Nursing-Related Databases and Journals Research Paper Critique

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Nursing-Related Databases and Journals Research Paper Critique

Assignment # 1—Research Paper Critique

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Please select any nursing research article from any one of the scientific journals found in the Nursing-Related Databases and Journals list. Select an article from an area that you are interested in or from the field you are working in. The article must be a peer-reviewed research report that was published in the last 5 years. Using the article selected, construct a critique of the article, 6 to 10 pages (including cover page and references).

It is strongly recommended that you send your article via e-mail to the instructor for approval before your begin your critique.

The critique should

  • identify the problem statement or statement of purpose of the article
  • comment the on article’s literature review (usually found in the introduction or background sections)
  • describe the participants being studied, stating inclusion and exclusion criteria
  • discuss the sampling issues, such as probability or nonprobability and number of subjects used
  • identify the study setting—where data collection occurred
  • discuss informed consent—whether the participants were fully informed, how their consent was obtained, and any other ethical considerations
  • identify the hypothesis or research question
  • identify the research design—for example, experimental or nonexperimental; descriptive, exploratory, explanatory, or predictive?
  • identify research variables, both independent and dependent
  • describe how the study data were analyzed (what statistical measures were used)
  • describe the results of the study and appropriateness of the methods used; include study limitations
  • accurately comment on level of evidence used, nursing theory addressed (including if no theory is described) and implications for nursing practice or research
  • discuss how the research findings can be applied to the clinical area

You must submit a pdf copy of the article that you are critiquing along with the assignment.

The following resources, in the week 4 Learning Resources section of the LEO classroom, will provide helpful guidelines for constructing a critique of a nursing research article.

Video

Articles

The Learning Resources page lists resources that provide several guidelines for constructing a critique of a nursing research article you may find helpful. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your instructor.

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Rubric Name: Assignment #1: Research Paper Critique




















This table lists criteria and criteria group name in the first column. The first row lists level names and includes scores if the rubric uses a numeric scoring method.








Criteria




Level 3












Level 2




Level 1












Description of Study





10 points

(7-10 points)

Provides clear, accurate comments on the title, abstract, introduction, and purpose of the study








6 points

(3 – 6 points)

Provides comments on the title, abstract, introduction, or purpose of the study








2 points

(0-2 points)

Lacks comments on the title, abstract, introduction, or purpose of the study









/ 10










Participants





10 points

(7-10 points)

Discusses participants, inclusion and exclusion criteria, sample size, consent, and other ethical considerations








6 points

(3-6 points)

Includes information on participants, but lacks information regarding sample size and/or consent








2 points

(0-2 points)

Provides little or no information regarding participants, sample size, or consent









/ 10










Research Question/hypothesis





20 points

(13 – 20 points)

Accurately identifies research question/hypotheses, including independent and dependent variables








12 points

(6-12 points)

May not accurately identify research question/hypotheses or independent and dependent variables








5 points

(0-5 points)

Lacks discussion of research question/hypotheses and/or study variables









/ 20










Review, Methods & Results





20 points

(13-20 points)

Accurately comments on literature review, research methods, data analyses, and limitations of the study








12 points

(6-12 points)

Includes comments on literature review, research methods, data analyses, and limitations of the study, but discussion was somewhat vague








5 points

(0-5 points)

Does not comment on literature review, research methods, data analyses, and limitations of the study; or inaccurately discusses these aspects









/ 20










Article Evaluation





20 points

(13-20 points)

Accurately comments on level of evidence used, nursing theory, and implications for nursing practice or research








12 points

(6-12 points)

Comments on level of evidence used, nursing theory, or implications for nursing practice or research








5 points

(0-5 points)

Inaccurately comments on level of evidence used, nursing theory, or implications for nursing practice or research









/ 20










Application to the Clinical Area





10 points

(7-10 points)

Discusses realistic applications of the research to the clinical area








6 points

(3-6 points)

Discusses somewhat realistic applications of the research to the clinical area








2 points

(0-2 points)

Does not discuss realistic applications of the research to the clinical area









/ 10










APA, Organization, Grammar & Spelling





10 points

(7-10 points)

Expertly applies APA guidelines in formatting and referencing; exhibits excellent spelling and grammar throughout the paper; is well organized and easy to read








6 points

(3-6 points)

Applies APA, but exhibits some formatting or referencing mistakes; has some spelling and grammar errors; is generally well written and easy to read, with minimal organization problems








2 points

(0-2 points)

Has many APA, spelling, and/or grammar mistakes throughout the paper; is difficult to read; may be ineffectively organized









/ 10







Total



/ 100


Overall Score

Level 3

61 points minimum

Level 2

24 points minimum

Level 1

0 points minimum