Step 1: Critically read the selected research paper. Villmoare et al._Sexual dimorphism in Homo erectus.Preview the document
Step 2: Take notes as you read. The things you should focus on are:
The purpose of the article. What were the researchers trying to accomplish? What research question(s) did they want to address? Was a hypothesis being tested? If so, what was the hypothesis?. Basically, why was the research conducted?
The data and methods. What data were collected? How was the data analyzed (methods).
The results and conclusions. What were the main findings? What were the overall conclusions?
Your evaluation. What did you think about the research? Interesting? Not very exciting or enlightening? Do you think the data were analyzed correctly? Do you think the methods were appropriate given the research question(s) and hypotheses being tested? Were the conclusions sound and logical based on the results? What would you have done differently? What were the greatest strengths and weakness of the research? Were there any limitations? Can you connect the study to the existing body of scientific knowledge in a meaningful way? Did the research contribute to theoretical knowledge? Why? Why not? Did the research solve a problem? Why? Why not?
Your evaluation is the most important part of your review.
Step 3: Please type your review in a word processing software (e.g., MS Word, Pages). Your review must not exceed 2 pages of typed text. Please use Times New Roman font, 12-point font, and 1-inch margins all around. Do not write extensively on the methods or the results. I read the paper so I do not need you to repeat the details of what was in it. I am most interested in your evaluation and your thoughts about the research. I suggest the following template:
1st paragraph: purpose of the research article (2-3 sentences)
2nd paragraph: data and methods (brief description, simple language)
3rd paragraph: results (brief description of key findings) and conclusion (briefly state the researchers’ main conclusions)
4th and 5th paragraphs: your evaluation (see #4 in Step 2 above)