Identify the type of hypothesis, stating which variables are independent variables and which are dependent variables.

Research Article Critique #1: Quantitative Study (50 points)

Obtain a PDF copy of the quantitative article selected for the critique. After reading the article, write a critique of the article using what you have learned.

• Correct APA format and writing style are expected. (5 points)
  • Is (Are) there 1 or more stated hypothesis(es) or research question(s)? (5 points) (5 points)
    • If yes, identify it/them by quoting and citing, using appropriate APA style.
    • If not, could you suggest one? Can you state it using the PICO(T) format?
    • Identify the type of hypothesis, stating which variables are independent variables and which are dependent variables.
• Review of the literature, (sometimes referred to as “background” information) (10 points)
  • Is the literature review comprehensive? Explain.
  • How current (in years) are the sources?
  • Does the lit review include background material that seems to show more than one aspect of the issue being studied? Explain and give examples.
• Theory or Conceptual Framework (5 points)
  • Is a theory or conceptual framework identified? If so, what is it? Is it appropriate for the research question?
• Research Design: (5 points)
  • Is the design clearly identifiable? Is it appropriate? Give examples.
  • Was there an intervention? If yes, was it described adequately so as to be replicable? Please describe the intervention if there is one.
  • Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the study design.
• Populations and Samples (5 points)
  • What is the target population?
  • What is the accessible population?
  • What is the sample size? Is it appropriate? Provide a rationale for your answer.
  • Were inclusion/exclusion criteria described? Were they reasonable?
  • How representative was the sample?
• Methods & Results (10 points)
  • How were the data collected? By what method or methods? Were methods clearly described?
  • What did the data reveal?
  • What statistical tests were used to evaluate the major variables?
  • How were the data presented? (tables, narrative, combination)
  • Was subject dropout addressed? Why might this be important for a quantitative study? Explain
• Discussion and Conclusions (5 points)
  • If more than one hypothesis or research question was identified, was each addressed separately?
    • Does the researcher discuss limitations that may have influenced the study?
    • If yes, give an example.
  • If the researcher does not address limitations, did you identify any?
  • Are conclusions clearly stated?
  • Are conclusions supported by the data presented? What were the conclusions?
  • Are recommendations made for future research? If yes, give an example.
  • Discuss generalizability of the findings.
  • Are implications suggested for nursing practice, nursing administration, or nursing education? If yes, give an example.