Reviewing a Scientific Assignment
You have a choice – pick one article, either:
– Gignac et al. “Co-creating a local environmental epidemiology study: the case of citizen science for investigating air pollution and related health risks in Barcelona, Spain”
– Krengel et al. “Health symptom trajectories and neurotoxicant exposures in Gulf War veterans: The Ft. Devens cohort.”
They are quite different types of articles, so make sure to look at each one before you decide which to choose. Do not worry if you are not completely familiar with the statistical techniques; the results are clearly described in such a way that will not require deep familiarity.
Write approximately 2 to 3 pages double-spaced and make sure to include your name and the title of the article you’re reviewing. You should cover the elements listed below, and you may decide to add some that I have not listed. Your asignment should be in narrative style, without including a heading for each of the elements listed below.
Importance and background
– How important does this topic seem to you, and why?
– Do the authors provide sufficient background for you to understand the materials?
Research questions
– Are there clear research questions?
Data and methods
– Does the data source seem appropriate and trustworthy?
– Are the methods described well?
– How was the sample selected? Who was included? Who was excluded?
– Is the sample size large enough?
– How generalizable is this sample to the whole population?
– If there is an exposure, is it measured directly or indirectly?
– Are outcomes clearly defined and measured?
– Is the analytic strategy clearly described and appropriate?
Presentation of results
– Are results presented in an accessible manner?
– Are figures and tables adequate and helpful?
Discussion and Conclusion
– Do the authors provide a useful discussion, conclusion, and ideas for further study?
Overall assessment
– What is your overall impression of this article and your assessment of its contribution?
– Would you make recommendations based on this article?
