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What are the instruments that were used to measure variables and if they are scales and questionnaires did the investigator(s) clearly describe them, especially the reliability/validity of the instruments?

The goals of this assignment are to:

Assist students in understanding the basic process of conducting a literature review/critical appraisal.
Assist students in understanding the beginning process of conducting an evidence-based practice review.
Provide students with the beginnings of scientifically based knowledge on a selected procedure/topic related to nursing research.

Steps of the process:

Select a topic with instructor’s approval. Important because some articles that have been shown to me are not research quantitative nor qualitative research studies that have come from refereed journals. Article can be quantitative or qualitative and preferably from a nursing research journal. (Please submit article to me by end of the day on Monday because I must critique it in order to be able to evaluate your critique.)

Appraise the article critically using the guidelines provided in Chapter 12. This is the information provided in the syllabus..

Prepare a presentation to facilitate where a/the group member(s) discuss aspects of the critique. (See guidelines/questions below.) Power point is suggested because it may provide creativity and generate audience interest.
Information to include in the report (see examples on pages 433-442)

Research Problem and Purpose

Why is the problem significant to nursing?

Will the study problem and purpose generate or refine knowledge for nursing practice?

Literature Review

How current is the literature review?
Does the literature review provide rationale and direction for the study?
Is a clear, concise summary presented of the current empirical and theoretical knowledge in the area of study?

Study Framework

Is the framework/theoretical basis presented with clarity?
If a map or model is presented, is it adequate to explain the phenomenon of concern?
If a proposition from a theory is tested, is the proposition clearly identified and linked to the study hypotheses?

Research Objectives, Questions, or Hypotheses

Are the objectives, questions, or hypotheses expressed clearly?
Are the objectives, questions, or hypotheses logically linked to the research purpose and framework?
Are the research objectives, questions, or hypotheses linked to concepts and relationships from the framework?

Variables

Do the variables reflect the concepts identified in the framework?
Are the variables clearly defined?
Is the conceptual definition of a variable consistent with the operational definition?

Method/Design

. What type of research is it? Explain.

How were study subjects selected?
Are any subjects excluded from the study based on age, socioeconomic status, or race, without a sound rationale?
If more than one group is used, do the groups appear equivalent?
Are the rights of human subjects protected?
Is the setting used in the study typical of clinical settings?

Measurements

What are the instruments that were used to measure variables and if they are scales and questionnaires did the investigator(s) clearly describe them, especially the reliability/validity of the instruments?

If data were collected by observation as in qualitative studies

are the phenomena to be observed clearly identified and defined?

Is interrater and intrarater reliability described?

Are the techniques for recording observations described?

Interviews

Do the interview questions address concerns expressed in the research problem?

Are the interview questions relevant for the research purpose and objectives, questions, or hypotheses?