Critique of a Research Article on Child Maltreatment

This report provides a comprehensive critique of a research article that investigates the impact of child maltreatment on children's academic performance and social support systems. The critique begins by assessing the clarity of the research problem, highlighting the relevance of the study's focus on the differences between maltreated and non-maltreated children. The literature review is evaluated for its thoroughness and the appropriate use of sources. The research design, including descriptive and quantitative approaches, is examined for its suitability in addressing the research questions, along with the strengths and limitations of the sampling methods employed. The data collection methods, primarily involving primary data from surveys and interviews, are assessed for their accuracy and potential biases. The critique also considers the study's feasibility, the identification of independent and dependent variables, and the researcher's efforts to address potential internal and external threats. The report concludes by summarizing the key findings and discussing the implications of the research, particularly regarding the need for increased support and recognition for maltreated children within society to improve their educational outcomes and overall well-being. The critique also highlights areas where the study could have been strengthened, such as by including a larger and more representative sample size.

Written Critique of
Research Article

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Research problem...............................................................................................................1
2. Literature review................................................................................................................2
3. Research design..................................................................................................................3
4. Sampling method................................................................................................................4
5. Data collection....................................................................................................................5
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................7

1. Research problem
The author has clearly identified the problem of maltreated and non-maltreated children.
It has also supported that children which are harassed and tortured will not perform better in
academics. The relationship between maltreated and non-maltreated variables are properly
explained by the scholars (Lewis & et.al., 2016). Further, problem statement in this article
focuses on improper support of parents, teachers and peers which directly affects the effective
performance of students. However, the author has explained their importance in supporting
children to enhance its educational performance. Further, their self-perceptions are highly
affected by parent’s positive nature and treatment (Kinard, 2001).
The problem which is highlighted in the cited article is relevant and has targeted various
population including faculty members and parents of children. In addition, this has helped the
researcher to identify problems or risk factors which are affecting their performances. Mainly
purpose of this study is also clearly identified by the author to understand its scope. Further,
goals are clearly determined under this research context to improve children's performance as
well as guides their parents to treat them properly (Ford, 2017). Additionally, the main aim of the
study is to examine that maltreated and non-maltreated students differed in the accuracy of their
self-assessment. Therefore, it is related to their perception of achieving social support from
teachers, peers and other related parties such as children's mothers.
The significance of the cited study is also well determined by the author and has
developed various plans to decrease abusement of affected children so that they can enjoy their
childhood and perform better in academics. However, the feasibility of this study is not
mentioned anywhere in the article which has created the bad impression on the reader. They have
also not defined reliability of their facts in their study. The hypothesis is properly identified
under research content in which it has focused mainly on the relationship between caretakers and
children. Additionally, the hypothesis has even given stress on the actual competence of the
maltreated students. Further, it has focused more on discrepancies between perceived scholastic
competence as well as their actual academic achievement (Baugerud & et.al., 2016).
These implied hypotheses are related to problem statements or has appropriately
coordinated with actual faults which are enabled among maltreated and non-maltreated
children’s. Such hypothesis is also consistent with the literature review and framework of
conducted study. It has analysed all supporting and non-supporting statements of different
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authors. Further, IV, DV and study population are also identified properly. This has increased the
concept of various plans self-esteem of the children. Thus, it provides with significant
contribution for enhancing maltreated youngster's livelihood and encourage their families to
generate high qualification within affected persons.
2. Literature review
Author has provided with complete review of research that is conducted at the context of
comparison among maltreated and non-maltreated children. Detailed overview of literature was
done in a systematic and exhaustive manner (Cook & et.al., 2017). Proper information's are
provided with accurate comparison or analysis. It was exactly relevant within the topic addressed
to understand every issue which are influencing due to maltreatment activities under children.
Literature review was very detailed with proper identification of sources which relates
with perceived and academic competencies which differ among maltreated and non-maltreated
children. Primary sources are more likely to be reviewed under this research activity because
interview sessions were undertaken between teachers and mother. Peer reviewed sources were
even determined while conducting cited research relevant with analyzing the situation between
maltreated and non-maltreated personnel's (Lewis & et.al., 2016). Further, information's are
collected by scheduling face to face sessions and surveys.
The collected study has provided with accurate information's which are very crucial for
conducting research. It conveys that maltreated children are facing several threats related to
abuse, lack of self-efficacy and esteem and therefore lack of enhancing competitiveness among
academic studies because they are not allowed to enhance their knowledge through education. In
addition, they are acquired with domestic violence and inferior. Further, studies have showcased
that female rate is high under maltreated children.
