- a critique of ONE of the research papers (the writer can choose the which one of three he/she prefer). This needs to be a critical analysis in which you (I) discuss the strengths and weakness of the paper, and justify your conclusions. So, I copy her all the instructions about how should be written. And thank you for help!!! .-)
"Instructions for assessment​:
GUIDELINES
These guidelines are not definitive nor exhaustive. If, for example, you decide to critique a qualitative study you will find that some of the suggestions, such as statistical analysis, are not relevant. You will also find attached to this brief a number of articles containing useful background information.
Your introduction (approx. 200 words)
The introduction should be a summary of the paper. Key points to include:
The type of study (meta-analysis, systematic review, randomized controlled trial, prospective cohort study, case-control study, cross-sectional study, case report etc.).
The aims of the study
Methodology/methods
Findings and their significance (statistical significance when looking at quantitative paper)
The paper’s conclusion and discussion
The main body of your assignment split into sub-headings of your choosing (approx. 1600 words)
Title and Abstract
- Is the title clear and does it reflect the nature of the study?
- Does the abstract reflect the study?
- Where and when was the paper published: is this a peer reviewed journal?
Introduction - Is the review logically organised?
- Is the research placed in context/does it set the scene?
- Relevant literature used i.e. is pertinent literature cited and is the material relevant to the research question? Does the literature review cite primary or secondary sources? Are the references relatively recent or outdated?
- Are papers accurately paraphrased?
- Are the aims and objectives made clear?
- Are the aims and objectives/research question justified through the literature review?
- Does it offer a balanced critical analysis of the literature?
Methodology and Methods - Qualitative or quantitative – appropriateness for addressing the research question?
- Appropriateness of study design for answering the research question – could anything be done to improve the design of the study?
- Are the methods fully described? Think about reproducibility – could the study be easily replicated from this information?
- Sampling – is this clearly identified? Is the population representative and appropriate for the study? Sampling methods i.e. randomised, stratified sampling, purposive; size (appropriate for methodology?); bias – how has this been addressed/is there potential for bias?
- Blinding – methods of blinding, was blinding possible/appropriate, and is there potential for observer bias? Was blinding necessary?
- Data collection; methods used.
- Outcome methods used – are they validated outcome measures?
- Reliability and validity (internal and external); if critiquing qualitative research consider aspects such as reproducibility and trustworthiness.
- Ethical issues; discussion of any issues such as informed consent, ethical approval, confidentiality and anonymity. Were they protected from harm? If there is no mention of ethics then explain which aspects should have been included/considered when undertaking the study.
Results - Presentation of results i.e. median or mean, prevalence etc.; graphs; are graphs/tables accurately labelled, appropriate and accurately presented?
- Statistics used and their interpretation – are the findings statistically significant? (You don’t need to write about statistics not covered in this module).
- Qualitative results: sufficient detail; reflexivity
- Are the findings transferable to clinical practice?
Conclusion and Discussion - Does the conclusion reflect the data?
- Relation to the research question/aims and objectives
- Strengths and limitations
- Conflicts of interests
Your conclusion (approx. 200 words)
Sum up the strengths and weaknesses of the study
Contribution to the advancement of knowledge or practice
Considerations for future research
Implications for clinical practice
WORD COUNT
2000 words (+ 10%) excluding the title page, reference list, biography (sources you have used but not referred to in the text) tables and appendices. Please state the word count on the first page (cover sheet template provided) of your assignment. It is permissible to submit work up to 10% above the word limit e.g. up to 2,200 words in a 2000 word assignment. There is a penalty of 5% deduction of marks for each 10% over the limit: 2200 - 2400 (5% deduction), 2400 - 2600 (10% deduction) and so on. Please consult the Heartwood referencing guidelines for reference lists and in text citations.
APPENDICES
Additional material should be placed in the appendices, and will not be counted but should normally not exceed 20% of text."
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