CRITIQUE OF A QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH REPORT - Essay Example

Section/topic Critiquing Questions (See Aspects of a Quantitative Research Report) Reported on page # Pts Strengths Weaknesses (2pts) Thetitle of the research report clearly defines the key variables (MBB, self-reported symptoms of sleep and PTSD), study population (veterans), and the method used in sampling (randomized controlled method). The title is so long that it can raise ambiguity. 335Abstract (5 pts)This section has been well articulated; it has defined the problem, methods, results and conclusions.

The abstract section has not hinted at the literature sources on the topic being investigated. 335Introduction Statement of the problem (5 pts)Statement of the problem is clearly defined in the context of the study population, that is, sleep disturbance and lack of adequate sleep being a major health problem in both civilian and military (veterans) populations. Following the futility of the previous attempts to salvage the problem, the statement of problem shows a gap for further quantitative studies.

This research is therefore significant for nursing operations. No weakness identified336 Hypothesis or research questions (5 pts)Research questions and hypotheses are clearly stated: Hypotheses – patients (veterans) randomly assigned to MBB would exhibit significantly greater improvements in sleep and in other co-morbid symptoms than patients assigned to SH; increased mindfulness facilitates improvements in sleep symptoms in patients assigned to MBBResearch questions - Do MBB improves sleep symptoms as well as other co-morbid symptoms in veterans such as PTSD, depression, and health-related QOL?

Do MBBIncreases mindfulness? The The hypotheses show directional causal relationship between the variables. Research questions and / or hypotheses are consistent with the literature review and the conceptual framework in the sense that they give supportive argument to the theoretical and empirical literature.No weakness identified336 Literature review (6 pts)This report has reviewed various theoretical and empirical literatures on the problem. Both theory and studies on how to ameliorate the problem have been identified and clearly stated.

No weakness identified336 Conceptual/theoretical framework (4 pts)The report has also clearly defined the conceptual/theoretical framework that guided the performance of the study. It has also stated the rationale that was employed in conducting the research. No weakness identified336Method Protection of participants’ rights (5 pts)The study followed the due process in protecting the rights of the participants and seeking for approval from the relevant authority. The study was approved by the UniversityOf Utah and VASLCHCS Institutional Review Boards.

All patients gave written informed consent and were compensated for their time. Patients were surveyed and selected in accordance with the main objective of the study (i.e., improving management ofSelf-reported sleep disturbance in veterans). No weakness identified337 Research design (5 pts)The randomized controlled trial was appropriate for the study because the population dealt with was relatively large. The comparison of results between patients assigned to MBB and those assigned to SH facilitate easier interpretability of the findings.

The study involved four data collection points: test for eligibility (completing MOS-SS), sleep inclusion disturbance, enrolment and randomization, allocation for interventions (MBB and SH). No weakness identified337 Population and sample (5 pts)The study clearly stated the population, sample size, and the sampling method. The employment of randomized method of selection reduced the sample bias. Designing four data collection points improved the accuracy of the data collected with regard to research questions.

The design was appropriate and it provided a representative sample. No weakness identified Data collection and measurement (5 pts)Key variables are not operationalized using the methods and with adequate justification. The factors of sleep disturbance are not emphasized by the method. 338 Procedures (5 pts)The study employed two interventions: SH and MBB, which were clearly defined. Data collection process was designed to achieve accuracy by presenting four data collection points, which were tailored towards specificity, thereby minimizing bias.

N/A338Results Data analysis (8 pts)Analyses were undertaken to address each research question. This was through making proper comparison in mindfulness.N/A338 Findings (10 pts)Findings are adequately summarized by outlining the relationship of the determinants with mindfulness, the data findings are consistent with obtained results using the intervention methodologies N/A339Discussion Interpretation of the findings (8 pts)Interpretations are consistent with the results and the study’s limitations.

It clear points out the identified brief sleep-focus to sleep. This findings also shows that MBB aids as a more cost operative in sleep administration under primary care N/A340 Implications/recommendations (8 pts)Implications for clinical practice and / or further research are reasonable and complete. It states that future studies can be done to investigate the extent to which veterans may reduce sleepN/A340Global Issues Presentation (6 pts)Report is well written, well organized, and sufficiently detailed for critical analysis.

The data have been well tabulated.N/A340 Researcher credibility (2 pts)Researches’ clinical, substantive, or methodological qualifications and experience enhance confidence in the findings and their interpretation. The findings are logicalN/A340 Summary assessment (6 pts)Study findings appear to be valid despite identified limitations. They appear real and applicableN/A340