Question 1

When appraising the introduction section of a research study,what will the reviewer look for?
A) Completeness and quality of the study abstract
B) Evaluation of a comprehensive review of the literature
C) Significance of the research problem to practice
D) Study purpose and design

Accepted Answer

During a critical appraisal,the reviewer will review the introduction and evaluate the completeness of the study abstract along with the description of the qualifications of the study authors and the clarity of the article title.The literature review,the significance of the research problem to practice,and the study purpose and design are not part of the introduction.

Question 2

A reviewer critically appraising a study about self-care behaviors of adolescents who have cystic fibrosis evaluates comparisons of this sample to those from studies of young adults with cystic fibrosis.This appraiser is evaluating the:
A) credibility and meaning of the study.
B) framework and key concepts of the study.
C) limitations of the study.
D) reliability and validity of the study.

Accepted Answer

When evaluating the credibility and meaning of the study,the reviewer may examine the relationships among the current study compared with those of previous studies.The framework and key concepts are included in the evaluation of the study framework.The review of a study's limitations occurs when evaluating the study discussion and conclusions.The reliability and validity are included in the evaluation of the study methods and design.

Question 3

What is important to assess when critically appraising a literature review?
A) If previous studies support the research problem
B) If textbooks are included in the reference list
C) What sources are used to provide study funding
D) Whether relevant studies are discussed

Accepted Answer

The literature review should evaluate whether relevant studies are discussed,if the sources are current,whether the studies are critically appraised and synthesized and if they are from refereed journals,and if a summary of current knowledge is provided.Individual studies do not necessarily support the research problem but are used to show what is known and not known about a subject.Textbooks may be used,but refereed journals with current research are preferred.The sources of funding for studies may be mentioned if relevant to study outcomes.

Question 4

What are the steps used to evaluate quantitative research studies?
A) Assess the study design, evaluate the sampling methods, and review the study conclusions.
B) Determine the study purpose, review the study data, and evaluate the implications for further research.
C) Evaluate the study methods, validate the measurement tools, and determine the quality of results.
D) Identify the steps in the research process, determine the strengths and weaknesses, and evaluate the credibility and meaning of the findings.

Accepted Answer

There are three steps in the quantitative research critical appraisal process: identifying the steps of the research process in studies,determining study strengths and weaknesses,and evaluating the credibility and meaning of the study findings.All the other tasks listed are part of the process but do not represent the three steps in evaluating quantitative research.

Question 5

How are study results utilized to develop evidence for practice?
A) Only evidence and data from strong studies are used.
B) Only quantitative studies are used to build evidence
C) Strong points from multiple studies are used to build evidence.
D) Studies must be replicated successfully to be used for evidence.

Accepted Answer

Strong points from multiple studies are used to build evidence. This is because no single study can provide definitive evidence on its own. By examining the findings from multiple studies, researchers can identify consistent patterns and conclusions, which can then be used to develop evidence-based practices. It is important to consider both quantitative and qualitative studies, as well as studies with varying degrees of methodological rigor, to build a comprehensive understanding of a particular phenomenon or topic. Replication of studies is important, but it is not the only criterion for using study results to develop evidence for practice.

Question 6

A reviewer reads through a study from beginning to end,noting whether the title and abstract are clear,if relevant terms are defined,and if the introduction,methods,results,and discussion are plainly identified.This represents which part of a critical appraisal?
A) Analysis of the study methods
B) Comprehension of the study outcomes
C) Evaluation of the literature review
D) Identification of the steps of the research process

Accepted Answer

The process of reading through a study from beginning to end, noting the clear identification of the title, abstract, introduction, methods, results, and discussion, as well as the definition of relevant terms represents the identification of the steps of the research process. This is important in determining the organization, structure, and flow of the study.

Question 7

When assessing the conclusions,findings,and implications of a study,the appraiser will:
A) determine whether alternate hypotheses are possible.
B) ensure that results are not based on past research.
C) identify that findings are specific to the sample population.
D) refute the study if limitations are identified.

Accepted Answer

During this phase of study review,the critical appraiser will evaluate,based on the study results,whether alternate hypotheses are possible.Results should be based on the study but may also build on other study findings as well.The appraiser should determine whether findings may be generalized to the larger population.Limitations should be discussed,but they do not necessarily refute the study.