Yes, cited quantitative research has provided with effective critical literature synthesis
with proper comparison among past and present situations as well as recommendations are
evaluated. The structure of literature review has provided with the structured information or data
regarding maltreated and non-maltreated children among society with proper analysis and has
also described with the factors that influence such factors. Research framework has consistency
in identifying severe issues and risk factors which are establishing maltreated problems (Admon
Livny & Katz, 2016). Therefore, it has been determined that every youngster is safer under their
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educational centers because they are not treated with any violence their rather provided with
effective knowledge and skills.
A literature review that has been framed by determining aspects of different authors has
numerous effective concepts that provide relevant information's regarding the performance of
maltreated children are acquired with a low level of functionality and apparently have less
support and security from individuals when compared among non-maltreated youngster's (Vidal
& et.al., 2017). All concepts are clearly constructed under this review literature report such as-
domestic violence, inequality, the threat of responses, facing huge poverty issues and are
neglected to be provided with higher education.
3. Research design
Descriptive and reviewed research design has been used in undertaking research related
to maltreated and non-maltreated children. Such research designs are undertaken by undergoing
case studies, interviews, surveys, data collection methods etc. which is beneficial in gathering
exact information related to issues or problems that has been emerged under maltreated and non-
maltreated children.
Yes, research design is equal among literature review and conceptual framework because
they are highlighting equal aspects related to lack of support and educational knowledge among
maltreated children and are often indulge under household activities. Research is merely
highlighting that every child must possess equal rights in society and should be benefited in
developing their educational activities which reduces every barrier among children with different
income categories (Jones & et.al., 2017).
Independent and dependent variable has identified the factors which are developing risk
factors which affects maltreated children and develop higher competence as well as reduces their
self-perception and self-esteem.
Experimental research was conducted which has showcased randomization and evidences
which can provide with effective measures to control maltreatment among children and to
provide with equal education and recognition among society. If there would be non-experimental
research design than it will represent small sample sizes and would fail to generate accurate
information related to the wider population that are affected due to maltreatment.
Researcher has provided with control factors that can reduce maltreated among society
and enhance social equality among every child (Hein & Monk, 2017). Internal threats are
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analyzed by the children trauma, emotions and stress that has been reflected due to irrelevant
treatment that is provided to them. Social abuse, sexual abuse, neglection and inferiority among
maltreated and non-maltreated children has been addressed under external threats.
Quantitative research design
The undertaken research phenomena are not relevant to human health service. Researcher
has addressed the research design that has been has opted under this study. Design chosen by the
researcher is very accurate and correct for undertaking the research related to maltreated and
non-maltreated children.
Conducted research has showcased relevant analysis and data that reflects the credibility,
audibility and findings of research. By evaluating this information’s, he can easily predict or
convey judgments which can reduce rate of maltreated children among society (Kim, Mennen &
Trickett, 2017). Researcher has further initiated triangulation in identifying perceived
competencies within maltreated children by making divisions under- low perceived, high
perceived and average perceived child competency. This was beneficial in analyzing the
competent level or perceptions of every maltreated children (Quantitative research design. 2017).
4. Sampling method
The researcher has provided accurate information by adopting quantitative research
criteria and has further initiated sample designs to identify maltreated group, non-maltreated
group, consent that is biased under maltreated children etc. Further, the researcher has also
identified the procedure which has followed while undertaking research process and had
determined its measures. He has adopted data analysis techniques in identifying issues that are
prevailing under affected children and even showcase that such children build up their perception
if are provided with their effective maternal support (Morey & et.al. (2016).
Inclusion and exclusion criteria which has been determined under this research indicates
relevant information related to maltreated children and even establish their perspectives as well
as academics which reflects their interests in achieving higher education. However, it has been
determined that maternal support is the most important factor which build positive perception
among affected children and enables them in achieving self-esteem or recognition within their
society.
Sampling is representative of the population because it delivers accurate information and
behavior of human being's related with maltreatment act which is undertaking in society. It even
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reflects strategies which can reduce such actions and enhance equality as well as stability among
every child (Gomez & et.al., 2017).
Sample size is not determined significantly. It does make sense in collecting accurate data.
However, it is recommended that researcher must have adopted equal sampling sizes which
would have enabled effective researches.
5. Data collection
Primary data has been collected in determining the research factors or data related to
maltreated children. Information is, however, generated through conducting surveys, interviews,
censuses etc. which is useful in availing accurate information. Primary sources of data under
quantitative form is determined or adopted in making the conducted research more relevant and
accurate. It is clearly specified by mentioning data analysis reports which are generating
information regarding rate of support which are established under maltreated children (Matheson
& et.al., 2016). Not only this, research determines that such persons are provided with low level
of functioning under educational centers and are further initiated with fewer rights to generate
opinions or to participate in any school activities.
