Third Structural Analysis

1. Pick an article that analyzes data quantitatively and has identifiable (implicit or explicit) hypotheses.

2. Summarize the article in 100 to 200 words.

3. In a coherent essay, answer the following questions about the theory in the article.
a. Identify the meta conceptual framework(s) used in the article.
b. Specify the hypotheses. (choose at least two)
c. Discuss the connection between the meta framework and the hypotheses.
d. Identify key concepts in the hypotheses (were they well articulated? why/why not?)
e. How are the concepts related?

4. In a coherent essay, answer the following questions about the methods used in the article.

a. What research technique or methodology was used?

b. What is (are) the dependent variable(s)? In your discussion relate the dependent variable to the relevant concept identified above. [repeat for each hypothesis]

c. How was the dependent variable operationalized? [repeat for each hypothesis].

d. What is the level of measurement used for the dependent variable(s)? What is the range (highest and lowest value) for the dependent variable? [repeat for each hypothesis]

e. What is (are) the independent variable(s)? In your discussion relate the independent variable to the relevant concept identified above. [repeat for each hypothesis]

f. How was the independent variable operationalized? [repeat for each hypothesis].

g. What is the level of measurement used for the independent variable(s)? What is the range for the independent variable? [repeat for each hypothesis]

h. If a sample was used, discuss the sample and the sampling technique.

5. In a coherent essay, answer the following questions about the statistical methods used in the article.

a. If available, specify the mean(s) and standard deviation(s) of the dependent variable(s). Interpret. [repeat for each hypothesis]

b. If available, specify the mean(s) and standard deviation(s) of the independent variable(s). Interpret. [repeat for each hypothesis]

c. Which statistical technique was used and what statistical tests were performed to test the hypothesis? [repeat for each hypothesis]

d. Which results achieved statistical significance?

e. What evidence was used to test the hypothesis. Did the evidence support the hypothesis? Justify. [repeat for each hypothesis]

f. Describe the connection between the conceptual framework and the empirical portion of the article.

g. Asses the conceptual framework as an organizing device for the empirical portion of the article.

Texas State University-San Marcos is a member of the Texas State University System.

10/13/2006