Question 8

A reviewer is critically appraising a study's variables.What will the researcher evaluate?
A) Conceptual and operational definitions of variables
B) Relationships of demographic variables to key concepts in the study framework
C) Whether variables and key concepts are linked
D) Use of all types of variables, including independent, dependent, and research variables

Accepted Answer

When critically appraising a study's variables, the researcher will evaluate the conceptual and operational definitions of variables. This is important in determining whether the study accurately measures what it purports to measure. The other options may also be evaluated in a study, but they are not directly related to the evaluation of variables.

Question 9

How do practicing nurses participate in critical appraisal of research?
A) By adhering to evidence-based practice guidelines and best practices
B) By presenting findings from their own outcomes research
C) By questioning the quality, credibility, and meaning of studies
D) By reading research journals to keep current in knowledge and practice

Accepted Answer

For critical appraisal to occur,nurses need to question the quality of the studies,the credibility of the findings,and the meaning of the findings for practice.Using EBP guidelines and best practices are part of research translation but are not part of critical appraisal.Presenting research findings and reading research journals are part of research utilization but are not part of critical appraisal.Presenting research findings and reading research journals are part of research utilization but are not part of critical appraisal.

Question 10

What will the reviewer assess when critically appraising a study framework?
A) How the variables and concepts are evaluated and measured
B) What the research hypothesis is and how it was developed
C) Whether the literature review is complete
D) Whether the study variables link to key concepts

Accepted Answer

The reviewer of a study should identify key concepts in the study framework and then evaluate whether the key variables that will be measured link to those concepts.The methodology is concerned with how variables are evaluated and measured,but not necessarily how they link to the framework and concepts.The research hypothesis is derived from the study purpose.The framework critique is not concerned directly with the literature review.

Question 11

When critically appraising a research study,the reviewer will expect to find:
A) identification of new research problems.
B) implementation of a perfect research design.
C) precise understanding of the real world.
D) tools to control outcomes in nursing practice.

Accepted Answer

Good scientific inquiry will likely include identification of additional problems.There is no perfect research design.All studies have flaws.Although an improved understanding of the real world is realistic,no study will lead to precise understandings of the real world.Experimental research strives to predict and control outcomes in practice,but each study only leads to improvements in this ability.

Question 12

What will the reviewer do during the evaluation portion of a critical appraisal of a research study?
A) Assess whether the measurement tools are consistent with the phenomena of interest
B) Determine whether the study findings are meaningful and should be implemented in practice
C) Discuss the statistical analysis of the study's findings including demographic and experimental data
D) Review the components of the study to gain an overall understanding of the study report

Accepted Answer

During the evaluation of a critical appraisal,the reviewer determines the credibility and meaning of a study and decides whether the findings are relevant to practice.Analysis involves identifying incongruence between the phenomenon of interest and the measurement tool.Reviewing statistical data is part of the methodology review.The reviewer reads through a study for comprehension to gain an overall understanding at the beginning of the critique.

Question 13

The goal of a critical appraisal should be to:
A) determine where faults exist in the study design.
B) evaluate whether a proposed study is feasible.
C) identify the meaning and credibility of the study.
D) review the credentials and expertise of the researcher.

Accepted Answer

The goal of a critical appraisal is to identify the meaning and credibility of the study. While determining faults, feasibility, and reviewing credentials may be components of a critical appraisal, the primary objective is to evaluate the validity and significance of the study's findings.

Question 14

While critically appraising a study,a reviewer notes that the study includes an intervention.What will the reviewer assess?
A) If the intervention is consistently implemented using a clearly described protocol
B) How the intervention is administered to each subject in the study sample
C) If the intervention is consistently administered to both experimental and control subjects
D) Whether the intervention has been used in prior studies

Accepted Answer

The reviewer will assess if the intervention is consistently implemented using a clearly described protocol because this ensures that the intervention is reliable and can be replicated in future studies.

Question 15

When reading a research article in a refereed journal,the nurse researcher is assured that the article:
A) describes a study undergoing review.
B) has been previously published.
C) is printed in abstract form only.
D) is of high quality and standards.

Accepted Answer

Refereed journals ensure that articles undergo a rigorous review process by experts in the field, resulting in articles that meet high standards of quality and credibility. Therefore, a nurse researcher can be assured that the research article in a refereed journal is of high quality and standards.

