MED871 ASSIGNMENT

Assignment (40%)

From educational research journals (you can use NIE library database), find three research articles, which are related to each other in their research questions, for example
· They studied the same research topic, such as students’ discipline problems in school
· They proposed the same or similar research question(s), such as the relationship between self-esteem and achievement of the students

It is better you find that the studies using different research methods


You are required to
1. Provide where did you find the articles and how did you find them. Provide the sources of them. (2%)

2. Briefly describe the studies reported by each of the articles
· What is the research problem(s)/question(s) stated in these articles
· What type of research method(s) were used in these studies
· What results have been reported in these articles
· After read your description, the reader should be able to know studies roughly (6%)

3. Make comments on each of the articles (25%)
· Is the research problem clearly stated? Be specific.
· Is the significance of the problem established? Be specific.
· Identify the hypothesis (if there is any)
· Is the hypothesis clearly stated? Be specific.
· How were the variables measured in the study? Are the measurements reliable and valid?
· How could you identify the type of research method used in each study? Explain your answer.
· How were the participants in these studies selected? What type of sampling method was used? Explain your answer.
· How was each of these studies conducted?
· Make comments on the research design of each of these studies. List the strength and weakness of each study, provide possible improvements.
· What type of data analysis was used in each study report? Specify the details.
· Do you think the data analysis conducted correctly and/or effectively? Any suggestions for improvement?
· Is the study ethically sound?
· Is the report written well? Explain your answer.

3.Compare and the contrast the research methods used in the three studies (7%)
· From methodology point of view, what are the similarities and what are the differences of these studies
· Which study do you think was conducted better? Why?
· Which study you dislike? Why?

4. Any other comments or points related to these research reports (bonus marks)

Note:
1. You are required to print your articles and hand them in with your assignment.
2. You are required to hand in a hardcopy of your assignment and a softcopy of it, which will be used for checking plagiarism.

Suggestions:
Length of the assignment: 2000 words.