Research Critique Guidelines for Quantitative Studies

University of Bridgeport School of Nursing – Traditional BSN Program

NURS 314-01 & NURS 314-02 – Nursing Research (9/21/20)

Research Critique Guidelines for Quantitative Studies

Student Name: __________________________________                     Date: _____________________

Reference of Nursing Research Article (less than 5 years old): __________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Please provide a hard copy (with your name on it) or send an electronic copy of this article to your professor.

Level of Evidence of Research Article: _____________________________________________________

Answer either Yes or No for each item and provide the rationale for your answer.

Step 1:  Research Problem& Research Purpose (10 points)

1. Is the problem clearly and concisely stated?
2. Is the problem adequately narrowed down into a researchable problem?
3. Is the problem significant to nursing? Is it interesting?
4. Is the relationship of the identified problem to previous research clear?
5. Does the purpose narrow and clarify the focus of the study?

Step 2:  Review of Literature (5 points)

1. Is the literature review logically organized?
2. Does the literature review provide a critique of the relevant studies?
3. Are the gaps in the knowledge about the research problem identified?
4. Are important relevant references omitted?

Step 3:  Study Framework (5 points)

1. Is the theoretical framework easily linked with the problem or does it seem forced?
2. If a conceptual framework is used, are the concepts adequately defined and are relationships among these concepts clearly identified?

Step 4:  Research Objectives, Questions, or Hypothesis (10 points)

1. Are the objectives, questions, or hypotheses expressed clearly?
2. Are the objectives, questions, or hypotheses logically linked to the research purpose and to the concepts and relationships in the study framework?
3. Is a predicted relationship between two or more variables included in the hypothesis?
4. Are the hypotheses clear, testable, and specific?
5. Do the hypotheses flow from the literature review and conceptual framework?
6. Is the sample included in the hypotheses?

Step 5: Variables (10 points)

1. Are the independent and dependent variables clearly defined conceptually and operationally and based on previous research or theories?
2. Is the conceptual definition of a variable consistent with the operational definition?
3. Are any extraneous variables identified?

Step 6:  Sampling (10 points)

1. Is the sample size adequate?
2. Is the sample representative of the population?
3. Is the method for selection of the sample appropriate?
4. Are the sample criteria for inclusion into the study identified?
5. Is there any sampling bias in the method?

Step 7:  Research Design/Data Collection Methods (15 points)

1. Is the research design adequately described?
2. Is the design appropriate for the research problem?
3. Does the research design control for threats to internal and external validity?
4. Are the data collection instruments described adequately?
5. Are the reliability and validity of the tools adequate?
6. Are the data collection methods appropriate for the study?
7. Where was the research conducted?
8. Who, what, where, and how of data collection identified?

Step 8:  Data Analysis (10 points)

1. Is the results section logically organized?
2. Is the type of analysis appropriate for the level of measurement of each variable?
3. Are the tables and figures clearly understandable?
4. Is the statistical test(s) the correct one for answering the research question(s)?

Step 9:  Interpretation and Discussion of Findings (15 points)

1. Are the interpretations based on data obtained?
2. Does the investigator clearly distinguish actual findings and interpretations?
3. Are the findings discussed in relation to the previous research and conceptual framework?
4. Are unwarranted generalizations made beyond the study sample?
5. Are the limitations of the results identified?
6. Are implications of the results for clinical nursing practice discussed?
7. Are recommendations for future research identified?
8. Are the conclusions justified?

Additional Questions: (10 points)

1. Who are the researchers and are they qualified to do this research?
2. How “readable” was this study?
3. Do you have any suggestions for ways to improve this study?
4. What did you think of this research study?
5. Would you use this research in your nursing practice?