MN504: Inquiry and Evidence Based Practice

Unit 6: Quantitative Analysis and The Research Critique Process

MN504: Unit 6 Assignment

Analysis of Quantitative Nursing Research Study 

Description and Directions: 

1. Please use the Quantitative Critique Completion Form (Word file) to complete your critique of quantitative research. 

2. Enter your responses under EACH section of the form. 

3. If your opinion is that the research article does not address or infer an answer to a particular section, then you must so state and JUSTIFY your statement. DO NOT LEAVE ANY SECTION BLANK. 

4. When your paper is complete, upload it to the Unit 6 Dropbox. Upload by Tuesday 11:59 p.m. ET. 

To view the Grading Rubric for this Assignment, please visit the Grading Rubrics section of the Course Home.

MN 504 Unit 6 –  Quantitative Critique Paper

Grading Rubric 

    

Content and Organization

Possible Points

Points Earned

 

Problem

· What is the problem the study was conducted to research? (3)

· Why is the problem an important one for nursing to research?(3)

6

 

Study Purpose

· What is the purpose of the study? (2)

2

 

Research   Question 

· What is the research question? (4)

4

 

Hypothesis/hypotheses

· What is the study hypothesis? If it is not stated, what would you say the hypothesis is? (4)

4

 

Study   Variables

• Identify the major study        variables. Identify the study variables by examining the purpose, the        objectives, questions, or hypotheses, and the results section of the        research article. 
• INDEPENDENT
  • Define the meaning of the term         “independent variable” (1)
  • Identify the independent         variables in this study and provided a definition of the variable (1)
  • How is the independent         variable carried out in this         study? (1)
• DEPENDENT
  • Define the meaning of the term         “dependent variable”(1)
  • Identify the dependent         variables in this study and provided a definition of the variable (1)
  • How is the dependent variable MEASURED in this study? (1)

6

 

Conceptual   Model/Theoretical Framework

· Is the framework explicitly expressed or must the reviewer   extract the framework from implicit statements in the literature review? (1)

· Is the framework based on scientific, substantive, or tentative   theory? (1)

· Does the framework identify, define, and describe relationships   among the concepts of interest? (1)

· How is the framework related to the body of knowledge in   nursing? (1)

4

 

Review of   the Related Literature

· Are the articles relevant with previous studies and theories   described? (2)

· Are the references current? ?number of sources within past 10   years ?number of sources within past   five years. (2)

· Describe the current knowledge (what is known and not known)   about the research problem. (2)

· Specify the gap in the literature that justifies the need for   the research. (2)

8

 

Study METHODOLOGY

• NAME the specific quantitative        methodology of the study. 2)
• Provide a clear        description/definition of this methodology; use an article or your text        to support the definition and provide a citation. (2)
• Why was the choice of this        methodology appropriate for this study. JUSTIFY YOUR RESPONSE. (2)

6

 

Sample and   Setting

• Identify inclusion and        exclusion sample criteria. (1)
• Indicate the method used to        obtain the sample. (1)
• State the sample size. Indicate if a power analysis was        conducted to determine the sample size. (1)
• Identify the characteristics        (demographics) of the sample. (1)
• Identify the sample mortality        (or attrition) number and percentage. (1)
• Indicate the type of consent        obtained and institutional review board approval. (1)
• Identify the study setting and        indicate if it is appropriate for the study purpose. (1)

7

 

Identification and Control of Extraneous Variables

· Define extraneous variables. (1)

· In what way(s) were appropriate measures used to control for the   influence of the extraneous variables? (1)

2

 

Study Instruments/Tools

· IDENTIFY THE INSTRUMENTS USED IN THIS STUDY (2)

· For Each Instrument:

· Discuss how the instrument was developed or purpose of use. (1)

· Identify the type of each measurement strategy (i.e. Likert   scale, visual analog scale, physiological measure, questionnaire,   observation, or interview). (1)

· Identify the level of measurement (nominal, ordinal,   interval/ratio) achieved by each measurement strategy. (1)

· Report the reliability of each instrument from previous studies   and the current study. (1)

· Report the validity of each instrument from previous studies and   the current study. (1)

7

 

