RES 5000
Appalachian State University
Dr. Jackson
FINAL EXAM
The purpose of the final exam is for you to illustrate how well you can apply some of the main
components of qualitative research through reading and critiquing a research article, much like
you have completed for homework and the midterm exam this semester. The article for the final
is listed on the syllabus. Please read the article carefully, multiple times. Review the sorts of
questions for critique for the various genres of qualitative research that you have engaged in over
the last few weeks.
Then, write a 1-2 page (single-spaced!!!) critique of the article. This is a focused critique in that
you are identifying one aspect of the article that you believe is a strength and one aspect that you
believe to be a weakness. The best way to prep is to look over your homework and see how we
have discussed the nature of qualitative research. You can get ideas from the “questions for
critique” to guide you as you describe one strength and one weakness of the article.
There is no “one right answer” here – the article has various strengths and weaknesses, so you
have a range to choose from. However, you might be inaccurate in your application of the
features of qualitative research, so be careful. For example, the researcher may have taken several
steps to ensure credibility, but you are not convinced. You need to be able to accurately explain
why you do not think enough was done to ensure credibility. This is not just your opinion – your
critique is grounded in what the field widely accepts. In other words, use what the field of
research says to make your claims. If you have personal issues with the research, then save them
for the conclusion.
You should organize your exam in this way:
1. Overview of article (type/genre of study, purpose of study, research question/purpose,
researcher’s theoretical perspective/worldview/subjectivity, participants – include each of
these to get full credit);
2. Strength of research: one feature (e.g., triangulation)
a. accurately define/describe feature (what is triangulation?)
b. provide example(s) from the article to make your points
3. Weakness of research: a different feature from strength
a. accurately define/describe feature
b. provide example(s) from the article to make your points
4. Conclusion – Whatever else you want to say about the research, related to the features of
qualitative research (can be a personal assessment/response)
Evaluation of Final Exam: A C F
Overview: 4 3 2
Strength: 4 3 2
Weakness: 4 3 2
Conclusion: 3 2 1
You will submit this on the due date via electronic mail.
Please save your document as “lastname5000final.doc”
I will send a confirmation email back to you within 24 hours, indicating receipt.
If you do not receive a confirmation within 24 hours, please follow-up with me ASAP!
