Introduction to article
This is a critical analysis of the research article ‘GPS can now measure ice melt, change in Greenland over months rather than years’ in comparison to the steps in scientific investigation (Facione, 2011). This paper will attempt to evaluate the conformity of this research article in relation to these steps of scientific investigation. The aim of this analysis is to determine the quality of the research article in as far as defining the main concern of the quality research.
Critical analysis of the article in relation to the Steps in Scientific Investigation
Every scientific research article should begin with a research question that attempts to answer what, when, where, how, and why. The article ‘GPS can now measure ice melt, change in Greenland over months rather than years (2012)’ entails a research question that aims to identify means through which GPS could be used to measure rates of ice loss on Greenland in the short-term. This research question answers such questions as what, where, how, and why.
These are very essential parameters that act as a basis for any research study. The ‘what’ is concerned with ‘which’ that is under investigation. ‘Where’ that designates place is Greenland. The question ‘how’ in this case is the methodology that has not been articulately spelt out. Understanding the ‘why’ is very important because it acts as the rationale for the research.
This article demonstrates that this research question is guided by a hypothetical statement; GPS has the potential to detect numerous associated effects of climate change with ice loss as its part. The ‘why’ of this article, as well as findings from prior studies, acts as a platform for a hypothetical statement. Unfortunately, the article leaves the reader guessing at the time when the study took place as it is not mentioned.
This investigation was carefully planned, and the team involved was led by earth scientists from Ohio State University. This team was able to collect data in form of measurements so as to determine if GPS had been useful in measuring ice loss. This article unfortunately does not give graphical presentations of data in the form of charts, tables, or graphs. Nonetheless, it has been very articulate in explaining the use of GPS prior to the study and the difference between prior studies and the current study. This is important as it gives rationale for the existing gap.
This research study has actually concentrated more on explaining about the results. On the other hand, the methodology part is almost missing. As a scientific article that is based on research, there is need to explicitly give an elaborate account of the research design.
The article has indicated the instruments and procedures used, but the reader cannot tell what approach was applied to establish the usefulness of GPS in measuring ice loss over a short term. In addition, statistical analysis forms part of every scientific research article, and in this one, this element is missing.
This article has a very sound rationale, but like most articles that are published online, some important elements that define sound research are missing. The findings from this research article have led to the notion that it could be possible to detect these ice changes in a month. The fact that the article is published online is an indication of sharing results with other investigators.
Conclusion
After an analysis of this article, it is apparent that the article has a clear rationale and research question. However, various parameters of a sound research article to enhance validity and reliability are missing and not in a logical sequence. The article has concentrated on the findings that it has left out, which are the crucial elements that define research.
References
Facione, P. (2011). Think Critically. New York: Prentice Hall.
GPS can now measure ice melt, change in Greenland over months rather than years. (2012, July 24). Earth & Climate.