In which ways are critical appraisal of quantitative research and critical appraisal of qualitative research the same? (Select all that apply.)
a. Both are concerned with how well the author has established the objective truth of the data.
b. Both must begin with an appreciation for the philosophical foundation of the research.
c. Both define rigor in the same way.
d. Both are designed to provide some evaluations about the intrinsic worth of the research.
e. In both, the elements of the research report are identified.
f. Both examine how well measurements in the data collection phase have maintained their precision.
ANS: B, D, E
The first prerequisite for appraising qualitative studies is an appreciation for the philosophical foundation of qualitative research. Qualitative researchers design their studies to be congruent with one of a wide range of philosophies, such as phenomenology, symbolic interactionism, and hermeneutics, each of which espouses slightly different approaches to gaining new knowledge; quantitative research espouses and follows the tenets of the scientific method. Nonetheless, an appreciation for each is foundational to the critique process. Phenomenologists agree that there is not a single reality; each individual has his or her own reality. Reality is considered subjective, and as a result, unique to the individual, and, consequently, objective truth need not be checked, since the perception of the individual is that person's truth. Quantitative methods check truthfulness of data. Rigor is defined in quantitative research as in qualitative research, rigor is particular to each different method but, overall, implies adherence to that method. Both types of critical appraisal begin with identification of the elements of the research report.
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