Discuss to what extent the literature is critically appraised.

GUIDE FOR APPRAISING QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH ARTICLES Sections of the research article Address these points: Title Explain how the title represents what the research is about. List the words in the title that indicate the population studied, the topic under investigation and the method used. Author/s List what research expertise can be ascertained from the author/s qualifications and affiliations. Abstract Demonstrate how, in the abstract, there is an outline of: x the research aims, problem or hypothesis; x the methodology and methods employed; x include population and data collection; x the results; x the conclusion; x recommendations. Introduction/ literature review Outline how the literature is reviewed to identify a gap in previous research. Identify whether primary or secondary sources are used and provide examples to demonstrate why this is relevant. Explain how the introduction and/or literature review provides a context for the research problem. State the significance of the research problem, aims or hypothesis. Discuss to what extent the literature is critically appraised. Methodology and methods. Outline the aim of the research and explain how this relates to the research problem. Describe how the methodology allows the researchers to answer the aims or address the aim/s of the study or hypothesis. Explain why the sampling method is suitable. Discuss how well the researchers explain the procedure for collecting data. Outline the data analysis method and discuss whether the data analysis is rigorous. Explain whether ethical issues are considered. Results Provide examples to illustrate how results are achieved using analysis methods described previously; Describe the importance of results being clearly stated and supported with raw figures and/or percentages. Discussion Limitations Explain how well the author/s discuss the study findings in relation to the research question or aim/s of the study. Summarise how the authors have linked the results of this study to similar research studies. Explain how the study’s limitations are addressed. Conclusion Outline how well the conclusion follows logically from the results of the study. Explain how the author/s argue for the relevance of their results to clinical practice and make recommendations for further research. If the author/s do not argue this, explain how the results might inform clinical practice and contribute to further research.. Table 1 – adapted from Ingham-Broomfield (2008) and Solutions for Public Health (2010). These resources will help you develop your critiquing skills by leading you through the process. Ingham-Broomfield, R. (2008). A nurses’ guide to the critical reading of research. Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, 26(1), 102-109. Solutions for Public Health. (2010). Critical skills appraisal program. Retrieved February 12, 2013, from http://www.casp-uk.net/