This needs to say what is going to be in the assignment. You can refer to the learning outcomes and this assignment guidance to help you write this section. For example:
• This assignment aims to critically appraise two research studies…..etc.
• Include one or two short sentences about why evidence informed practice is important for nursing decisions
Following use of the critical appraisal tool and completing your data extraction sheet, take one paper at a time, write up the main points of each paper (i.e. aims, methods, findings) and the strengths and limitations/weaknesses. Use the guidance below for each research study (you are NOT comparing the studies with each other).
NB: Do not just describe the studies. The main aim of the assignment is to appraise the research methods to assess the quality of the studies.
For example:
Research approach:
What approach did the researchers use? Qualitative or quantitative and what is the difference (two or three sentences only). Then consider specific approach: E.g. ethnography, cross sectional study, phenomenology, randomized controlled trial (RCT), etc. Briefly explain what this approach is, why it was used, and if it is appropriate for the purposes of the study.
Study methods:
Explain the study methods:
Title and aims:
• Is it clear what the study is about and is the reason for conducting the study justified?
Author credentials:
• One sentence about whether the researchers seem suitably qualified/experienced to carry out the research will suffice.
Recruitment:
• How did they recruit participants? What sampling methods did they use? (e.g. purposive, convenience sampling, random sampling, snowball sampling, etc). Why did they choose these methods? Do these seem appropriate for the aims?
Data collection methods:
• What was their data collection method? E.g. For interviews: how did they conduct these – structured, semi-structured, using a topic guide? If it was participant observation – explain what this is and how they went about it? If it was RCT, did they have control group? Was it double blinded?, etc
• Explain the strengths and limitations of these methods and if the researchers got the data needed.
Analysis and results/findings:
• What analysis methods were used and why?
• Does the data explain how the findings occurred? E.g. in interviews were direct quotes from participants displayed to support the findings? Was the statistical data presented and explained?
• Do the researchers discuss any problems/issues that arose and what they did about them? E.g. if questions were unanswered on a questionnaire.
Ethical considerations:
• State if the study gained appropriate ethical approvals
• Consider discussing informed consent, participants right to withdraw, protection of confidentiality/identity, safety of participants/researchers.
• Consider ethical principles.
