The Quantitative Research Process

Readings and Overview

Topic 1
Importance to Nursing

Topic 2
Defining the terms

Topic 3
The research setting

Topic 4
The research process

Topic 5
Pilot study

Topic 6
Research reports

Topic 7
Research critique

Topic 8
Critique phases

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TOPIC #8
Phases of the research critique process

   Objective 8: Describe the four phases of quantitative research critique: comprehension, comparison, analysis, and evaluation.

The process of research critique is an intellectual activity that requires the application of critical thinking skills. The critique process can be divided in to four phases of critical thinking:

  1. In comprehension the reader works to:
    1. Understand the terms and concepts
    2. Identify the elements or steps of the research process
    3. Grasp the nature, significance, and meaning of the steps

  2. To make meaningful comparisons the reader should:
    1. Have knowledge of what each step of the research process should be like in an ideal study
    2. Compare the ideal study to the real study
    3. Examine the extent to which the researcher followed the steps for an ideal study.
      1. Was the study rigorously developed and implemented?
      2. What are the strengths and weaknesses?

  3. To accomplish the analysis phase, the reader will:
    1. Critique the logical links that connect one study element with another.
      1. Does the problem flow from the background and significance?
      2. Does the problem provide direction and background for the purpose statement?
      3. Are the study variables identified in the purpose consistent with those identified in the research objectives, questions, or hypotheses?
      4. Are the variables conceptually defined within the context of the study framework?
      5. Do the conceptual definitions provide a basis for the operational definitions?
      6. Is the study design appropriate for the purpose, objectives, questions, or hypotheses?
      7. Are the instruments selected to measure the variables adequate for that purpose?
      8. Are the findings linked to findings from previous studies?
    2. Critique the author's placement of the findings, relative to their quality, to effect nursing practice. In other words, are the claims they make for the findings reasonable or do they exceed the study's limitations
    3. Critique the author's identification of future research projects based on the findings from the study.

    The comparison and analysis phases incorporate a narrative summary of the study's strengths and weaknesses.

  4. Evaluation is the final phase in the critique process and involves:
    1. Summarizing the quality of the study and the accuracy of the findings
    2. Examining the meaning and significance of study findings
    3. Determining the value of the findings for application to nursing practice
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