course materials

1. The purpose of the Understanding Research Paper Assignment is to
critically exam
The purpose of the Understanding Research Paper Assignment is to critically examine
aresearch article using Jordan & Zanna’s (1999) recommendations for evaluating a research
study.This resource is found in the Learn section of Module 5: Week 5. Please locate and
read aresearch article on any topic in psychology that interests you, using the Jerry Falwell
Librarydatabases. If you are not familiar with the Jerry Falwell Library and how to find
resources, pleasewatch the brief Library tutorial located on the Understanding Research
Paper Assignmentpage under the Understanding Research Paper Resources. Also, please
read the informationon Defining Databases and Journals located under the Understanding
Research PaperResources on the Understanding Research Paper Assignment page for
information on what ascholarly journal article is and how to find them in the research
databases.INSTRUCTIONSFor this Understanding Research Paper Assignment, please locate
and read an article on anytopic in psychology that interests you. Actively read the article
using the evaluationrecommendations of Jordan & Zanna (1999). In your reading by Jordan
& Zanna (1999), thereare questions to guide you through an evaluation of each section of
your research article. Usethose questions to actively read the journal article you have
selected, and then write a 2–3 pagesummary evaluation of the article that includes the
evaluation of the method of the study. Briefly describe how the researcher(s)collected the
data for the study and then report any limitations you see. For example,evaluate their
sample, how the variables were measured, and any other methodologicalfactors that may
authors discussed the findings. Do you agree with how theydiscussed the findings of their
study? Are there possible alternative explanations for whatthey found (or didn’t find)? Are
there things about the way the study was conducted(described above) that could explain
why the authors found what they found (or didn’tfind)?The Understanding Research Paper
Assignment must also include a title page and referencepage in current APA format. The
Understanding Research Paper Assignment must include anintroduction and conclusion in
addition to the body, as outlined above. The title page andreference page are not included in
the 2–3 page requirement. Please note that the UnderstandingResearch Paper Assignment
is meant to be a concise summary and evaluation of a researcharticle using the

2. recommendations of Jordan & Zanna (1999). You are not expected to review alllimitations,
but rather to point out some factors that you notice when you critically evaluated
thearticle.Be sure to review the criteria on the Understanding Research Paper Grading
Rubric beforebeginning the Understanding Research Paper Assignment.My article of choice
is included.