PSY325wk5FPA22

Week 5 – Final Paper

Final Paper

For your Final Paper you will conduct a research study critique.  Utilize the instructor-approved topic that you selected in Week One of the course.  Identify three to five quantitative research studies from peer-reviewed sources, which were published within the last ten years that investigate this topic.  Describe the statistical approaches (e.g., identify each variable and its type) used in each study and the interpretation of the results.  Finally, present other statistical approaches that could have been used and, when appropriate, suggest alternative interpretations of the results. This process will allow you to apply the concepts learned in the course in the interpretation of actual scientific research.

The three to five quantitative research studies that have been conducted on your chosen topic must:

• Have a clearly stated research hypothesis.
• Utilize inferential statistical tests as part of the research study.
• Present the results of the statistical analysis.
• Interpret the results of the statistical analysis.
• Discuss the implications of the results of the study.

The Final Paper must contain the following sections:

1. Introduction
2. Methods
3. Results
4. Discussion

1. Introduction: Identify research studies and define hypotheses.
       This section will provide a general introduction and review relevant literature to the topic being studied. Identify three to five quantitative research studies from peer-reviewed sources, which were published within the last ten years that investigate this topic and meet the five stated criteria (listed above).  The research hypothesis associated with each study should also be clearly defined.     
3. Methods: Describe the statistical approaches.
       In this section, the research method and statistical approaches for each of the studies being critiqued will be presented. This section should include a description of all statistical tests conducted and other relevant information, such as the sample size, and any assumptions noted on the part of the researcher. In this section, the student should describe of all of these factors, and suggest alternatives when they are appropriate.
4. Results: Critique the results.
       In this section, the results of the statistical tests performed in each of these studies should be presented and critiqued. It is appropriate in this section, to discuss limitations or to critique the interpretation of the results provided in each study.
5. Discussion: Compare efficacy.
       This section will compare the efficacy of the research studies that are presented on the topic chosen by the student. The strengths and weaknesses of each study should be mentioned in this section. Based on these studies, suggest future research directions. Additional forms of statistical analysis should be included as part of the suggested future research.

Writing the Final Paper
    The Final Paper:

Must be eight to ten double-spaced pages in length, excluding title and reference pages, and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Must include a title page with the following:

Title of paper Student’s name Course name and number Instructor’s name Date submitted Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement. Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought. Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis. Must use a minimum of three to five quantitative research studies from peer-reviewed sources, all published within the last ten years. Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

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