Research Critique, Part 2

To write a critical appraisal that demonstrates comprehension of the research study conducted, respond to each of the questions listed under the headings below. Do not answer the questions with a yes or no; rather, provide a rationale or include examples or content from the study to address the questions.

CRITICAL APPRAISAL GUIDELINES: QUANTITATIVE STUDY

Protection of Human Participants

Identify the benefits and risks of participation addressed by the authors. Were there benefits or risks the authors do not identify?

Was informed consent obtained from the subjects or participants?

Did it seem that the subjects participated voluntarily in the study?

Was institutional review board approval obtained from the agency in which the study was conducted?

Data Collection

Are the major variables (independent and dependent variables) identified and defined? What were these variables?

How were data collected in this study?

What rationale did the author provide for using this data collection method?

Identify the time period for data collection of the study.

Describe the sequence of data collection events for a participant.

Data Management and Analysis

Describe the data management and analysis methods used in the study.

Did the author discuss how the rigor of the process was assured? For example, does the author describe maintaining a paper trail of critical decisions that were made during the analysis of the data? Was statistical software used to ensure accuracy of the analysis?

What measures were used to minimize the effects of researcher bias (their experiences and perspectives)? For example, did two researchers independently analyze the data and compare their analyses?

Findings / Interpretation of Findings

What is the researchers interpretation of findings?

Are the findings valid or an accurate reflection of reality? Do you have confidence in the findings?

What limitations of the study were identified by researchers?

Was there a coherent logic to the presentation of findings?

What implications do the findings have for nursing practice? For example, can the study findings be applied to general nursing practice, to a specific population, to a specific area of nursing?

What suggestions are made for further studies?