Using the General Social Survey that can be answered by multiple regression.
You will critically evaluate a scholarly article related to multiple regression. Search for a quantitative article that includes multiple regression testing.
Write a 3- to 5-paragraphs critique of the article (2 to 3 pages). In your critique, include responses to the following:
Why did the authors use multiple regression?
Do you think it’s the most appropriate choice? Why or why not?
Did the authors display the data?
- Do the results stand alone? Why or why not?
Did the authors report effect size? If yes, is this meaningful?
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor, evaluating research articles is an essential part of the curriculum for college students. In this assignment, students will critically evaluate a scholarly article using multiple regression. The critique will include an analysis of why authors use multiple regression, whether it’s the most appropriate choice, and whether the data is displayed effectively. Additionally, the examination will assess whether the results stand-alone and if the authors reported meaningful effect size.
Answer:
The utilization of multiple regression in research articles allows for the identification of relationships between multiple independent variables and a dependent variable. The primary reason authors use multiple regression is to identify the strength and direction of the relationships between variables. By using multiple regression, authors can control for covariates, both known and unknown, which can help in making more accurate predictions. Additionally, the technique can determine the statistical significance of variables and their relationships with the dependent variable.
Author’s use of multiple regression may not always be the most appropriate choice. In some circumstances, the technique may not be able to identify causality and could be subject to overfitting, especially when the sample size is small. Researchers should consider other techniques such as logistic or linear regression, depending on the nature of the study question and the data available.
In evaluating a scholarly article, displaying data in a comprehensible manner is vital. The authors should include appropriate visual aids, such as graphs and tables, which represent the results accurately. The effectiveness of data display allows readers to assess the study’s results and conclusions while allowing those with statistical expertise to interpret the findings.
The results of the authors should stand-alone and be comprehensible without requiring further clarification. The researchers should provide enough information for readers to replicate the experiment, thus enhancing the study’s credibility. Inadequate data or unclear outcomes can cause mistrust in the research findings, which may lead to questioning of the research design, sample size, and data collection method.
Authors should always report effect size in their research articles to determine the practical significance of their findings. While statistical significance indicates the probability of random error, effect size indicates the magnitude of the association between the variables. The interpretation of effect size is not universal and often depends on the study design, research question, and research field. Therefore, reporting effect size makes it easy for readers to evaluate the study’s importance, especially in medical research.
In summary, evaluating the use of multiple regression in a scholarly article requires writers to consider factors like data display, appropriate use of the technique, and reporting effect size. As a medical professor, it is critical to encourage students to undertake such assignments to enable them to develop robust analytical skills and become critical thinkers in the medical profession.
