Posted: May 21st, 2015

Qualitative Social Health Research Study Critique

HST2122 Health Research Methodology Assignment 2 Instructions Page 1
HST2122 Health Research Methodology
Instructions for
Assessment 2: Qualitative Social Health Research Study Critique
(30% of total marks)
In this assessment, you will report on your critique of a qualitative health research study. You will select an
article from among several articles chosen for the semester (see choices below).
PURPOSE OF ASSIGNMENT 2
Assignment 2 seeks to develop your ability to be savvy consumers of health research by requiring you to
systematically critique a health research study. The main learning objectives of this assessment are to:
1. interpret and present research data;
2. present a research report; and
3. critically evaluate the design and conclusions of research studies.
CONTENTS
Main Components of Assignment: 1500 word count
Cover Page
Introduction
Element 1 Title
Element 2 Authors
Element 3 Abstract
Element 4 Introduction/Rationale for study
Element 5 Literature Review
Element 6 Research Aim
Element 7 Research Questions
Element 8 Key Concepts
Element 9 Ethical Considerations
Element 10 Research Methodology (Theoretical Approach)
Element 11 Data Collection Methods and Procedures
Element 12 Study Participants and Sampling Methods
Element 13 Data Analysis
Element 14 Results Presentation
Element 15 Discussion of Results
Element 16 Conclusion
Element 17 Presentation
Summary of Critique
Reference List
Use the Assessment 2 Table Template document (found at Blackboard > Assessments > Assignment 2
folder) to develop your assignment in.
HST2122 Health Research Methodology Assignment 2 Instructions Page 2
HEALTH RESEARCH STUDY SELECTION
Please choose ONE of the following journal articles below to critique for this assignment. Please base your
selection on an area that you are most interested so that you can truly engage in the critical analysis.
Robertson, A., Larson, P., & Galletly, D. (2011). First aid in the New Zealand workplace. Journal of Health,
Safety and Environment, 27(1), 11-26.
Brownie, S. & Coutts, R. (2013). Older Australians’ perceptions and practices in relation to a healthy diet
for old age: A qualitative study. Journal of Nutrition Health and Aging, 17(2), 125-129.
Saleem, F., Hassali, M., Shafie, A., & Atif, M. (2012). Drug attitude and adherence: A qualitative insight of
patients with hypertension. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 4(2), 101-107.
Condon, L., Hek, G., Harris, F., Powell, J., Kemple, T., & Price, S. (2007). Users’ views of prison health
services: A qualitative study. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 58(3), 216-226.
DEVELOPING SECTIONS 1-17
You are strongly encouraged to read the recommended resources on critiquing research studies in order to
better understand what problems or difficulties to look out for (…but don’t forget to reference them!). Basic
descriptions of what elements are included or excluded are necessary but not sufficient for a good mark on
this assignment – strong assignments will include critical analysis explaining why the element is or is not
well-addressed. For example, in addition to stating the sampling technique, a critique would comment on
why or why not a particular sampling method is appropriate given the study’s stated purpose.
Introduction
The introduction should:
1. Explain the purpose of this document (assignment);
2. Introduce the topic of the assignment (the article to be critiqued); and
3. Summarise the organisation of the document.
Elements 1-17
Please read the document entitled ‘Framework and Guidelines for Critiquing Social Health Research.’
Utilise the questions posed in that document to guide your analysis for each of the Elements 1-14 listed in
the contents section above. The Introduction and Summary of Critique should be written in paragraph form
in prose. Your critique of Elements 1-15 should be presented in a landscape Word table format with row
headings the same as Elements identified in the contents section above. Entries for each element should
be:
 in clear sentences and phases;
 detailed; and
 concise.
Use the Assessment 2 Table Template document (found at Blackboard > Assessments > Assignment 2
folder) to develop your assignment in.
HST2122 Health Research Methodology Assignment 2 Instructions Page 3
Summary of Critique
This section should follow the critique table and be written in full sentences and paragraphs. It should
comment on:
1. the overall quality of the study and
2. how or when this study might be useful in a professional applied setting, indicating any cautions
that might need to exercise due to limitations of the study.
FORMATTING AND PRESENTATION
Please present your Assignment in the following manner:
Format
 The Introduction and Summary of Critique should be written in paragraph form in prose.
 The critique of Elements 1-17 should be presented in accordance with the document template
Assessment 2 Table Template (found at Blackboard > Assessments > Assignment 2 folder).
 Document should NOT exceed 1500 words (excluding the list of references)
 Line spacing: 1.0 for table, 1.15 for Introduction and Summary
 Font: Arial Narrow
 Font size: 12 point font
Referencing
 All ideas must be properly referenced with both in-text and end-text references using the proper
ECU formats. PLEASE NOTE: Failure to reference properly may result in penalties for
plagiarism.
 On-line scholarly journals from reputable databases must be consulted. Information from freely
available webpage’s are not always reputable and will not be accepted as source documents.
Wikepedia is not a credible academic source. It is important to make sure that you access
RECENT ACADEMIC material relevant to your topic (> 2005).
MARKING CRITERIA
 Marks will be allocated on the basis of critical thinking and development of argument, written
expression, structure, content, and referencing.
 A marking guide for this assignment is available on blackboard.