qualitative article critique

The qualitative article critique written paper
Selection of an article for critique:
for this assignment you will have in this order:

-One cover page
-A reaction paper summary up to 10 pages (to be written collaboratively).
-One copy of the article
-Grading will be as follows:
-Title (5 points)
-Does the title clearly and concisely describe the study?
-Is the population/sample included in the title?
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Please do the assign as following: the article is under the instructions.

a) Abstract (5 points)
1- Is an abstract included in the article?
2- Does the abstract include a statement of the problem, purpose, and/or hypothesis?
3- Does the abstract briefly summarize the design, methodology, results, and conclusions?
4- Is the abstract adequate? Why or why not?

b) Confidence in the Findings (5 points)
1- What are the qualifications and reputation of the investigator/s?
2- What evidence is there in this report that they are qualified to conduct this study?
3- Is this article published in a referred journal?

c) Theoretical Framework/Conceptual Framework (10 points)
1- Is a theoretical or conceptual framework described? If not, does the absence detract from the significance of the research?
2- Does the research problem flow naturally from the conceptual framework?

d) Protection of Human Rights (5 points)
1- Is there evidence of an independent ethics review by a board (IRB) or a committee?
2- Has the study been designed to minimize risk and maximize benefits to participants?
3- Is there an indication that participants gave voluntary, informed consent?
4- Is there evidence in the study that individuals can be identified?

e) The Problem (10 points)
1- Was the problem statement introduced promptly?
2- Is the problem significant to nursing and is the significance described?
3- Has the purpose for conducting the research been explained?
4- What are the research variables and how are they measured/operationalized?
5- Will an answer to the problem provide insight into clinical applicability of the problem?

f) Research Questions/Hypotheses (10 points)
1- Are research questions or hypotheses formally stated? If no, should they be included?
2- Do the research questions and hypotheses naturally flow from the research problem and theoretical framework?
3- Does each research question or hypothesis contain at least two variables?
4- Are the research questions or hypotheses worded clearly and objectively? Is a prediction evident?
5- If there is not a research question or hypothesis, write one for the study and explain why your hypothesis or research question fits the study.

g) Review of the Literature (10 points):
1- Is the review comprehensive, logical and relevant to the problem?
2- is the relationship to the research purpose evident?
3- Does it include recent research?
4- Can a case be made for conducting this study based on the review?

h) Research Design (5 points):
1- What design has been used for the study?
2- Is the design appropriate for the research question and the purpose of the research?
3- Has enough information been given to permit replication?
i) Sampling (10 points):
1- Is the target population carefully described?
2- Are sample selection procedures clearly defined?
3-Does the sampling method fit the research design?
4-Are potential sample biases described?
5- Is the sample sufficiently large?
6- Did the author/authors use power analysis to document that the study size was adequate or inadequate?
7- How was sample size justified?
8- To whom can study results be generalized?

j) Data Collection (10 points):
1- Describe the instruments used for data collection.
2- Has rationale been given for the selection of instruments?
3- Are instruments congruent with the research question?
4- Are instruments suitable for use with the study sample?
5- Have procedures for testing the reliability and validity of instruments been described? Are results sufficient to indicate their use?

k) Qualitative Analysis (5 points):
1- Is the link between the analysis and the findings logical and clear?
2- Is the statistical result presented clearly both in the text as well as in numerical presentation?
3- Are graphic displays clear and simple?

l) Conclusions and Recommendations (10 points):
1- What are the assumptions and limitations of the study? Are they listed or do you have to infer what they are?
2- Are results of data analysis clearly explained in reference to research questions, hypothesis and theoretical framework?
3- What recommendations for nursing practice and future research studies have been made? Are these recommendations supported by the data?