CRITICAL APPRAISAL GUIDELINES:
QUANTITATIVE STUDY
Research Problem and Purpose
Is the problem significant and relevant to nursing? Why? Problem
Yes, the problem statement is stated clearly. It is relevant in nursing since it concerns therapy for pets.
Does the purpose narrow and clarify the focus or aim of the study?
The purpose has been narrowed. It has two key purposes; one is for the comparison concerning reaction before and after therapy and the second purpose seeks to see the experience during pet therapy.
Literature Review
Does the literature review provide a rationale and direction for the study?
The study provides previous literature on how it is beneficial to intensive care patients. Further, the study has a defined direction on the preliminary support and keen research on the topic (Coakley & Mahoney, 2009, p.141).
Is there a theoretical framework for the study? Is it presented with clarity and linked to study purpose, variables and findings? Yes, it focuses on the linkage between practical work and the literature. It connects the variable and the findings of the research.
Research Question or Hypothesis
Are the questions or hypotheses logically linked to study purpose? The hypothesis stated seek to proof any claim through data analysis and its interpretations. The hypothesis are either labeled valid or invalid.
Variables
Are variables clearly defined based on previous research or theories? Variables used are well defined to stay in line with the purpose of the study alongside the theories stated.
Design
Does the design provide a means to examine all of the objectives, questions or hypotheses and study purpose? Yes, a pre-quasi experimental design was utile on a single group mixed with other methods
If the study had a treatment, is it consistently implemented? No, treatment was not implemented consistently since the sample size was subjected to different conditions.
Who is blinded to the treatment, subjects, data collectors, researchers? Data collectors
If the study has treatment and comparison groups, are these groups equal? Yes, groups used are equal measurements, for example, time and set questionnaires.
Sample, Population and Setting
What are potential biases in sampling method? No, all sample sizes was devoid of any potential bias.
Is sample size sufficient to avoid Type II error? Yes, it is defined to counter any error.
Was sample size determined by a power analysis? No, it was determined based on eligibility.
Are the rights of human subjects protected? Yes, the researches sought the patients consent and excluded those who were hemodynamically unstable.
Measurements
Are the measurement methods clearly described? Yes, all the parameters were clearly defined.
Are the reliability and validity of instruments described? Yes, all were conducted on each scale and arranged from a0.70 to 0.92.
Data Collection
Is data collection process conducted in a consistent manner? Yes, it is done based on the designed made to achieve clear results.
Are the data collection methods ethical? Yes, the researchers had obtained approval from Institutional review board. The methods observed all ethical measures during the collection of data.
Data Analyses
Do data analyses address each objective, question or hypothesis? Yes, based on sample characteristics the data analysis touches on each hypothesis used.
Are the data analysis procedures appropriate to the type of data analyzed? Yes, the researchers followed every detail (Coakley & Mahoney, 2009, p.142).
Are tables and figures used to illustrate findings? Yes, clear tables and figures show results of the experiments.
Interpretation of Findings
Are the findings significant or insignificant? The findings are significant considering the outcome in which the subjects reported an improved level of pain
Did the researchers identify limitations? Yes, limitations included convenience of the sample, absence of control groups and small subject’s numbers (Coakley & Mahoney, 2009, p.145).
Are the implications for practice consistent with study conclusions? Yes, the desired outcome was achieved.
Are relevant ideas provided for future research? No, there was no suggestion for further research.
Reference
Coakley, A. B., & Mahoney, E. K. (2009). Creating a therapeutic and healing environment with a pet therapy program. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 15, 141-146. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2009.05.004.