Data Collection Methods

· Detail how   the data was collected. (2)

· In what   way(s) is the data collection procedures appropriate for this study? (2)

· In what way   were appropriate steps taken to protect the rights of the subjects? (2)

6

 

Statistical Analysis Procedures

· Define the statistical procedures used in the study and describe   how each was used in the study.(6)

· Complete the table with theanalysis techniquesconducted in the study: (4)

10

 

What are the specific results of   the study? Describe in DETAIL (4)

4

 

StrengthsLimitations

· What are two major strengths of the scientific merit of this study? (2)

· What are two major limitations of the scientific merit of this   study? (2)

4

 

Implications/Recommendations

· How did the researcher generalize the findings? (2)

· What did the researchers say the relevance of the data was? Describe the researchers’ interpretation of   the findings. (2)

· Where in nursing can the results of the data be applied? (1)

· What suggestions for further   study were identified? (1)

· Is the description of the study   sufficiently clear for replication? (2)

8

 

REFLECTION: Reflect on your newly developed   understanding of quantitative research. Answer this question: What has this   experience critiquing a quantitative research study meant to you and how will   this make a difference in your overall practice of nursing?(6)

6

 

REFERENCES   At least SIX (6) credible references (6)

6

 

Total 100 Percent 

100

MN504 Quantitative Critique

Please use the below Quantitative Critique Completion Form to complete your critique of quantitative research. Type in your responses under EACH section. If your opinion is that the research article does not address or infer an answer to a particular section, then you must so state and JUSTIFY your statement. 

IMPORTANT:

· Do not leave any section blank! 

· Do not provide a “yes” or “no” answer without an explanation. You must justify all your responses.

· You must submit the full article in PDF form. Critiques submitted without the PDF will not be accepted.

· Save your file as YourName_QuantitativeCritique.doc and upload to the unit Dropbox.

Student Name:

Full and Complete Reference for the Article:

Note: You must submit the full article in PDF form. Critiques submitted without the PDF will not be accepted.

Problem:

What is the problem the study was conducted to research? 

Why is the problem an important one for nursing to research? 

Study Purpose

What is the purpose of the study?  

Research Question

What is the main research question?  

Hypothesis/hypotheses

What is the study hypothesis? If it is not stated, what would you say the hypothesis is? 

Study Variables

Identify and describe the major study variables. Identify the study variables by examining the purpose, the objectives, questions, or hypotheses, and the results section of the research article.

INDEPENDENT

Define the meaning of the term “independent variable.”  

Identify the independent variables in this study and provided a definition of the variable.  

How is the independent variable carried out in this study?  

DEPENDENT

Define the meaning of the term “dependent variable.”  

Identify the dependent variables in this study and provide a definition of the variable.  

How is the dependent variable measured in this study?  

Conceptual Model/Theoretical FRAMEWORK – 

Note: This is determined in the literature review … it does not refer to the methodology.

Is the framework explicitly expressed or must the reviewer extract the framework from implicit statements in the literature review? JUSTIFY your response! 

Is the framework based on scientific, substantive, or tentative theory?  

Does the framework identify, define, and describe relationships among the concepts of interest? Provide examples and rationale for your response. 

How is the framework related to the body of knowledge in nursing? 

Review of the Related Literature

Are the articles relevant with previous studies and theories described?  

Are the references current? Identify the number of sources within past 10 years and the number of sources within past five years. 

Describe the current knowledge about the research problem.  

Specify the gap in the literature that justifies the need for the research.  

Study METHODOLOGY

NAME the specific quantitative methodology of the study.  

Provide a clear description/definition of this methodology (in your own words); use an article or your text to support the definition and provide a citation. 

Why was the choice of this methodology appropriate for this study? JUSTIFY your response. 

Sample and Setting

Identify inclusion and exclusion sample criteria.  

Indicate the method used to obtain the sample. Provide a definition of the method and discuss why it was an appropriate choice for this study 

State the sample size. Indicate if a power analysis was conducted to determine the sample size. 

Identify the SPECIFIC characteristics (demographics) of the sample.  

Identify the sample mortality (or attrition) number and percentage.  

Indicate the type of consent obtained and institutional review board approval.  

