Question 1

In the critical appraisal process, a research consumer reads through the abstract and research report. References are examined closely, and the research report is analyzed for completeness of the major sections. Which step of the research critique process is described here?

Accepted Answer

The comprehension phase involves understanding the terms and concepts in the report and identifying the elements or steps of the research process. The readers should first review the abstract, read the entire study, and examine the references.
Analysis involves identifying incongruency between the phenomenon of interest and the measurement tool.
In the comparison phase of critique, the ideal is compared with the real. The extent to which the researcher followed the rules for an "ideal" study is evaluated.
Evaluation of the study critique is establishing the quality of the study and its appropriateness for implementation in practice.

Question 2

A critical appraisal should be a/an:

Accepted Answer

An intellectual critical appraisal involves careful examination of all aspects of a study to judge the strengths, weaknesses, meaning, and significance of a study.
A thorough critical appraisal contains much more than an analysis of the study's internal validity problems.
A critical appraisal points out both the strengths and weaknesses of a study.
A simple "inventory" of the study's problems does not constitute a good critique.

Question 3

When critiquing qualitative research, it is important to:

Accepted Answer

Critique of qualitative research is different from critique of quantitative research. The reviewer must understand the nuances of qualitative research to effectively evaluate the study against qualitative standards.
Comparison with other published studies is appropriate and does not necessarily bias the critique.
Because quantitative research and qualitative research are so different, different approaches to the critique of each is necessary.
Both strengths and weaknesses should be addressed equally.

Question 4

Which of the following statements would be an acceptable response to the question, "What is the study problem?"

Accepted Answer

The statement "The researcher states the study problem completely and concisely. It is clear to the reader what was trying to be accomplished with the research" identifies that the study problem was presented clearly. It also provides the reader of the critique with the information that the problem was presented appropriately.
Although writing style is important in getting the message to the reader, a critique of the research should focus at least as much on the research process as on the writing style. Without examples the fact that the vocabulary was difficult for the person critiquing the article is more a problem of the writer than the researcher.
Although it is certainly OK to provide negative feedback if it is appropriate, it should be followed with an explanation as to what is "not a very good job."
If it is True that "no problem was presented," the writer needs to expand on this and say what the subject of the research was.

Question 5

An unlikely outcome of scientific inquiry would include:

Accepted Answer

There is no perfect research study. All research designs have some flaw or weakness.
Good scientific inquiry will likely include identification of additional problems.
Improved understanding of the real world is a very realistic outcome of inquiry.
Experimental research strives to predict and control outcomes in practice.

Question 6

Identification of the elements or steps of a quantitative study is part of which of the following steps in the critical appraisal process?

Accepted Answer

The comprehension phase of critical appraisal involves understanding the terms and concepts in the report.
Analysis involves identifying incongruency between the phenomenon of interest and the measurement tool.
In the comparison phase of critical appraisal, the ideal is compared with the real. The extent to which the researcher followed the rules for an "ideal" study is evaluated.
Evaluation of the study critique is establishing the quality of the study and its appropriateness for implementation in practice.

Question 7

What major skill is required to competently evaluate research?

Accepted Answer

Critiquing research involves the use of a variety of critical thinking skills in the application of knowledge of the research process.
Clinical expertise can help in providing a solid background in current practice, but it is not the most important skill in evaluating research.
Knowing a lot about the topic of investigation is certainly important, but it is more important to be able to think critically.
Being a good writer is an important skill, but not the most critical for critiquing research.

Question 8

Which two phases of a research critique are most likely to be done simultaneously?

Accepted Answer

Critique phases 2 and 3 (comparison and analysis) are frequently done simultaneously when critiquing a study.
Analysis and evaluation are not done together.
Comprehension and comparison are not done together.
Critique phases 2 and 3 (comparison and analysis) are frequently done simultaneously when critiquing a study.

Question 9

As a research consumer reads through a research report, the logical flow and connection among the problem, purpose, and objectives are assessed. Which step of the critical appraisal process is described here?

Accepted Answer

The analysis phase involves a critique of the logical links connecting one study element with another.
In the comparison phase of critical appraisal, the ideal is compared with the real. The extent to which the researcher followed the rules for an "ideal" study is evaluated.
The comprehension phase of critical appraisal involves understanding the terms and concepts in the report.
Evaluation of the study critique is establishing the quality of the study and its appropriateness for implementation in practice.

Question 10

A nurse reviewing a research article on anxiety in new mothers notes that the researcher used the tool "worry assessment scale" to measure level of anxiety during the first 3 months of motherhood. The nurse questions the validity of this tool for measuring anxiety. Which phase of the critique process is she using?

