Article Title: Reynolds, A. L., & Weigand, M. J. (2010). The relationships among academic attitudes, psychological attitudes, and the first-semester academic achievement of first-year college students. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice, 47(2), 175-195.
Introduction
The study by Reynolds and Weigand was conducted in 2010, which means that all sources used by researchers should be evaluated from that perspective, counting 5 years from the publication year as more recent and older sources that have no fundamental value as irrelevant. Reynolds and Weigand (2010) have utilized 40 sources in their research, with only 8 of them being recent (6 of 2005 year, 1 – 2006, and 1- 2007), and the rest being irrelevant, dating back to 1985. Therefore, the investigators did not report on the recent and relevant literature, using outdated sources for backing up their findings and justifying their research. Although the investigators’ language seems neutral and objective, the sections reporting about limitations of the study brings all biases and drawbacks to discussion, revealing sample size, lack of generalizability, and use of first-semester GPA for evaluating students’ academic achievement are cited as the major limitations.
Hypothesis
The hypothesis of the study is not stated clearly, leaving only research questions to guide the readers in guessing the purpose of the research and possible assumptions. So, Reynolds and Weigand (2010) asked, “(a) what is the relationship
Methodological Issues Article Review. Read the following articles, which can be accessed through the ProQuest database in the Ashford University Library:
2. Choose one of the research questions from above and consider it in more detail. Based upon the question, what would be a reasonable hypothesis?
10. What are some of the limitations of this study that decrease the potential for generalizing the findings to the target population?
One criticism of this research is that it is correlational. Therefore, we cannot infer a causal
The authors relied heavily on two studies to create their argument. The first study mentioned was the Pinto et al article. In this study, "Pinto and colleagues (5) assessed the
In order to know whether the evidence of research studies are accurate, one must be able to have a fundamental understanding in statistical analyses to determine if such descriptions and findings within manuscripts and articles are presented correctly and explicitly (Sullivan, 2012). Proper use of statistics begins with the understanding of both descriptive and inferential statistics. Correct organization and description of data characteristics from the population sample being studied leads the researcher to identify a hypothesis and formulate inferences about such characteristics. It is with inferential statistics that researchers conduct appropriate tests of significance and determine whether to accept or reject the identified null
school research began about 30 years ago, and ended about 10 years ago (Ballou, 2009). Only a
The study examines First Year Generation College students in Colleges and Universities. The majority of the research focuses on the challenges on what first year generation college students must go through to maintain a high level of academic performance and retention. First Year Generation College Students continue to make adjustments to survive college and must achieve academic success. When reviewing additional information regarding the study it involves talking to First Year Generation College Student filling out questionnaires and discussion their experiences on campus. The survey questions allows researchers to gain knowledge about how first year generation college adjusts to college. The study explores the challenges of first generation
First generation college students remains to be a challenge for the community college system as well as the university system (Ward, Seigel, & Davenport, 2012). The challenges extend from their lack of academic study skill practices to their lack of socialization skills (Ward, Seigel & Davenport, 2012).
This study was limited due to the small sample size. Although the conclusions are valid, more research with a
Freshman year, the year of many first; the first time living away from home, the first time being away from friends, the first time a student has control of their own learning. Freshman year requires a lot of discipline, but a lot of students do not possess this trait. The factors that contribute to the success of first year college students are social support, comfort within the college environment, self control,responsibiliy and positive self concept.
objectives. The first is related to find out more empirical support to the effect of
For first year students coming straight from high school, college life can either be very exciting or overwhelming depending on how well one prepares for it. Some have the notion that college is fun and is all about partying, while some believe that it is an environment in which they can achieve the ultimate freedom thus escape the stringent rules made by their parents at home. Others look forward to experiencing a different learning environment while being exposed to different cultures and sharing different academic knowledge. Successful assimilation into college life is determined by the student’s capability to transform into the new role of a college student. Numerous students face challenges they have never experienced before which can
This essay will examine how social skills and personal attributes help first year university students in the way to academic success. Glogowska, Young and Lockyer (as cited in Richardson, King, Garrett & Wrench, 2012, p.88) noted that many first year students decide to leave university as the consequence of health issue and academic challenges. Concern that academic skills are not enough for students to deal with the problem of transition period and students need more skills and abilities to reach their academic goals.
The limitations of this study are related to the study design, study population, and sample size.