Article Critique Guidelines

Example Citation (article citation must be included on last page of each critique):

Vangelisti, A. L. & Young, S. L. (2000). When words hurt: The effects of perceived intentionality on interpersonal relationships. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 17, 393-424.

The article critique assignment comprises two parts: (1) article summary & (2) critical analysis.

Part 1. ARTICLE SUMMARY ought to include the following…

• PURPOSE
• Describe the purpose of the study (i.e., the problem under investigation)
• List the proposed hypotheses
• PARTICIPANTS
• Number of people in study
• Age (range & mean/average)
• Gender (# of females vs. males)
• Other Information (SES, Year in College, etc.)
• METHOD
• List all of the instruments/measurement tools used (e.g., Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale)
• Describe how the data was collected
• RESULTS
• Report the study’s statistical findings (include level of statistical significance)
• DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS
• What are the major findings?
• How do the authors interpret these findings and do they support the authors’ initial hypotheses?
• How do the results tie in to the larger theoretical framework?

Part 2. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

• What are the theoretical implications of this study?
• Do you agree/disagree with the author(s)’ conclusions?
• Was there anything about the study that should have been changed/done differently?
• Were any important factors left out?

HONOR STATEMENT (must be included on last page of all assignments):

"On my honor as a University of South Carolina Aiken student, I have completed my work according to the principle of Academic Integrity. I have neither given nor received any unauthorized aid on this assignment/examination." __________________________ Signature/Date