The authors are clearly identifiable, the article was published in a well-known peer reviewed journal, and the author is a member of several upstanding organizations. The data collected for the study is current, as are the references relied upon throughout the article. While all three articles touched on the same topic, that of the relationship between crime and alcohol outlet density, only the Gorman article controls for other variables highly likely to influence the same criminal behaviors within any community. Further, his use of the hierarchical Bayesian model for statistical comparison further ensures reliable, accurate, and credible results. Thus, from a scholarly standpoint, the Gorman article is the most credible.

Appendix a in evaluating any piece of research material, there are several areas of importance to examine in order to ascertain whether the research is credible. Below is an outline of my criteria used to evaluate the three research articles presented.

The process begins with an evaluation of the purpose of the study and the reasoning for any preliminary assumptions. Next, an evaluation of the methodology employed, accuracy, and objectivity of the study is vital. Finally, it is important to examine how well the topic of the research is covered, and whether the conclusions the author deduced are viable.

Purpose, Hypothesis, and Preliminary Assumptions

What is the purpose of the research?

Is the hypothesis easily identifiable?

Should be stated early, and clearly.

Is the hypothesis fitting for the purpose of the research?

Are any assumptions made unbiased?

Is the language of the article free from words indicating bias?

Is the article written without point-of-view stated?

Methods

Is the method section explained well?

Should...

& Treno, a. (2006). Ecological models of alcohol outlets and violent assaults: Crime potentials and geospatial analysis. Addiction, 101(5): 666-677.
Freisthler, B., Needell, B., & Gruenewald, P.J. (2005). Is the physical availability of alcohol and illicit drugs related to neighborhood rates of child maltreatment? Child Abuse & Neglect, 29(9): 1049-1060.

Gorman, D., Zhu, L., & Horel, S. (2005). Drug "hot spots," alcohol availability and violence. Drug and Alcohol Review, 24(6): 507-513.