SOWK 370: Social Work and the Criminal Justice System: Evaluation

Purpose of the Article:  Why was the article written?

• To persuade    To inform    To prove something

Type of Journal

• Scholarly Journal: high quality research reviewed by experts in the field. (Peer-review)
• Trade Magazine: topics in business or economic data

Organization & Content

• Is material iorganized and focused?
• Is argument or presentation understandable?
• Is this original research, a review of previous research

Bias

• Left/Liberal?   OR Right/Conservative? Center?
• An alternative press?  OR Political action (PAC) group?

Date of Article

• Up‐to‐date, Out‐of‐date, Timeless

Bibliography

• Identifies resources consulted appropriate for the content.  
• Is it selective or comprehensive,
• Primary sources and/or secondary sources only
• Is the citation style clear and consistent?

Usefulness

• Is the article relevant to the current research project?  
• Support an argument ‐Refute an argument
• Includes survey results, primary research finding, case studies

Authority

• Author(s) and/or publisher(s) credentials verifiable.  

• Expert in this field? Where employed? Other writings?

Scope/Coverage

• Comprehensively, partially, or provide an overview?

Audience

• Specialists. Researchers or scholars Students

Illustrations  

• Charts, graphs, maps, photographs used to illustrate concepts
• Relevant, clear and professional‐looking?

Authority

• Is the information reliable? 
• .Is the author an expert in the field? Check credentials/affiliation
• Does the resource have a reputable organization
• Are the sources of information stated and verifiable
• Can the author be contacted for clarification? 
• Check for organizational or author biases.

Scope

• Is material unique, accurate or is it derivative, repetitious, or doubtful?
• Is the information available in other formats? 
• Is the purpose of the resource clearly stated?
• What subjects, time period, formats or types are covered? 
• Is the information factual or opinion? 
• Does the site contain original information or simply links? 
• How frequently is the resource updated? 
• Does the site have clear and obvious pointers to new content?

Format and Presentation

• How many links does it take to get to something useful? 
• Do images enhance the resource or distract from the content? 
• Is the target audience or intended users clearly indicated? 
• Is the arrangement of links uncluttered
• Does the site have its own search engine? 
• Is the site easily browsable or searchable?

Accessibility:

• Is response time fast? 
• Does the site have a text-based alternative? 
• How many links lead to a dead-end? 
• Is this a fee-based site? Can non-members still have access to part of the site? 
• Must you register a name and password before using the site

Selection of Literature

• Are parameters of the review reasonable?
  • Why Is certain literature included and others excluded?
  • Which years are included?
• Are primary sources emphasized over secondary sources?
• Is the literature is relevant to the problem?

Criticism of the Literature

• How is the review organized?
• By  topics or ideas
• By author
• Is the review organized logically?
• Are major studies or theories discussed in detail?

• Are minor studies discussed as a group?
• Is there criticism of the design and methodology of the studies?
• Are studies compared and contrasted and conflicting results noted?

Summary Interpretation

• Does the summary provide an overall interpretation of the problem?
• Does the summary conclude that the research is necessary?
• Do the implications provide theoretical or empirical justification for the research questions or hypothesis that follows?
• Does the methodology provide a rationale for the design to follow?

Title

• Clear and concise
• States what the study promises

INTRODUCTION

Problem

• clearly stated
• properly defined
• significance recognized
• hypotheses clearly stated/specific questions raised
• assumptions and limitations stated
• important terms defined

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

• adequately covered
• important findings noted
• well organized
• effectively summarized

METHODOLOGY

Procedures Used

• detailed research design
• adequate research design
• relevant variables recognized
• appropriate controls provided
• data gathering instruments appropriate
• validity and reliability established
• statistical treatment appropriate