULTS/DISCUSSION:
• What did the researchers actually find in relation to their
hypothesis/purpose?
• Article may state: The researchers found that . . .
• What limitations did the researchers reveal?
Summary/conclusion (Purpose: to show critical thinking in regards to
the research)
• How does the information in the article integrate with information
from class discussion, the text, and/or other information in the
discipline?
• Tip: It is a good idea to use the subject index in your text to look
up the topic in your text.
• What is your opinion of the research findings?
• Was this research well done or not and why?
• Why is this topic/research important? (relevance/benefits to
community and/or society)
o EXAMPLE: A conclusion to a study that suggests a new
therapy/treatment for children with ADHD might help the
child struggling to perform successfully in school, which then
improves her confidence, her relationship with her parents,
siblings, and classmates. Write about the implications of this
new treatment if it applies to your journal article.
• In what ways does this topic relate to your own personal
experience and how is your experience in agreement or
disagreement with the outcome of this study?
• How has your opinion of this topic changed since your review of
the study?
OTHER RULES
• Each student must turn in their critique and a complete copy of the
journal article to receive credit.
