The Title of the Article
The title indicates that the article is about morale and role strain of undergraduate nursing students in a pediatric clinical setting. However, Chen fails to specify the aspect of morale and role strain that the article seeks to deal with in the title. For instance, the title would have been more specific if it were stated as follows: causes of morale and role strain of undergraduate nursing students in a pediatric clinical setting. In this case, a reader would be able to tell that the article deals with the causes of morale and role strain. It therefore follows that the title of this article is not sufficiently specific. However, it is concise since it briefly states the main idea of the article. Morale and role strain are the primary variables that Chen states in the title. Furthermore, the title identifies undergraduate nursing students working in pediatric clinical setting as the participants in the study. The study is not tied to any given theory hence no theory is mentioned in the title.
The Abstract
The abstract of the article is effective and appropriate for various reasons. First, a statement of purpose which states that the aim of the research is to study morale and potential role strain in undergraduate nursing students in pediatric clinical setting. Secondly, psychological issues that bring morale and role strain in the subject population under the study can serve as the name of the conceptual model of the study. The rationale for the research is also clearly stated. With this regard, Chen states that the research would help develop positive morale among nurses and this would improve nursing care in clinical settings. Lastly, a summary of the results of the study is included in the abstract. Besides, a brief interpretation of the results is included.
The Introduction
Chen begins the introduction by defining morale and strain and stating various factors that influence them. The specific problem area is not identified at the beginning of introduction. However, Chen states at the end of introduction section that much emphasize have been laid on stress, anxiety, and attitude, and coping response by scholars. However, he reports that few studies have focused on morale and strain that are witnessed among students in the course of their clinical experience. The statement of purpose is influenced by this gap and is stated in the introduction. However, the importance of the problem area is not stated. Certain underlying theories are described. For instance, Chen states that students with autonomy to make decisions tend to have higher morale than their counterparts with less autonomy.
Chen cites various sources. For instance, Arnold and Nieswiadomy are cited. However, the introduction is relatively long and has not been divided into subsections. No direct quotation is used in the introduction. Adequate conceptual definitions of terms are also provided. With this regard, morale, role strain, and emotional feeling are described. The introduction does not show a logical arrangement however. Chen also identifies a gap in the literature since he points out that few studies have been conducted on morale and role strains. In a nutshell, the introduction section is adequately appropriate.
The Methods Section
In this section, study design and description of data collection process are given. The study is not an experimental study hence descriptive design is appropriate. Chen states that descriptive exploratory design was used in the study to describe the participants’ feelings. This section also contains an explanation on how participants in the study were recruited. It is stated that all the students in a clinical teaching class taught by Chen were the participants. However, there are no inclusion or exclusion criteria. The response rate and attrition rate are not appropriate owing to the nature of the study hence not included in this section. The sample population is described in sufficient details. It is stated in the method section that all the nursing students in Chen’s pediatric teaching practicum took part in the study (Chen, 2010). A total of forty two participants were involved. All the participants were women. Furthermore; 16 were regular BSN program students with an average age of 20.5 years, night school nursing students were 18 and their average age was 27.5 years, and 8 students whose average age was 32 years were from a RN-BSN program running for 3 years. This sample used in the study has relevant demographics and of adequate size. Informed consent was also sort before the participants were incorporated into the study. In general, the description of the sample is adequate.
Instruments and Experimental Conditions
In the study, there were no labels for any research instrument. However, this was not necessary. Notebook or pieces of papers, pens, and crayons were the instruments used in the study. Data was collected through interview in which participants were asked the following questions:
- What are your feelings about nursing care in your clinical experience?
- What is your mood like?
- How is such perceived in your pediatric clinical experience?
- Which specific events, situations, or persons do you feel induce your feelings about nursing care?
(Chen, 2010)
There are possibilities that accurate data were collected even on questions that touched on sensitive matters. This is due to the fact that participants had been assured that the information provided in the study would not affect how the researcher would evaluate them. They had been set free to give subjective information. There is evidence of inter-observer reliability since the observer had initiated the study hence is likely to be interested in obtaining objective data. Chen however fails to discuss the limitations of the instruments used in the study. However, the instrumentation is adequate and appropriate for the study.
Procedures
Chen outlines an elaborate description of the process of data collection. Data was collected through interviews in which 42 participants took part. The interviews were conducted in five groups whereby there were 8-9 participants in each group. Duration of data collection process is also stated as 60 to 90 minutes. Data collection was conducted twice: at the beginning and the end of practicum. Since the research is not an experimental study, no experimental conditions were used.
Data Analysis Techniques
A detailed and adequate description of data analysis is given. Chen uses appropriate statistics for the type of data collected. For instance, positive and negative morale are identified as major themes. The statistics used are also appropriate for answering the research questions.
Results
Data was analyzed collectively by Chen and a UK faculty member. The findings were also approved by an Asian- American scholar. Participants were also allowed to verify proofread their responses before the results were finalized. There is detailed description of how data was analyzed by the researcher. In general, the presentation was adequate.
Discussion
Results are well explained and interpreted. There are theoretical and methodological explanations of the results. However, specific methodological limitations are not acknowledged by the researcher. Chen states that there is need to conduct similar study on different population since the study may be considered based. Besides, Chen describes the need for further study in future. However, implications practice guidelines are not stated.
Critique Summary
The problem that this study focused on is very important in my view. Morale of students working in any clinical setting including pediatric clinical setting is very important for their performance. High performance is very important in the field of medicine and healthcare since the two fields deal with human life. Besides, nursing career require dedication which is only possible when one is motivated. Consequently, the researcher selected a very important topic in my view. The report is also cohesive in my view since all the aspects are organized logically. Besides, there is no any inconsistency in the report. Major methodological flaws are forgivable. It is possible to avoid flaws associated with research methodologies. The study can inspire a similar one on different subjects. Besides, a similar study can be conducted on heterogeneous sample population. This research can help in decision making. For instance, efforts to boost morale in clinical settings can be made based on findings of this study. However, this article should not be published on academic journal since it cannot be regarded as objective. Besides, participants have similar characteristics hence the results may not be applicable to the general population. However, I would be proud to be incorporated as a co-author of the article.
References
Chen, J. Y. (2010). Morale and role strain of undergraduate nursing students in a pediatric clinical setting. Journal of Nursing Research, 18(2), 144-153.