Quantitative data collection is very accurate in conducting research activities because it
generates impact of the results that have been showcased or evaluated. Such type of researches is
vital to be adopted because be establishing data analysis activities in a structured manner every
individual can summarize, compare and determine the outcomes of prevailed studies.
Quantitative data can benefit in analyzing maltreated children rate and information even under
large participants. Conducting interview is the most important factor under quantitative primary
source of data collection.
Several research studies are conducting in evaluating qualitative data because it benefits
every individual in analyzing the perception or behavior of individuals and groups related to the
research topic. It even benefice's researcher in understanding the emotional or stress level of
maltreated children’s (Shanahan & et.al., 2017). Rigorous strategies and plans can be formulated
in undertaking qualitative data collection. By reviewing books, journals, websites or many other
protocol's researcher can analyze significant information's related to rate and perception of
maltreated and non-maltreated children.
Every possible bias related to maltreated and non-maltreated children has been identified
under this research and effectively addressed. However, the study has reflected that maltreated
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children are provided less support from families when compared with non-maltreated children
(Li, D'arcy & Meng, 2016). They are further enabled with less recognition among society and are
not allowed to enhance their educational level. It has been identified that maltreated children
possess a high rate of emotional and stress level which reduces their self-efficacy and esteem. In
addition, the study has addressed that affected children are more likely to be diverted among
their mothers and desires to occupy their mother supports in conducting every activity. The study
has addressed that maltreated children are sexually abused as well as are always allocated with
household work activities. Thus, the cited researcher has addressed that every child must be
provided with equal support or recognition under society and should be enabled in enhancing
their educational level to build societal recognition as well as respect.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journal
Baugerud, G. A. & et.al., (2016). Maltreated and non-maltreated children’s true and false
memories of neutral and emotional word lists in the Deese/Roediger–McDermott task.
Journal of experimental child psychology. 143. 102-110.
Cook, A. & et.al., (2017). Complex trauma in children and adolescents. Psychiatric annals.
35(5). 390-398.
Ford, J. D. (2017). Treatment implications of altered affect regulation and information
processing following child maltreatment. Psychiatric Annals. 35(5). 410-419.
Gomez, S. H.& et.al., (2017). Are there sensitive periods when child maltreatment substantially
elevates suicide risk? Results from a nationally representative sample of adolescents.
Depression and anxiety.
Hein, T. C., & Monk, C. S. (2017). Research Review: Neural response to threat in children,
adolescents, and adults after child maltreatment–a quantitative meta‐analysis. Journal of
child psychology and psychiatry. 58(3). 222-230.
Jones, C. & et.al., (2017). The landscape of UK child protection research 2010 to 2014: a
mapping review of substantive topics, maltreatment types and research designs. Child
abuse review. 26(1). 8-18.
Kim, K., Mennen, F. E., & Trickett, P. K. (2017). Patterns and correlates of co‐occurrence
among multiple types of child maltreatment. Child & Family Social Work. 22(1). 492-
502.
Kinard, E. M. (2001). Perceived and actual academic competence in maltreated children . Child☆
Abuse & Neglect. 25(1). 33-45.
Lewis, T. & et.al., (2016). Does the impact of child sexual abuse differ from maltreated but non-
sexually abused children? A prospective examination of the impact of child sexual abuse
on internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. Child abuse & neglect. 51. 31-40.
Li, M., D'arcy, C., & Meng, X. (2016). Maltreatment in childhood substantially increases the
risk of adult depression and anxiety in prospective cohort studies: systematic review,
meta-analysis, and proportional attributable fractions. Psychological medicine. 46(4).
717-730.
Matheson, S. L. & et.al., (2016). Effects of maltreatment and parental schizophrenia spectrum
disorders on early childhood social-emotional functioning: a population record linkage
study. Epidemiology and psychiatric sciences. 1-12.
Morey, R. A. & et.al., (2016). Amygdala, hippocampus, and ventral medial prefrontal cortex
volumes differ in maltreated youth with and without chronic posttraumatic stress
disorder. Neuropsychopharmacology. 41(3). 791-801.
Shanahan, M. E. A & et.al., (2017). The within poverty differences in the occurrence of physical
neglect. Children and Youth Services Review. 75. 1-6.
Vidal, S. & et.al., (2017). Maltreatment, family environment, and social risk factors:
Determinants of the child welfare to juvenile justice transition among maltreated children
and adolescents. Child abuse & neglect. 63. 7-18.
Online
Quantitative research design. 2017. [Online]. Available through:
<https://explorable.com/quantitative-research-design>. [Accessed on 12th September
2017].
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