July 26, 2012 Critical Appraisal Or critique, is an examination of the quality or credibility of a study Intellectual critical appraisal of a study

dy involves a careful, complete examination of that study to judge its strengths, weaknesses, credibility and significance for practice Attributes of High Quality Studies Focuses on significance problem, demonstrates sound methodology, produces credible findings, and provides a basis for additional studies. (Brown, 2099; Burus and Grove, 2009) Ultimately, the findings from several quality studies can be synthesized to provide empirical evidence for use in practice (Craig & Smith, 2007; Stevens, 2005; Whitemore, 2005) Intellectual Critical Appraisal of a Study Questions to be answered o Was the research problem significant? Will the study problem and purpose generate or refine knowledge for nursing practice? o What are the major strengths of the study? o What are the major weakness of the study? o Did the researcher use sound methodology? o Do the findings from the study accurately reflect reality? Are the findings credible? o Are the findings consistent with those from previous studies? o Can the study be replicated by other researchers? o What are the implications of the findings for nursing practice?

The Critical Appraisal Process - Phase I Involves understanding the terms and concepts in the report and identifying the steps in the research process, such as the problem, purpose, framework, design, sample, measurement methods, data collection and analysis, and findings. - Phase II Requires knowledge of what each step of the research process should be like, and then the ideal is compared with the real Examine the extent to which the researcher followed the rules for an ideal study - Phase III Involves critical appraisal of the logical links connecting one study element with another. - Phase IV The meaning and significance of the study findings are examined. Questions to Consider in Appraising Nursing Studies - Introduction Does the introduction demonstrate the need for the study? Is the problem clearly and concisely identified? Is the problem presented with enough background material to acquaint the reader with the importance of the problem? Is the purpose of the study clearly stated? Are the terms and variables relevant to the study to the study clearly defined? Are the assumptions clearly and simple stated? If appropriate to the design, are hypothesis stated? Does the study use a theoretical framework to guide its design?

- Review of Related Literature Is the ROL relevant to the problem? Is the review adequate in terms of the range and scope of ideas, opinions and points of view relevant to the problem? Is the review well-organized and synthesized? Does the review provide for critical appraisal of the contribution of each of the major references? Does the review conclude with a summary of the literature with implications for the study? Is the ROL adequately and correctly documented? - Methods Is the research approach appropriate? Was the protection of human subjects considered? Are the details of data collection clearly and logically presented? Are the instruments appropriate for the study both in terms of the problem and the approach? Are the instruments described sufficiently in terms of content, structure, validity and reliability? Is the population and the method for selecting the sample adequately described? -Results Is the presentation of the data clear? Are the characteristics of the sample described? Are the tables and graphs pertinent? - Discussion Are the results based on the data presented? Is the evidence sufficient to draw conclusions? Are the results interpreted in the context of the problem/purposed/hypothesis and theoretical framework/lit review?

HOW TO CRITIQUE SCHOLARLY RESEARCH ARTICLES A research critiques is a carefule appraisal of the strengths, weakness, logical links, meaning and significance of a study. Thus, a scholarly written research report mus focus on a significant problem, utilizes appropriate design and methods, produces credible findings, allows possible replication of the study and generates new knowledge or validates existing theories about a certain phenomenon that will serve as evidence in the improvement of nursing. There are certain preliminary tasks that an evaluator must perform before the actual conduct of the research critique. Consideraing a few important factors related to the area of publishing prior to the actual critique of a scholarly written research article. FIRST, different hournals have different publication goals and targets specific professional markets. SECOND, the author of the research article prepares the manuscript using both personal judgement and specific guidelines. Constructive evaluation is based on the objective and unprejudiced appraisal of the strengths and limitations of the study. STEPS 1. Read and critique the entire study. 2. Examine the organization and presentation of the research report 3. Examine the significance of the problem studied for nursing practice. 4. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of a study 5. Be objective and realistic in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of a study. 6. Provide specific examples of the strengths and weaknesses of a study. 7. Provide a rational for your critique 8. Suggest modifications for future studies 9. Discuss the feasibility of replication of the study 10. Discuss