Structure ofResearch
Quantitative paper
Introduction and literature review
Consider:
• Is the reason for the research clearly outlined? Why is this important?
• Is the research question clear? Why is this important?
Methods
Consider:
• Was there allocation concealment? Why is this important?
• Sampling and Participants - what sampling method was used? Was this appropriate? Impact of sampling method. Clear inclusion/exclusion criteria? What is the impact of this?
• Outcomes - Are any details given of the reliability/validity of outcome measures? Why is this important? What was the follow-up? Was this appropriate? Was the outcome assessor blinded - why is this important?
Qualitative paper
In relation to the qualitative paper work through the following questions.
Introduction and literature review
Consider:
• Is the reason for the research clearly outlined? Why is this important?
• Has appropriate literature been considered? Why is this important?
• Are the research aims/question clear? Why is this important?
Methods
Consider:
• Was a qualitative approach appropriate? Why/Why not?
• Sampling and Participants - what sampling method was used? Was this appropriate? Impact of sampling method. Clear inclusion/exclusion criteria? What is the impact of this?
• Data collection - How was data collected? Was this appropriate, why/why not?
Qualitative paper
Introduction (5 marks)
Within this section you are required to very briefly introduce the paper. You should indicate which critical appraisal tool you intend to use to guide the critical review and provide justification for the selection of this tool.
Critical appraisal (35 marks)
This main section should include a critical review of the following;
The introduction and literature review; including research question and aims
The methods section including participants, intervention, data collection and data analysis
The results section
The discussion and conclusions
Ethical issues
Particular attention should be given to the methods section, highlighting strengths and limitations of the research findings.
Conclusion (5 marks)
This last section should reiterate the main findings (results) of the paper in relation to the research aims and also the main issues of the critical appraisal. You should also give brief consideration to the relevance and impact of the research for your profession.
Academic writing style, referencing and presentation (5 marks)
Students should demonstrate appropriate academic writing style for academic level (appropriate spelling, grammar, sentence composition, and overall assignment structure). Referencing and presentation should follow appropriate guidelines.
Quantitative paper
Introduction (5 marks)
Within this section you are required to very briefly introduce the paper. You should indicate which critical appraisal tool you intend to use to guide the critical review and provide justification for the selection of this tool.
Critical appraisal (35 marks)
This main section should include a critical review of the following;
The introduction and literature review; including research question and aims
The methods section including participants, intervention, data collection and data analysis
The results section
The discussion and conclusions
Ethical issues
Particular attention should be given to the methods section, highlighting strengths and limitations of the research findings.
Conclusion (5 marks)
This last section should reiterate the main findings (results) of the paper in relation to the research aims and also the main issues of the critical appraisal. You should also give brief consideration to the relevance and impact of the research for your profession.
Academic writing style, referencing and presentation (5 marks)
Students should demonstrate appropriate academic writing style for academic level (appropriate spelling, grammar, sentence composition, and overall assignment structure). Referencing and presentation should follow appropriate guidelines.