Describe and compare the aims / research questions and methodology of the two articles. Introduce the two research papers – authors, titles, journals, and topics investigated. Describe the aims of each research paper – what exactly were the researchers trying to find out?

You will be expected to appraise the two journal articles. It is important to include all the sections of the assignment because each of these carries a percentage of the marks. The word lengths for each section are for guidance only and are approximate. 5% of the marks will be for academic skills .

Content of your essay

Please use the following as a guide.

1. Describe and compare the aims / research questions and methodology of the two articles. Introduce the two research papers – authors, titles, journals, and topics investigated. Describe the aims of each research paper – what exactly were the researchers trying to find out? If you include discussion of the researchers’ theoretical approach to their topic you will gain additional marks. Then identify the overall methodological approach, sampling, and the methods / research instruments used. You will gain additional marks if you show understanding of the research paradigms that have informed the methodologies.

2. Identify the main research findings of each paper.

3. Critically evaluate the strengths and limitations of each paper using criteria drawn from the methodology literature.

What has been the impact of the methodology and methods of each paper on the nature of the evidence produced and the accuracy of the findings? For each paper, discuss the strengths and limitations of the theoretical / methodological approach, sampling, data collection method, analysis, interpretation and any other relevant aspects of the research process. You should apply the criteria used to appraise research when evaluating the quality of the evidence produced. Identify any ethical problems in either of the research studies and how / whether these were resolved.

4. The contribution the two papers, taken together, make to understanding the issue, taking into account findings, strengths and limitations

This section should be a synthesis of the findings and the strengths and limitations of the research, as described in sections 2 and 3 above.

5. Explain the issues involved in applying the research findings to practice, including any complications or difficulties.