The only reference will be the article that is included. Quantitative Critical Appraisal Guide 1. The Research Question/Purpose of Study a. Is the research question/purpose of study stated clearly? b. Does the research question express a relationship between two or more variables? c. How has the significance of the research question been identified? 2. The Hypothesis a. Is there a hypothesis and if so, is it concisely stated in a declarative form? b. Is the hypothesis stated in such a way that it is testable? 3. Review of the Literature a. Are all of the relevant concepts and variables included in the review? b. Does the critique of each reviewed study include strengths, weaknesses, or limitations of the design, conflicts, and gaps in information related to the area of interest? c. Is the literature review presented in an organized format that flows logically (e.g., chronologically, clustered by concept or variables), enhancing the reader’s ability to evaluate the need for the research study or evidence-based practice project? 4. Theoretical Framework a. Is the framework for research clearly identified? b. Is the framework consistent with a nursing perspective? c. Is the framework appropriate to guide research on the subject of interest? 5. Research Design a. Does the design used seem to flow from the proposed research question, theoretical framework, literature review, and hypothesis? b. What level of evidence is the research design? 6. Type of Design-use the questions below that are applicable to your study a. What design is used in the study, and is it appropriate? b. What are the most common threats to internal and external validity of the findings of this design? c. Are the findings generalizable to the larger population of interest? 7. Sampling a. How was the sample selected? Is the method of sample selection appropriate? b. What kind of bias, if any, is introduced by this sampling method? c. Are there indications that rights of subjects have been ensured? 8. Data-Collection Methods a. Are all of the data-collection instruments clearly identified and described? b. Is the method used appropriate to the problem being studied? c. Were all data collectors adequately trained and supervised? 9. Descriptive and Inferential Statistics a. Are there appropriate statistics for each major variable, for example, demographic variables, and any other relevant data? b. If tables and graphs are used, do they agree with the text and extend it, or do they merely repeat it? c. Are the results understandable? 10. Research Findings a. Are the results interpreted considering the hypotheses and theoretical framework and all the other steps that preceded the results? b. How does the investigator attempt to identify the study’s weaknesses, that is, threats to internal and external validity, and strengths, as well as suggest possible solutions for the research area? c. Does the researcher discuss the study’s clinical relevance?
