Quantitative Research Critique Paper Outline

Quantitative Research Critique Paper

Give a short introduction (3-5 sentences) about the article and what you will be looking at in the paper.

Title

 The title of the article,  insert the title of the article in italics

, accurately describes the type of study. If the title does not accurately describe the type of study then specify this. Go on to answer the remainder of the questions in the criteria—Does the title accurately describe the major variables?  Does the title accurately describe the population to which the study applies? . (Cite author, year in APA format).

Abstract

The abstract clearly and concisely summarizes the main features of the report. Explain why in 3-5 sentences.  If it does not summarize the main features specific this also.  Somewhere in the paragraph cite the article in APA format (Author, year).

Introduction

Answer questions from the criteria thoroughly and specifically. If the answer to the question is no, specify why. Is the problem clearly stated with pertinent background information?  Is there justification for the study? s the problem significant to nursing?  Is the problem researchable (can data be collected and analyzed)?   Cite the article or your research textbook backing up your statements in APA format (Author, year).

Literature Review

Answer questions from the criteria thoroughly and specifically.  If the answer to the question is no, specify why. Is the cited literature reviewed critically? Are historical/classic as well as current citations used? Does the researcher cite supporting as well as opposing studies?  Is the literature review organized logically? Are there appropriate subheadings? Are mostly primary sources included? Does the literature review conclude with a summary?  Cite the article or your research textbook backing up your statements in APA format (Author, year).

Conceptual/Theoretical Framework

Is there a conceptual model or theoretical framework identified? If not specifically identified, is a model or framework implied? If it is implied be specific of which model is implied. Is the conceptual model/framework applicable to the research?   Cite the article or your research textbook backing up your statements in APA format (Author, year).

Purpose of the Study

Answer questions from the criteria thoroughly and specifically.  If the answer to the question is no, specify why. Is there a purpose statement?  Is the purpose statement appropriate for the study (declarative statement, research question, and hypothesis?). Cite the article or your research textbook backing up your statements in APA format (Author, year).

Research Questions/Hypotheses

Answer questions from the criteria thoroughly and specifically.  If the answer to the question is no, specify why. Are research questions/hypotheses clearly stated?  Cite the article or your research textbook backing up your statements in APA format (Author, year).

Method

Answer questions from the criteria thoroughly and specifically.  If the answer to the question is no, specify why. Are relevant variables defined theoretically and operationally? Explain the operational definition(s) of the main variables of the study.  What research design was used and was it clearly identified? Does the research design fit appropriately according to the variables studied and the purpose of the study? Cite the article or your research textbook backing up your statements in APA format (Author, year).

Population and Sample

Answer questions from the criteria thoroughly and specifically.  If the answer to the question is no, specify why. Are the target and accessible populations described clearly? What sampling method was used and was the method of choosing the sample (probability versus nonprobability) appropriate?  What inclusion and exclusion criteria (if any) were used? Were the inclusion and exclusion criteria clearly explained?  Based on the sampling procedures, were there any threats to external validity (generalizability of findings)? If so, does the author acknowledge these threats? Cite the article or your research textbook backing up your statements in APA format (Author, year).

Data Collection and Measurement

Answer questions from the criteria thoroughly and specifically.  If the answer to the question is no, specify why. •       Are the steps in collecting data described clearly and concisely? Are the instruments/scales used to collect data appropriate for the problem and method? Are the instruments/scales reliable and valid? Are the means of establishing reliability/validity discussed? Is each instrument described as to how it was scored? Range of possible scores? What does a high/low score mean?  Cite the article or your research textbook backing up your statements in APA format (Author, year).

Human Subjects 

Answer questions from the criteria thoroughly and specifically.  If the answer to the question is no, specify why. Is evidence of human subject review and approval discussed? Are issues of subject anonymity or confidentiality addressed? Cite the article or your research textbook backing up your statements in APA format (Author, year).

Data Analysis

Answer questions from the criteria thoroughly and specifically.  If the answer to the question is no, specify why. What statistical procedures were used? Was the choice of statistical procedures appropriate for the methodology proposed? Cite the article or your research textbook backing up your statements in APA format (Author, year).

Findings/Results

Answer questions from the criteria thoroughly and specifically.  If the answer to the question is no, specify why. Are the characteristics of the sample described? Are the research questions/hypotheses answered separately? Do the results, limited to data, reflect the research questions/hypotheses? Discuss the primary research findings. Are generalizations made that are not warranted on the basis of the sample used? Are tables, charts and/or graphs used to present data? If so, are they labeled clearly and discussed in the text? Cite the article or your research textbook backing up your statements in APA format (Author, year).

Discussion

Answer questions from the criteria thoroughly and specifically.  If the answer to the question is no, specify why. Are limitations of the study described? Does the researcher relate findings to the problem and purpose of the study? Does the researcher state whether study results support or refute previous studies? Are there any unexpected (serendipitous) findings? Cite the article or your research textbook backing up your statements in APA format (Author, year).

Implication/Recommendations

Answer questions from the criteria thoroughly and specifically.  If the answer to the question is no, specify why. Are generalizations made beyond the sample identified in the study? Are suggestions/recommendations made by the researcher for nursing practice, education and/or research? Are suggestions/recommendations based on the findings of this study? Cite the article or your research textbook backing up your statements in APA format (Author, year).

Summary Assessment

Answer questions from the criteria thoroughly and specifically.  If the answer to the question is no, specify why. Were you able to understand the study?  Was the report written in a manner that makes the findings accessible to practicing nurses? Does the study contribute any meaningful evidence that can be used in nursing practice? How would you use the research findings in your practice

References

Fain, J. A., (2021). Reading, understanding, and applying nursing research (6th ed.). F. A. Davis.

Reference article

Other Tips for the Paper

• APA Format (most paragraphs should include a citation with a corresponding reference in the reference list, headings based on criteria, references in APA format)
• Page Limits (8-10 pages)
• The paper must include an introductory paragraph and a conclusion paragraph

Grammar / Spelling / Punctuation