Question 16

In which type of study design would a reviewer expect to find a discussion of extraneous variables?
A) Ethnographic
B) Qualitative
C) Quasi-experimental
D) Phenomenological

Accepted Answer

In a quasi-experimental study design, extraneous variables are factors that might affect the outcome of the study and are not under the control of the researcher. Therefore, it is important to discuss potential extraneous variables and how they may impact the results. Ethnographic and qualitative study designs are focused on understanding the experience and worldview of participants, so discussion of extraneous variables may not be as relevant. Phenomenological studies are focused on exploring the essence of a phenomenon, and extraneous variables are not typically considered.

Question 17

What is the goal of an intellectual critical appraisal of a research study?
A) To determine whether a study should be replicated
B) To identify strengths and weaknesses in a study
C) To determine whether a study should be implemented into practice
D) To weed out and discard studies that are flawed

Accepted Answer

The goal of an intellectual critical appraisal of a research study is to identify the strengths and weaknesses in a study. This involves a comprehensive evaluation of the methodology, results, and conclusions of the study, in order to assess its validity and reliability. By doing so, researchers can determine whether the study has merit and should be used to guide further research or practice, or whether it is flawed and should be discarded. However, the goal is not to simply weed out studies that are flawed, as even flawed studies can provide insight into the research topic and help identify areas for improvement in future research. Additionally, the goal is not necessarily to determine whether a study should be replicated or implemented into practice, although these may be factors considered in the evaluation process.

Question 18

A reviewer conducting a critical appraisal of a research study compares and contrasts study methods with those that are ideal,representing which step of the research process?
A) Analysis
B) Comparison
C) Comprehension
D) Evaluation

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 19

A reviewer is asked to critically appraise a report to help determine whether funding will be allocated for a research study.This reviewer will be appraising a research:
A) abstract.
B) article.
C) literature review.
D) proposal.

Accepted Answer

The reviewer is being asked to determine whether funding should be allocated for the research study, which means they would need to critically appraise the research proposal. The abstract, article, and literature review may be important components of the proposal, but the proposal itself is the main document being reviewed for funding decisions.

Question 20

An intellectual critical appraisal differs from other kinds of critiques because it:
A) focuses solely on the strengths of the study.
B) evaluates the quality and meaning of empirical evidence.
C) judges the researcher's ability and credentials.
D) regards both the work itself as well as the study author.

Accepted Answer

An intellectual critical appraisal evaluates the quality and meaning of empirical evidence presented in a study, which differs from other kinds of critiques that may focus solely on strengths, judge the researcher's ability, or only regard the work itself without considering the study author.

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

When appraising the introduction section of a research study,what will the reviewer look for?

A reviewer critically appraising a study about self-care behaviors of adolescents who have cystic fibrosis evaluates comparisons of this sample to those from studies of young adults with cystic fibrosis.This appraiser is evaluating the:

What is important to assess when critically appraising a literature review?

What are the steps used to evaluate quantitative research studies?

How are study results utilized to develop evidence for practice?

A reviewer reads through a study from beginning to end,noting whether the title and abstract are clear,if relevant terms are defined,and if the introduction,methods,results,and discussion are plainly identified.This represents which part of a critical appraisal?

When assessing the conclusions,findings,and implications of a study,the appraiser will:

A reviewer is critically appraising a study's variables.What will the researcher evaluate?

How do practicing nurses participate in critical appraisal of research?

What will the reviewer assess when critically appraising a study framework?

When critically appraising a research study,the reviewer will expect to find:

What will the reviewer do during the evaluation portion of a critical appraisal of a research study?

The goal of a critical appraisal should be to:

While critically appraising a study,a reviewer notes that the study includes an intervention.What will the reviewer assess?

When reading a research article in a refereed journal,the nurse researcher is assured that the article:

In which type of study design would a reviewer expect to find a discussion of extraneous variables?

What is the goal of an intellectual critical appraisal of a research study?

A reviewer conducting a critical appraisal of a research study compares and contrasts study methods with those that are ideal,representing which step of the research process?

A reviewer is asked to critically appraise a report to help determine whether funding will be allocated for a research study.This reviewer will be appraising a research:

An intellectual critical appraisal differs from other kinds of critiques because it: