quantitative

CRITICAL ELEMENT
POINTS
POINTS EARNED
SECTION I INTRODUCTION: 15 POINTS

A. What is the research problem and is it clearly stated in the paper?
2

B. How important is the problem to nursing and why?
2

C. What is the justification for this study?
1

D. Are there hypotheses, questions, or objectives stated? What are they?
2

E. What theoretical or conceptual framework was used for the study? Which one? Was it clearly identified or only implied?
2

F. How is the framework linked to the research purpose
1

G. How current is the research literature reviewed (consider the publication date of the paper)? Elaborate
2

H. Is the literature review organized logically? Why or why not?
2

I. Does the literature review adequately support the need for the study? Elaborate
1

SECTION II METHODS: 20 POINTS

A. What is the study design?
1

B. Does the design fit the purpose of the study? Elaborate
2

C. How is the design linked to the sampling method and statistical analysis?
2

D. Describe the sample as stated in the article. Is it adequately and clearly described in the article? Elaborate
2

E. Is the sampling procedure discussed in detail? Elaborate
2

F. What do the authors provide as justification for the size of the sample?
1

G. Describe the study protocol (treatment and/or procedures) Is it clear and concise?
2

H. What instruments are described in the article?
1

I. Does each instrument measure the concept it is intended to measure? (Is the concept definition consistent with the operational definition?) Elaborate
2

J. Does the author(s) present information on reliability and validity of the instruments? What do these terns mean? Elaborate
1

K. How does the author address threats to internal and external validity that are inherent in the study design?
1

L. What evidence is provided regarding human subject’s review and approval discussed?
1

M. Are there indications of any ethical concerns? Elaborate,
1

N. Is the study described with enough detail for replication? Elaborate
1

SECTION III RESULTS: 20 POINTS

A. How are characteristics of the sample described?
2

B. Are the research questions/hypotheses answered separately? Elaborate
3

C. What types of data were collected?
3

D. What data analysis procedures are used to answer the research questions? (Explain your answer.)
3

E. Are tables, charts, and/or graphs used to present the data? Elaborate
1

F. Does the text supplement or repeat the data in the tables? Support your answer
3

G. Briefly summarize the findings and analyze the results.
5

SECTION IV DISCUSSION & IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: 20 POINTS

A. Does the author relate the findings to the study’s purpose (or research objectives/hypotheses/questions)?
3

B. How do the findings of the study compare with findings from previous studies?
3

C. Does the author discuss the findings that conflict with previous work?
3

D. What limitations of the study are discussed in terms of practice and future research?
3

E. What new research emerged from this study?
4

F. What is the potential for use in nursing practice?
4

SECTION V OVERALL PRESENTATION & SUMMARY: 15 POINTS

Does the title accurately describe the type of study, major variables, and target population?
5

Does the abstract accurately represent the study?
4

Is the report logically consistent?
4

Is the writing style clear and concise?
2

Format: APA, Grammar/spelling, organization
10

Total
100

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