Identify the study setting and indicate if it is appropriate for the study purpose. JUSTIFY your response! 

Identification and Control of Extraneous Variables

Define extraneous variables  

What are the extraneous variables in this study? In what way(s) were appropriate measures used to control for the influence of the extraneous variables? Describe fully. If not addressed, explain how you know this and identify the extraneous variables you would note. 

Study Instruments/Tools

Identify the instruments used in the research 

FOR EACH INSTRUMENT:  Instrument #1; Name of Instrument: Discuss how the instrument was developed or purpose of use. Cite the source for the background information about the instrument.

Identify the type of measurement strategy (e.g., Likert scale, visual analog scale, physiological Measure, questionnaire, observation, or interview).

Identify the level of measurement (nominal, ordinal, interval/ratio) achieved by the measurement strategy. Provide a definition of the level of measurement(s) you identified and justify WHY you believe the instruments represent this level of measurement.

Report the reliability of the instrument from previous studies and the current study.

Report the validity of the instrument from previous studies and the current study. 

Instrument #2; Name of Instrument: Discuss how the instrument was developed or purpose of use. Cite the source for the background information about the instrument.

Identify the type of measurement strategy (i.e. Likert scale, visual analog scale, physiological Measure, questionnaire, observation, or interview).

Identify the level of measurement (nominal, ordinal, interval/ratio) achieved by the measurement strategy. Provide a definition of the level of measurement(s) you identified and justify WHY you believe the instruments represent this level of measurement.

Report the reliability of the instrument from previous studies and the current study.

Report the validity of the instrument from previous studies and the current study. 

Instrument #3; Name of Instrument: Discuss how the instrument was developed or purpose of use. Cite the source for the background information about the instrument.

Identify the type of measurement strategy (e.g., Likert scale, visual analog scale, physiological Measure, questionnaire, observation, or interview).

Identify the level of measurement (nominal, ordinal, interval/ratio) achieved by the measurement strategy. Provide a definition of the level of measurement(s) you identified and justify WHY you believe the instruments represent this level of measurement.

Report the reliability of the instrument from previous studies and the current study.

Report the validity of the instrument from previous studies and the current study. Note: If more than 3 instruments, please add more descriptions.

Data Collection Methods

Detail how the data were collected.  

In what way(s) is the data collection procedures appropriate for this study?  

In what way were appropriate steps taken to protect the rights of the subjects? 

Statistical Analysis Procedures

Identify the statistical procedures used in the study:  Statistical Procedure #1 (Name and definition):

How was it used in the study? 

Statistical Procedure #2 (Name and definition): 

How was it used in the study? 

Statistical Procedure #3 (Name and definition):

How was it used in the study? 

Statistical Procedure #3 (Name and definition): 

How was it used in the study? 

Note: If more than 3 statistical procedures, please add more descriptions.

Complete the table below with the analysis techniques conducted in the study: 

  

Statistical Procedure

Statistical Findings

Significance (provide a   narrative description of the significance as well as the actual statistical   values

 

 

 

  What are the specific results of the study? Provide DEPTH and write IN YOUR OWN WORDS. 

StrengthsLimitations

What are two major strengths of the scientific merit of this study? (This does not refer to findings of the study) 

What are two major limitations of the scientific merit of this study?  

How did the researcher generalize the findings?  

What did the researchers say the relevance of the data was? Describe the researchers’ interpretation of the findings. 

Where in nursing can the results of the data be applied?  

What suggestions for further study were identified?  

Is the description of the study sufficiently clear for replication? Explain and Justify your response 

REFLECTION

Reflect upon your newly developed understanding of quantitative research. What has this experience critiquing a quantitative research study meant to you and how will this make a difference in your overall practice of nursing? Please provide depth and be sure you respond to the question. This is a subjective response and must be at least 2 full paragraphs. Please respond in reference to understanding quantitative methodology and not the specific focus of the research study. 

What has the experience of reading and critiquing a quantitative study meant to you? 

How will understanding and using quantitative research findings make a difference in your practice of nursing? 

REFERENCES: Please list (APA) at least SIX  references used to inform your responses to the questions. Be sure you have properly cited the references with your answers.