critique of a paper

Criteria

Points

Comments

Points Achieved

Section I: Introduction and Question – 15 Points

Introduction, Thesis Statement & Statement of the Problem

· Presents the topic for the paper along with your position.

· Clearly defines the studies clinical problem or issue.

· Thesis coherently developed and maintained throughout.

· Note the significance of the problem in terms of the scope, severity and relevance of problem.

· Identify if the approach to addressing the clinical issue is effective.

5

Identification of Hypothesis and/or Research Questions

· Pinpoint the article’s hypothesis and/or research questions.

· Determine if the hypothesis and/or research questions proved true or disapproved. Explain the response in detail.

· Indicate if there are any objectives/aims to testing the hypothesis and/or research questions.

10

Section II: Literature Review & Conceptual Framework – 15 Points

Critical Appraisal of the Studies Literature

· Justify if the author synthesis literature relevant to the clinical problem or issue.

· Discuss the literature review provided by the author/s.

· Acknowledge any key discoveries, outcomes and patterns within the author/s’ literature review.

10

Identification of Theoretical Framework

· Name and describe the theoretical framework chosen by the author/s.

· Remark on the appropriateness of theory to the clinical problem.

· Does the theoretical framework specify key variables, assumptions and phenomenon of interest relating to the clinical problem?

5

Section III: Research Design & Methodology – 25 Points

Research Design

· Confirm whether or not the research design is appropriate to the research question.

· Review the methodology to determine if there are potential sources of bias.

5

Population and Sample

· Record the sample population type and if the population is described sufficiently.

· List the sample size and if it is adequate. (i.e., was a power analysis used to estimate the sample size)

· Assess the selection criteria for acquiring the sample population.

· Provide information on the sample population inclusion and exclusion criteria.

10

Protection of Human Rights

· Explain any conflicts of interest.

· Clarify the informed consent process and/or other ethical permissions for the research study.

· Disclose information on whether the autonomy and confidentiality of participants were met.

· Note whether the procedure were in place to safeguard the rights of study participants.

· Remark on whether the study minimized risks to study participants.

5

Procedures

· Indicate if the intervention is described and implemented appropriately.

· Identify if research staff were trained properly to collect the data.

5

Section IV: Data Collection, Analysis & Results – 25 Points

Data Collection & Measurement

· Examine the tools/instruments used in the study.

· Type of tool (i.e., questionnaire, observation, checklist, etc.)

· Validity and reliability of the tool.

· A listing of the data collected/measured by the tool.

· Are the tools/instrument described well and good choices to study the clinical problem?

· Specify the independent and dependent variables. Be sure to note which ones are being measured.

· Establish if the measurements (statistical data) is accurate and valid.

· Remark on the whether the measurements (statistical data) are relevant to the hypothesis and/or research questions.

10

Data Analysis & Results

· Interpretation of Findings

· Do the findings link back to the author/s’ literature review?

· Is the hypothesis and/or research questions supported by the findings?

· What are the strengths and weakness of the study?

· Are the findings adequately summarized, with good use of tables and figures?

· Are findings reported in a manner that facilitates a meta-analysis and with sufficient information needed for evidence-based practice?

· Are the results and/or study conclusions valid based on the data analysis?

· Implications for Practice

· Is the study generalizable to other population or can it be repeated in another study with similar results?

· Are there any recommendations for future research?

· Do the author/s discuss the study implications for clinical practice?

15

Section V: Personal Reflection – 5 Points

Personal Reflection Should Answer the Following:

· How does the article contribute to your understanding of research?

· Does the article change your views of the topic?

· What do you consider to be the strengths and weaknesses of the article?

5

Section VI: Faculty Grading Use Only – 15 Points

Adheres to APA 7th Edition Format & Style

Title Page, Abstract & Paper Formatting

· Meets the standards set by APA 7th edition.

· Abstract formatting is correct under APA 7th edition guidelines.

· Abstract is between 150-250 words and contains a keywords section.

· Abstract provides a brief synopsis of the paper, inclusive of the problem statement.

· No running header as noted for student papers under APA 7th edition.

· Correct use of level 1-4 headers as noted in the APA 7th edition manual.

· The paper has page numbers located in the upper right margin within the header section.

3

In-text Citations & Reference Page

· Uses sources effectively and documents sources accurately with minimal errors.

· Limits the use of direct quotes. Ideally, no more than 2 or 3.

· Meets reference requirements for assignment.

· Reference list is in correct format.

4

Adheres to Scholarly Writing Standards for Graduate Students

Mechanics & Syntax

· Well-developed sentence structure with minimal errors in punctuation, spelling or grammar.

· Appropriate margins and font.

· Correct application of research style format.

· Use of professional active voice writing rather than passive voice.

· Skillful use of language with varied, accurate vocabulary.

3

Content Development & Organization

· Provides a thorough explanation of key idea(s) at an appropriate level for the target audience.

· Demonstrates critical thinking with excellent understanding of the topic.

· Essentially the paper flows well, is easy to understand, and does not leave the audience with questions due to incomplete development.

· The paper is organized well with clear focus and excellent transition between paragraphs.

· There is a logical order to presentation of information.

· Paragraphs are well-organized by topic, not to lengthy, and easy to understand.

5

Total Assignment Grade

100