Critique quality of the literature reviews conducted for two different types of studies- a quantitative and qualitative research. • Identify and discuss the research questions, sampling and sampling sizes, research designs (qualitative vs. quantitative), hypothesis, data collection methods, and research findings. • Discuss the credibility of the sources and the research/researchers findings. • 400-word minimum/550-word maximum without the references. • Minimum of 3 references (the course textbook must be one of the references) in APA format, must have been published within last 3-5 years. •
Literature reviews are essential components of research studies as they provide a comprehensive understanding of the existing literature related to a specific research topic. Good literature reviews are critical in establishing the foundation upon which new research is built. In this essay, we will critique the quality of literature reviews conducted for two different types of studies, a quantitative and qualitative research, and analyze their research questions, sampling methods, research designs, hypothesis, data collection methods, and research findings. Additionally, we will discuss the credibility of the sources and the research/researchers’ findings.
Firstly, let’s examine the literature review conducted for a quantitative research study. The research question of this study is “Does regular physical exercise reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in individuals over the age of 50?” The literature review identifies relevant studies that investigate the relationship between physical exercise and cardiovascular diseases in individuals over 50 years old. The review includes articles published in reputable journals within the last five years, which enhances the credibility of the study.
Regarding sampling and sample size, the review indicates that studies included in the review used diverse samples, including both males and females over the age of 50. The sample sizes ranged between 100 to 500 participants per study. This is a significant strength as it allows for generalizability of the findings to a larger population of individuals over 50 years old.
Moving on to the research design, the quantitative study utilized a systematic review design. This type of design allows for the synthesis of multiple studies to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the research question. Moreover, it helps in minimizing bias and increasing the reliability of the findings. The systematic review design chosen for this study is appropriate for addressing the research question related to the relationship between physical exercise and cardiovascular diseases in individuals over 50.
In terms of the hypothesis, the literature review does not explicitly mention a hypothesis. However, the review indicates a consistent pattern of findings across the selected studies. The findings suggest that regular physical exercise has a significant association with the reduction of cardiovascular diseases in individuals over the age of 50. Although lacking a specific hypothesis weakens the study to some extent, the review presents substantial evidence supporting the link between exercise and cardiovascular health.
Moving on to the data collection methods, the literature review highlights the various methods employed by the selected studies, including self-reported measures, clinical assessments, and medical records. This diversity in data collection methods strengthens the overall findings of the review, as it demonstrates that different approaches have yielded consistent results.
Finally, the research findings of the quantitative study suggest a strong association between regular physical exercise and the reduction of cardiovascular diseases in individuals over 50. The review presents statistical evidence, such as odds ratios and p-values, to support these findings. The presence of statistically significant results adds credibility and strengthens the overall conclusions of the study.
Now, let’s critique the literature review conducted for a qualitative research study. The research question of this study is “What are the experiences of cancer survivors during their treatment journey?” The literature review in this study aims to explore the subjective experiences of cancer survivors during their treatment process. The review includes qualitative studies that utilize methods such as interviews and focus groups to capture the lived experiences of cancer survivors.
Regarding sampling and sample size, the review states that the included studies used purposive sampling to select participants who had completed cancer treatment. The sample sizes in the selected studies ranged from 10 to 30 participants. While purposive sampling allows for in-depth exploration of experiences, the limited sample sizes may limit the generalizability of the findings to a larger population of cancer survivors.
In terms of the research design, the qualitative study utilized a meta-synthesis design. This design aims to synthesize qualitative studies to develop a deeper understanding of the research topic. The meta-synthesis design is appropriate for exploring the experiences of cancer survivors as it allows for the integration of multiple perspectives and the emergence of themes.
The literature review does not explicitly mention a hypothesis, as qualitative research typically does not use hypothesis testing. Instead, it aims to capture the nuances and complexities of the experiences of cancer survivors. The findings of the qualitative study provide rich descriptions of the survivors’ experiences, highlighting themes such as emotional challenges, support systems, and personal growth.
In terms of data collection, the literature review reports that the included studies utilized methods such as interviews and focus groups to collect data from cancer survivors. These methods enable researchers to gather detailed accounts of the participants’ experiences and emotions. However, the review does not provide specific details about how data analysis was conducted in the selected studies, which limits the understanding of the rigor and credibility of the findings.
In conclusion, the literature reviews conducted for the quantitative and qualitative research studies both have their strengths and weaknesses. The quantitative review presents a systematic approach, strong sampling methods, appropriate research design, and statistical evidence supporting the research findings. On the other hand, the qualitative review explores subjective experiences using purposive sampling and a meta-synthesis design, but lacks specific details about data analysis. Both reviews provide valuable insights, contributing to the existing body of knowledge on their respective research topics.