Week 4
Week 4 Discussion 2
1. What should you be looking for when reading quantitative studies to judge their
worth in the literature?
When examining quantitative studies to judge their worth, the two prime factors to be
considered are validity and reliability. In validity, the examiner should check if the
analysis and data are applicable and accurate with regard to the study group and the
external environment. When checking for reliability, the examiner should ensure that the
methods of data collection and analysis are accurate and applicable to all of the study's
participants (Fink, 2020).
2. What might you find while reading a quantitative study that would raise a "red
flag" about the quality of the methods used or the validity of the study?
There are a number of factors that could raise "red flags" when it comes to quantitative
studies. For example, a quantitative study is only deemed useful if the results can be
replicated or expanded upon by future studies. It is therefore paramount that a
quantitative study presents a meticulous statistical account and procedure upon which
future researchers can expound on or replicate the findings. The lack of steps in
procedures, inaccurate results and faulty reporting of statistical data are warning signs
when it comes to reading quantitative research (Locke, Silverman & Spirduso, 2009).
3. How can you screen for bias in a research study?
A number of factors tells or imply to the reader that a study is bias. If the reader is able
to notice the following in the study then it might be bias. (1) If the study is heavily
opinionated and one sided; if the study is leaning only towards a selected outcome and
provides heavy details to support the outcome then it might be bias. (2) If it relies on
unsubstantiated claims; that is it presents claims without enough supporting evidence. (3)
If inappropriate or extreme language is used; noticing extreme or inappropriate language
being used in a study obviously evokes a negative sense in the reader and could imply
that the study or author is bias (Laureate, n.d.).
4. What ethical considerations are specifically relevant with quantitative research?
Week 4 Discussion 2
1. What should you be looking for when reading quantitative studies to judge their
worth in the literature?
When examining quantitative studies to judge their worth, the two prime factors to be
considered are validity and reliability. In validity, the examiner should check if the
analysis and data are applicable and accurate with regard to the study group and the
external environment. When checking for reliability, the examiner should ensure that the
methods of data collection and analysis are accurate and applicable to all of the study's
participants (Fink, 2020).
2. What might you find while reading a quantitative study that would raise a "red
flag" about the quality of the methods used or the validity of the study?
There are a number of factors that could raise "red flags" when it comes to quantitative
studies. For example, a quantitative study is only deemed useful if the results can be
replicated or expanded upon by future studies. It is therefore paramount that a
quantitative study presents a meticulous statistical account and procedure upon which
future researchers can expound on or replicate the findings. The lack of steps in
procedures, inaccurate results and faulty reporting of statistical data are warning signs
when it comes to reading quantitative research (Locke, Silverman & Spirduso, 2009).
3. How can you screen for bias in a research study?
A number of factors tells or imply to the reader that a study is bias. If the reader is able
to notice the following in the study then it might be bias. (1) If the study is heavily
opinionated and one sided; if the study is leaning only towards a selected outcome and
provides heavy details to support the outcome then it might be bias. (2) If it relies on
unsubstantiated claims; that is it presents claims without enough supporting evidence. (3)
If inappropriate or extreme language is used; noticing extreme or inappropriate language
being used in a study obviously evokes a negative sense in the reader and could imply
that the study or author is bias (Laureate, n.d.).
4. What ethical considerations are specifically relevant with quantitative research?
