Critical Appraisal of Quantitative Descriptive Research1

Part I: Elements influencing the believability of the research

1. Writing Style.

Consider if the report is well written:

 Is it concise, grammatically correct?

 Does it avoid the use of jargon?
 Is it well laid out and organized?

2. Author.

Consider:

 Do the researcher(s’) qualifications/position indicate a degree of knowledge in the

particular field?

3. Report Title.

Consider:

 Is the title clear, accurate and unambiguous?

1
Adapted from: Coughlan, M., Cronin, P., & Ryan, F. (2007). Step-by-step guide to critiquing
research. Part 1: quantitative research. British Journal of Nursing, 16, 658-663.
Quantitative Descriptive Appraisal
2

4. Abstract.

Consider:

 Does the abstract offer a clear overview of the study including the research problem,
sample, methodology, finding and recommendations?

Part II: Elements influencing the robustness of the research

5. Purpose / Research Problem.

Consider:

 Is the purpose of the study/research problem clearly identified?

6. Logical Consistency.

Consider:

 Does the research report follow the steps of the research process in a logical manner?
 Do these steps naturally flow and are the links clear?
Quantitative Descriptive Appraisal
2

7. Literature Review.

Consider:

 Is the review logically organized?

 Does it offer a balanced critical analysis of the literature?
 Is the majority of the literature of recent origin?
 Is it mainly from primary sources and of an empirical nature?

8. Theoretical Framework.

Consider:

 Has a conceptual or theoretical framework been identified?

 Is the framework adequately described?
 Is the framework appropriate?

9. Aims / Objectives / Research Question / Hypotheses.

Consider:

 Have alms and objectives, a research question or hypothesis been identified?

 If so are they clearly stated?
 Do they reflect the information presented in the literature review?

10. Sample.
Quantitative Descriptive Appraisal
2

Consider:

 Has the target population been clearly identified?

 How were the sample selected?
 Was it a probability or non-probability sample?
 Is it of adequate size?
 Are the inclusion/exclusion criteria dearly identified?

11. Ethical Considerations.

Consider:

 Were the participants fully informed about the nature of the research?
 Was the autonomy/confidentiality of the participants guaranteed?
 Were the participants protected from harm?
 Was ethical permission granted for the study?

12. Operational Definitions.

Consider:

 Are all the terms, theories and concepts mentioned in the study dearly defined?

13. Methodology.
Quantitative Descriptive Appraisal
2

Consider:

 Is the research design clearly identified?

 Has the data gathering instrument been described?
 Is the instrument appropriate?
 How was it developed?
 Were reliability and validity testing undertaken and the results discussed?
 Was a pilot study undertaken?

14. Data Analysis / Results.

Consider:

 What type of data and statistical analysis was undertaken?

 Was it appropriate?
 How many of the sample participated?
 What are the results of the study?
 Significance of the findings?
 Were confidence intervals reported?

15. Discussion.

Consider:

 Are the findings linked back to the literature review?

 If a hypothesis was identified was it supported?
 Were the strengths and limitations of the study including generalizability discussed?
 Was a recommendation for further research made?
Quantitative Descriptive Appraisal
2

16. References.

Consider:

 Were all the books, journals and other media alluded to in the study accurately
referenced?

Part III: Are the results of this study important for understanding my own clients?

17. Can the results be generalized to the local population?

Consider whether:

 The participants in the study are sufficiently different from your population to cause
concern.
 Your local setting is likely to differ much from that of the study.

18. Should a change in services be considered in response to this information?

Consider whether:

 New knowledge about the population indicates that services should be provided in a
different way.
 New knowledge about the population indicates that needs are not addressed by current
services.