Article Critique

Framework for How to Read and Critique a Research Study

1. Critiquing the research article

a. Title – Does it accurately describe the article?

b. Abstract – Is it representative of the article?

c. Introduction – Does it make the purpose of the article clear?

d. Statement of the problem – Is the problem properly introduced?

e. Purpose of the study – Has the reason for conducting the research been explained?

f. Research question(s) – Is/are the research question(s) clearly defined and if not, should they be?

g. Theoretical framework – Is the theoretical framework described? If there is not a theoretical framework, should there be?

h. Literature review – Is the literature review relevant to the study, comprehensive, and include recent research? Does the literature review support the need for the study?

i. Methods – Is the design appropriate for the study? Does the sample fit with the research design and is the size sufficient? Was a data collection instrument needed? How were data collected? Were reliability and validity accounted for?

j. Analysis – Is the analytical approach consistent with the study questions and research design?

k. Results – Are the results presented clearly in the text, tables and figures? Are the statistics clearly explained?

l. Discussion - Are the results explained in relationship to the theoretical framework, research questions, and the significance to nursing?

m. Limitations – Are the limitations presented and their implications discussed?

n. Conclusion – Are there recommendations for nursing practice, future research, and policymakers?