Research Analysis

Week 6 Research Analysis Assignment

For this assignment, you will critically review the assigned peer reviewed research study:

 Jin, Y., & Jones-Smith, J.C. (2015).  Associations between family income and children’s physical fitness and obesity in California, 2010-2012.  Prevention of Chronic Disease, 12(E17), 1-4. doi:
http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd12.140392

This study is attached in the Written Assignments section in the course room. You will address each of the areas as noted in the grading rubric. This assignment will provide an opportunity for you to apply the course concepts in practice as a critical reader of the literature. Be sure to address each of the areas as stated in the rubric. Remember, it is your assessment of the research study in each of these areas that is important. It is not a matter of just stating the information, but critically evaluating its use, the study methods employed, and the conclusions drawn as a result. Use your own words; do not use directly quoted information.  You should also think about how this study, the study methods, and the outcome might inform contemporary practice and further research in health. 

The paper should be in the APA format, including a cover page, headers, and a reference page and submitted via the Week 6 assignment link (Assignment Submission link).

Guidelines for Written Research Analysis Paper

 Prepare a paper using APA formatting as noted above (Cover page, headers, reference page, etc.)  The paper should cover the following topics.  Be sure to review the grading criteria included under this assignment.   Each topic should be labeled with the subheadings as indicated below: 

Research purpose:  Identify the research purpose as expressed in the assigned research study:

Jin, Y., & Jones-Smith, J.C. (2015).  Associations between family income and children’s physical fitness and obesity in California, 2010-2012.  Prevention of Chronic Disease, 12(E17), 1-4. doi:
http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd12.140392

 Find at least one other research paper on the same or similar topic and give a brief description of how it is the same/different from the assigned research study.

Use the assigned research study to complete the following:

Identification of the study:  For the assigned study, identify the type of study, research hypothesis, the variables (independent and dependent), and type of variables used (nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio, etc.).  Do you think this was the appropriate study design to use for this type of study? Why or why not?

Description of methods: Describe methods employed including sampling (what sampling strategy was used), data collection, data analysis, level of significance.  Is the methods section adequate? Could you replicate the study based on the information presented?

Summary of results:  Summarize the results, major key findings, significant or non-significant results. This is an area where you may indicate if you think the summary is sufficient or if you wish to see more.

Strengths and limitations:  Describe the strengths and limitations of the study with reference to internal and/or external validity.  What threats to you see to the internal/external validity of the study? Do you see other strengths or limitations besides what is described in the article?

Ethical issues:  Discuss any ethical issues/concerns: Informed consent, IRB approval, vulnerable groups, and ethical implications.  Describe what is available in the article and what else might be considered. 

Applications: Application to clinical practice and future recommendations for research. Describe the authors’ recommendations plus add your own opinions/thoughts. How might this study encourage other studies or inform clinical practice or policy? 

 The assigned study is in the Assignment Submission tab on the left hand menu.  I recommend you download it and print it for review.

Jin, Y., & Jones-Smith, J.C. (2015).  Associations between family income and children’s physical fitness and obesity in California, 2010-2012.  Prevention of Chronic Disease, 12(E17), 1-4. doi:
http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd12.140392

  Written Research Analysis Paper

EXCELLENCE SYSTEM – REQUIRED ASSESSMENT ARTIFACT - MANDATORY

For this assignment, students will critically review an assigned peer-reviewed research study, addressing each of the areas noted in the grading rubric. This assignment will provide an opportunity for the student to apply the course concepts in practice as a critical reader of the literature. Be sure to address each of the areas stated in the rubric. This is a required assignment and must follow the rubric included. In addition, the paper will be compared to the Excellence System Competency Rubric for: Analysis and Problem Solving, to meet the minimum of the mastery level.