Critique and critical analysis methods

¶ … Powell (2008) is discussing the utilization of mixed method research. What actuaries found is that the majority of actuaries used this kind of approach sparingly (with only 13.7% of the studies classified in these categories). This is providing a basic foundation for understanding the methods that are embraced by psychologists. (Powell, 2008, pp. 291 -- 311)

How many are included in this study? Is this sample size appropriate for this study?

The sample size of the study is 873 articles. This was subdivided into a several different demographics to include: the Journal of School Psychology (157), Psychology in the Schools (365), School Psychology Review (145) and School Psychology Quarterly (206). This size is considered to be appropriate from: the different categories and the large number of articles that were reviewed. (Powell, 2008, pp. 291 -- 311)

Demographics: Explain the demographic variables (age, gender, ethnicity, education etc. And how these related to the study).

In this case, the demographics are segregated into a number of different categories to include: literature review, meta-analysis, commentary, response and book review. This was then divided further, based upon the focus of each article. Most notably: quantitative, qualitative and mixed method approaches. These different elements provided more clarity about where the data was generated from. (Powell, 2008, pp. 291 -- 311)

Recruitment: How were the participants recruited? Were all recruited included in the study? Is the sample appropriate for this study?

Participants were not physically recruited. Instead, different scholarly sources were consulted. As a result, the sample size is appropriate given the focus of the study. (Powell, 2008, pp. 291 -- 311)

Location: Where were the data collected?

The data was collected from the library in particular there was an emphasis on psychology journals and research studies. (Powell, 2008, pp. 291 -- 311)

Discuss the appropriateness of the sample (is the size adequate? Is the sample appropriate for this study?)

The sample size is appropriate. It is looking at larger demographics and different kinds of articles (which is: providing more balance to the study). When this occurs, actuaries can conduct a more detailed analysis to support or refute their hypothesis. (Powell, 2008, pp. 291 -- 311)

In the second article, Pituch (2006) is focusing on the effectiveness of the Boot Strap method in analyzing random samples. What they determined is that this is effective when used in conjunction with the empirical M -- test. (Pituch, 2006, pp. 367 -- 400)

Sample Size: How many are included in this study? Is this sample size appropriate for this study?

A total of 60 different samples were included in the study. This is appropriate for ensuring that there is a certain degree of objectivity at all times. (Pituch, 2006, pp. 367 -- 400)

Demographics: Explain the demographic variables (age, gender, ethnicity, education etc. And how these related to the study).

The demographics of the study were divided into several different categories most notably: Z test, M test, JS, Boot, BC -- Boot and IBC- Boot. This is showing which techniques are most effective when used in conjunction with the Boot Strap method. (Pituch, 2006, pp. 367 -- 400)

Population: What population does the sample belong to? I.e.: What are the general demographic characteristics of the population (students, children, healthy adults, mentally ill adults etc.)?

The population sample is focused on scientists and the kinds of methods they are using to analyze data that is collected. (Pituch, 2006, pp. 367 -- 400)