Question 1

All nurses need to have expertise in which skill regarding research?

Accepted Answer

All nurses need to be able to critically appraise research studies in order to evaluate the quality and relevance of evidence to apply to their practice. While knowledge of literature review, statistical analysis, and interviewing techniques may also be important, critical appraisal is the fundamental skill necessary for evidence-based practice.

Question 2

What is not necessary for a reviewer to include in a critical appraisal when evaluating study sampling methods?

Accepted Answer

Study setting is not directly related to study sampling methods, and therefore is not necessary to include in a critical appraisal of sampling methods. However, characteristics of the sample, eligibility criteria, and sample attrition are all important factors to consider when evaluating the quality of study sampling methods.

Question 3

When establishing that a researcher has produced a result consistent with the views of the participants interviewed for a study,the critical appraiser has determined which strength of a qualitative study?

Accepted Answer

The strength being described is credibility, which refers to the extent to which the researcher accurately portrays the views and experiences of the participants. Confirmability refers to the degree of consistency in the data collection and analysis process. Dependability refers to the stability of findings over time or with different observers or contexts. Trustworthiness encompasses all these concepts and includes the extent to which researchers can be trusted to have conducted a rigorous and truthful study.

Question 4

In a critical appraisal,a reviewer conducts an audit of the transcripts of interviews and determines that the author's conclusions are correct.This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Confirmability is determined when the reviewer compares transcripts from interviews to the author's conclusions and agrees with the conclusions.Credibility is the confidence that the results produced in the study reflect the views of the participants.Dependability is documentation of steps taken and decisions made during analysis.Trustworthiness is an evaluation of the value of qualitative studies.

Question 5

What is the focus of a critical appraisal of qualitative research studies?

Accepted Answer

The focus of a critical appraisal of qualitative research studies is the integrity of study design and methods, such as the appropriateness of the research questions, sampling strategy, data collection techniques, and data analysis methods. This includes evaluating whether the research design and methods are consistent with the research approach and philosophy, whether the data is credible, trustworthy, and confirmable, and whether the study findings are supported by the data. While completeness of the literature review (A), conceptual and operational definition of variables (B), and validity of study measures (D) are also important considerations in research, they are not the primary focus of a critical appraisal of qualitative research studies.

Question 6

During a critical appraisal of a research study,the reviewer determines that a study about blood glucose monitoring of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus has implications for patients with type 2 diabetes.The reviewer will determine this during which phase of the research critique?

Accepted Answer

The evaluation phase highlights the meaning and significance of the study and includes discussion about application and generalizability of the findings to other populations.The analysis phase involves a critique of the logical links connecting one study element with another.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 comprehension phase requires the reviewer to thoroughly understand the study.

Question 7

A reviewer critically appraises a study.Which aspect of the review indicates a weakness in the study?

Accepted Answer

The statement of purpose is expected to provide a clear, specific focus for the study, rather than a broad, general one. A weakness in the study can be indicated by a poorly defined or vague purpose, as it may lead to unclear research questions, hypotheses, or methods. Therefore, option D suggests a weakness in the study. Options A, B, and C are all aspects of a well-conducted study and do not indicate weaknesses.

Question 8

Once a qualitative study has been evaluated for credibility,transferability,dependability,and confirmability,the study is considered to be:

Accepted Answer

Trustworthiness is the overall term used to determine whether a qualitative study can be considered credible, transferable, dependable, and confirmable. Therefore, if a study has been evaluated and found to meet these criteria, it can be considered trustworthy. While the study may not be generalizable or valid (as these concepts pertain more specifically to quantitative research), it can still be considered reliable due to the rigorous evaluation process it has undergone.

Question 9

Which is true about the evaluation of study variables in a critical appraisal of a research study?

Accepted Answer

It is important to identify the names and authors of the measurement strategies used in a research study during the evaluation of study variables in a critical appraisal. This allows for an understanding of the instruments used to measure the variables and their reliability and validity. Additionally, it may be helpful to understand whether the measures are nominal, ordinal, ratio, or interval in order to interpret the results properly. Finally, it is important to make sure that research variables are defined both conceptually and operationally for clarity and consistency.

Question 10

A reviewer performs a critical appraisal of a study and notes that the researcher conducted a previous pilot study.The reviewer will:

Accepted Answer

It is important to note whether the pilot study findings were used to design the current study, as this may provide insight into the development of the research question and methodology. It is not necessary to discount any findings not congruent with the pilot study, as the larger study may have addressed different research questions or used different methodology. It is also not necessary to ensure identical data collection methods, as long as the methodology is appropriate for the research question being addressed. Ignoring the findings of the pilot study may lead to missed opportunities for reflection on the development of the research question and methodology.

Question 11

During an initial review of a study,the reviewer will expect the methods section of the research report to include:

Accepted Answer

During an initial review of a study, the methods section is the most important section to assess the study's validity. In this section, the reviewer should expect to find a clear description of the study design and sampling methods, as these are critical to evaluating whether the study is methodologically sound. The other options (B, C, and D) may be included in the methods section or other sections of the research report, but they are not as essential to an initial review of the study's quality.

Question 12

A reviewer conducts a critical appraisal of a study and notes that the study abstract does not include key results.The reviewer will discuss this in which part of the appraisal?

Accepted Answer

The abstract is a summary of the study, and it should include key results. If the abstract does not include key results, then the reviewer will discuss this in the appraisal.

Question 13

A determination that findings in a qualitative study are applicable to other populations is an evaluation of a study's:

Accepted Answer

In qualitative studies,analysis of results can yield information about the transferability of the findings to others.Because statistical analysis is not applied to qualitative research,generalizability,reliability,and validity cannot be determined.

Question 14

What are the three steps of critical appraisal of qualitative research?

Accepted Answer

The three steps of critical appraisal of qualitative research include identifying the components of the research process, determining strengths and weaknesses, and evaluating the trustworthiness of the study. Option A only covers some aspects of the appraisal process, option B does not fully address critical appraisal, and option D is too broad and generic.

Question 15

What standard may be applied to determine the strengths and weaknesses in a qualitative research study?

Accepted Answer

The consistency of study methods with guidelines of expert researchers (such as using appropriate sampling techniques, data collection methods, and data analysis approaches) is a key standard that can help to determine the strengths and weaknesses of a qualitative research study. This can help to ensure that the study is conducted in a rigorous and trustworthy manner. While the other options (generalizability, reliability of scales, and validity of statistics) are also relevant to qualitative research, they may not be as important as methodological consistency.

Question 16

When critically appraising the dependability of qualitative research,the reviewer evaluates:

Accepted Answer

When critically appraising the dependability of qualitative research, the reviewer evaluates the documentation of decisions made during analysis of the findings. This ensures transparency and trustworthiness in the analysis process. However, interrater reliability, measurement tool internal validity, and statistical analysis are more relevant to the dependability of quantitative research.

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