Article Critique: Moral Development In Fraternity Members by jsheue

For what audience would you recommend this article?

jsheue — 2015-02-06 19:01:06 UTC

Parents that are curious about fraternities located at the school their children attend.
Schools that wish to monitor the quality of the fraternities they host.

What would they have missed if using a different method?

jsheue — 2015-02-06 19:06:30 UTC

They would not have identified the right fraternity to observe.

What do you wish they had done?

jsheue — 2015-02-06 19:06:40 UTC

Do this study on at least five different fraternities and then compile data.

Article, clear, thorough, accessible, accurate, balanced, organized?

jsheue — 2015-02-06 19:06:48 UTC

Yes.

Article well-written?

jsheue — 2015-02-06 19:07:21 UTC

Yes.

Study carefully conducted?

jsheue — 2015-02-06 19:07:37 UTC

N/A

Conclusions tied to original questions?

jsheue — 2015-02-06 19:07:51 UTC

Yes.

Data analysis appropriate?

jsheue — 2015-02-06 19:09:31 UTC

N/A

Data collection methods appropriate?

jsheue — 2015-02-06 19:09:42 UTC

Yes. All qualitative - documents/interviews/observations.

Research questions answered?

jsheue — 2015-02-06 19:09:48 UTC

Yes.

Match between theoretical framework, and research design?

jsheue — 2015-02-06 19:10:21 UTC

N/A

Conclusions supported with evidence?

jsheue — 2015-02-06 19:10:50 UTC

Yes. The frat selected did a 'commendable job in fostering moral development' according to the themes.

Issues of credibility and limitations discussed?

jsheue — 2015-02-06 19:10:54 UTC

Yes. In the conclusion - further research is needed in the following areas:

1. clearer definition of values promoted by frat life.

2. critical examination of the contribution frats make to undergrad development.

3. more qualitative studies (ethnographies) of what exactly occurs in the frat organization.

Findings/themes explained with examples?

jsheue — 2015-02-06 19:11:32 UTC

Yes. Themes

1. Recruiting quality students

2. Upholding house tradition

3. Emphasizing moral development

4. Encouraging community service

Data analysis methods described?

jsheue — 2015-02-06 19:11:46 UTC

No methods were described. A rating questionnaire was sent out to the 'student affairs personnel' and no copy of this questionnaire was included. Also, the author is vague and says he collected documents, 17 interviews, observed and there are no records or data that he uses to prove to the audience that any of this data supports his claim.

Sample selection justified?

jsheue — 2015-02-06 19:12:16 UTC

The fraternity chosen was one that already had a good reputation for having a 'positive influence on members' moral development.' It was chosen by information gathered from 'student affairs personnel' at the university which seems acceptable. However, the only members he interviewed were current or previous members of the fraternity. There was no outside voice or perspective regarding the fraternity and how it is viewed by the so-called general public or possibly other University students.

Sample described?

jsheue — 2015-02-06 19:12:23 UTC

Yes. Fraternity at a large Midwestern University.

Site described?

jsheue — 2015-02-06 19:12:29 UTC

Yes. Large Midwestern University - this is fine since fraternities only exist at universities. The study could reach out to more than one fraternity on the same campus or to reach out to multiple Universities.

Research questions or problem clearly stated?

jsheue — 2015-02-06 19:12:34 UTC

Yes. Do fraternities promote moral development in their members?

-There is one research question and there was no problem to be solved

Pg. 7

he supports one of his claims with evidence.

Able to be summarized succinctly?

jsheue — 2015-02-06 19:12:46 UTC

Yes.