When critiquing a research report, what would not be needed in ...

[elizabeth18]

When critiquing a research report, what would not be needed in the description of the sample to determine the validity of the sample? The
 
  a. population it was representing
  b. number of subjects
  c. way the sample was chosen
  d. mean age of the sample

Question 2

In critiquing a research study, what would indicate that the researcher minimized the limitations of the study? The
 
  a. connection among the concepts was made clear in the report.
  b. findings were generalized beyond the scope of the study.
  c. sample for the study was drawn from a convenient group of patients from nearby facilities.
  d. variables were described using vague and conflicting terms.

[sylvia]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The mean age might be of interest, but may or may not relate to the study's purpose and, therefore is not a necessary component of the report.
A good research report would include the population represented, the number of subjects, and the method used to obtain the subjects.
A good research report would include the population represented, the number of subjects, and the method used to obtain the subjects.
A good research report would include the population represented, the number of subjects, and the method used to obtain the subjects.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Typical methods of minimizing limitations of a study include developing clear relationships among the concepts used in the study, appropriate generalization of the study findings, using a representative sample of the population under study, and developing logical operational definitions of the variables under study.
Generalizing findings beyond the scope of the study broadens the limitations of a study instead of minimizing them.
In minimizing study limitations, the sample should be more controlled than drawing from a convenient group of patients from nearby facilities.
Variables in a well-limited study should be clearly defined and described, not using vague and conflicting terms.