What are the true statements related to evaluation for quantitative research appraisal? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. Evaluation cannot be performed without having completed the previous two steps of the appraisal process.
b. Evaluation draws no conclusions about the merit of a particular research study.
c. Evaluation critically analyzes the parts of a study and points out their deficits in comparison to an ideal.
d. True evaluation implies an examination of related studies, so as to assess significance, credibility, and believability.
e. Evaluation includes an assessment of the research's contribution to nursing knowledge.
f. Evaluation plus focused literature review essentially equals concept clustering.

Answer 1

ANS: A, D, E, F

The critical appraisal process for quantitative research includes three steps: (1) identifying the steps of the research process, (2) determining study strengths and weaknesses, and (3) evaluating the credibility and meaning of a study to nursing knowledge and practice. During the second step of this process, not the evaluation, the reader examines the extent to which the researcher followed the rules for an ideal study. Evaluation involves determining the validity, credibility, significance, and meaning of the study by examining the links between the study process, study findings, and previous studies. The steps of the study are evaluated in light of previous studies, such as an evaluation of present hypotheses based on previous hypotheses, present design based on previous designs, and present methods of measuring variables based on previous methods of measurement. The findings of the present study are also examined in light of the findings of previous studies. Evaluation builds on conclusions reached during the first two stages of the critical appraisal so the credibility, validity, and meaning of the study findings can be determined for nursing knowledge and practice.