Library Assignment

Critique a Research Article

A critique is a method of displaying a logical and organized analysis of a written or oral piece. Critique can provide the readers with both positive and negative outcomes depending on the author. The purpose of this assignment is for the student to perform a critique on a research article that deals with today’s health issues. In this paper the student must be diligent at what the author are claiming, taking into account the research methods being utilized and look for pros and cons of the researcher’s outcomes. 

The assignment must be a minimal of five pages, excluding title page and references. The assignment must be strictly following APA guidelines, points will be deducted if otherwise. Do not use first person throughout the paper until the section called evaluate the paper. It will be divided in the following manner:

Title page: Give the name of the article, the authors name(s) and your name. Following APA

Introduction:

· Provide an overview of the author’s research problem, research questions and main point including how the author supports his or her point. 

· Explain what the author initial  objectives (hypothesis) and results including the process he or she used to arrive at such conclusion. 

Evaluate the Research Methods: in paragraph form answer the following:

· Does the author provide a literature review? 

· Is the research current and relevant to today existing health issues?

· Describe the research type utilized?– experimental, non-experimental, quasi experimental, etc. 

· Evaluate the sample (size, composition, or in the way the sample was selected in relation to the purpose of the study? Was the sample appropriate for the research or was it bias? 

·  How practical does this work seem to you? How does the author suggest research results could be applied and how do you believe they could be applied? 

·  Could the study have been improved in your opinion? If so provide how you think it could have improved. 

·  Is the writing in the article clear straightforward?

·  Can further research be conducted on this subject? Explain

Conclusion: In your conclusion, try to synthesize the pieces of your critique to emphasize your own main points about the author’s work, relating the researcher’s work to your own knowledge or to topics being discussed in your course.

Reference Page: APA style, see rubric below

See Rubric Below for assignment

  

Title Page: Title of   article, journal information and your name and date

1 point

Your score

 

Abstract: Brief summary of   article (1-2 paragraphs)

1 points

 

The Problem: (2 or 3   paragraphs)

Is the problem clearly stated?

Is the problem practically important?

What is the purpose of the study?

What is the hypothesis?

Are the key terms defined?

3 points

 

Review of Literature: (1   -2 paragraphs)

Are the cited sources pertinent to the study?

Is the review too broad or too narrow?

Are the references recent?

Is there any evidence of bias?

2 points

 

Design and Procedures:   (3-4 paragraphs)

What research methodology was used?

Was it a replica study or an original study?

What measurement tools were used?

How were the procedures structures?

Was a pilot study conducted?

What are the variables?

How was sampling performed?

3 points

 

Data analysis and   Presentation: (1 – 2 paragraphs)

2 points

 

How was data analyzed?

Did findings support the hypothesis and purpose?

Were weaknesses and problems discussed?

 

Conclusions and   Implications: (2-3 paragraphs)

3 points

 

Are the conclusions of the study related to the original   purpose?

Were the implications discussed?

Whom the results and conclusions will affect?

What recommendations were made at the conclusion?

What is your overall assessment of the study and   the article?

 

1) **********minimum 3 full pages ( not words)**************************** (cover or reference page not included) 

2)¨**********APA norms  ( All paragraphs need to be cited properly. All responses must be in a narrative format and each paragraph must have at least 4 sentences)

3)********** It will be verified by Turnitin and SafeAssign 

4) **********References from the last 7 years  

________________________________________________

The purpose of this Assignment is to help you learn to conduct a review of the literature, correctly identify the level of evidence of primary sources on the evidence hierarchy, and to critique the important aspects of a scholarly research report.

1. Choose a nursing sensitive topic from the list below. Go to the University library and conduct a search of the literature and find 2 scholarly primary research reports that relate to the clinical topic you chose. List of 15 nurse sensitive outcomes:

• Nursing Hours per Patient Day.
• Nursing Turnover.
• Nosocomial Infections.
• Patient Falls.
• Patient Falls with Injury.
• Pressure Ulcer Rate.
• Pediatric Pain Assessment, Intervention, Reassessment (AIR) Cycle.
• Pediatric Peripheral Intravenous Infiltration.
• Psychiatric Physical/Sexual Assault.
• RN Education/Certification.
• RN Survey.
• Restraints.
• Staff Mix.

You may also choose from the following clinical topics:

• Diabetic management.
• CHF management.
• Readmission rates.
• Case management.

1. Write a brief 3-page critical essay paper summarizing the two research studies. This paper should be written in standard American English with proper grammar and spelling. The paper should include a title page, running head, and page numbers; it should be double spaced, have a separate page for references that follows 6th edition APA formatting and citation style. Your paper should include the following:

• *************A title page in APA format
• *************An introductory paragraph which includes a brief discussion of the objectives of your paper.
• ************The body of the paper should include:
  • 1) a summary and critique/appraisal of each article with a discussion of methodology and research design the researchers used. The writing should be well ordered, logical and unified, as well as original and insightful.
  • 2) where you would place the article in the evidence hierarchy (level of research evidence) with rationale.
  • a brief discussion of the findings of the study
  • 3) how these articles contribute to the body of nursing knowledge and supports evidence for clinical practice. (one to two paragraphs for each study).
  • 4) The body of the paper should be a continuous piece of writing that allows for a sustained viewpoint with logical order and organization.
• **********A summary paragraph (conclusion).