Accepted Answer

The nurse uses her analytical skills to identify incongruency between the phenomenon of interest and the measurement tool.
In the comparison phase of critical appraisal, the ideal is compared with the real. The extent to which the researcher followed the rules for an "ideal" study is evaluated.
The comprehension phase of critical appraisal involves understanding the terms and concepts in the report.
Evaluation of the study critique is establishing the quality of the study and its appropriateness for implementation in practice.

Question 11

A critique of the logical links connecting one element with another in a quantitative study is part of which of the following steps in the critical appraisal process?

Accepted Answer

The analysis phase involves a critique of the logical links connecting one study element with another.
In the comparison phase of critical appraisal, the ideal is compared with the real. The extent to which the researcher followed the rules for an "ideal" study is evaluated.
The comprehension phase of critical appraisal involves understanding the terms and concepts in the report.
Evaluation of the study critique is establishing the quality of the study and its appropriateness for implementation in practice.

Question 12

How is an intellectual critical appraisal different from other kinds of critiques? An intellectual critical appraisal:

Accepted Answer

An intellectual critical appraisal is directed at the study.
An intellectual critical appraisal looks at both strengths and weaknesses equally.
An intellectual critical appraisal is directed at the study, not the researcher.
An intellectual critical appraisal is directed at the study, not the researcher.

Question 13

What is the basic purpose of the comprehension phase of critiquing a research study?

Accepted Answer

Gaining a basic understanding of the research is the main goal of the first phase in the research critique process.
Answering the questions is involved in this phase, but a basic understanding is the main goal.
Identification of the dependent and independent variables is a critical part of the critique, but it is only one part of the critique.
It is important to look up any words or concepts you do not understand, but that is not the main goal of this phase.

Question 14

Where might a beginning researcher look to discover critiques of research to learn how to evaluate studies?

Accepted Answer

The Western Journal of Nursing Research focuses on research and research critiques.
The American Journal of Nursing does not focus on research and research critiques.
The Nursing Times does not focus on research and research critiques.
The RN journal does not focus on research and research critiques.

Question 15

Why is the critical appraisal of nursing research essential?

Accepted Answer

The nursing profession is striving for evidence-based practice, which includes critiquing studies, synthesizing the findings, and applying the scientific evidence in practice.
A thorough critique of a research study will assist the reader to better understand research, but that is not why the critique process is essential.
Critiquing of research does indicate a certain degree of expertise in the area, but is not the reason it is essential.
Individual preference for research is really not a consideration when studies are selected for publication.

Question 16

What is the very first step in critically appraising an article?

Accepted Answer

Reading the entire article thoroughly is the first step, because a basic understanding of the total process is necessary.
It is important to think through what the researcher was trying to accomplish, but one must first read the entire article.
It is important to determine the basic problem, but one must first read the entire article.
It is important to find each section of the report, but one must first read the entire article.

Question 17

Examining a quantitative study to determine the extent to which the researcher followed the "rules" for an ideal study is part of which of the following steps in the critique process?

Accepted Answer

In the comparison phase of critical appraisal, the ideal is compared with the real. The extent to which the researcher followed the rules for an "ideal" study is evaluated.
The analysis phase involves a critical appraisal of the logical links connecting one study element with another.
The comprehension phase of critical appraisal involves understanding the terms and concepts in the report. In the comparison phase of critique, the ideal is compared with the real. The extent to which the researcher followed the rules for an "ideal" study is evaluated.
Conceptual clustering assists the author and reader in focusing the concepts and variables involved in the study.

Question 18

A researcher is critiquing the published study of another researcher. Which of the following questions is not an appropriate question to ask when examining the study?

Accepted Answer

An intellectual critical appraisal looks at the product, not the creator, making this the right choice.
Evaluating if the study can be replicated is an appropriate question to ask when examining the study.
Evaluating if the researchers use sound methodology is an appropriate question to ask when examining the study.
Evaluating if the research problem is significant to nursing is an appropriate question to ask when examining the study.

Question 19

In which phase of the critical appraisal is the study compared and contrasted with the ideal, requiring that the reviewer understand each step of the research process?

Accepted Answer

The comparison phase requires knowledge of what each step of the research process should be like, and then that is compared with the ideal.
The analysis phase involves a critique of the logical links connecting one study element with another.
The comprehension phase requires the reviewer to thoroughly understand the study.
The evaluation phase highlights the meaning and significance of the study.

Question 20

The evaluation phase of the critical appraisal process reflects which key study characteristic relevant to implementation of the findings in practice?

Accepted Answer

Evaluation of the study critique is establishing the quality of the study and its appropriateness for implementation in practice.
Examining internal validity would be part of the comparison and analysis phases.
Examining methodology would be part of the comparison and analysis phases.
Examining sample size would be part of the comparison and analysis phases.

Quiz 12: Critical Appraisal of Quantitative and Qualitative Research for Nursing Practice