The purpose of this assignment is to critique and evaluate the chosen article in terms of strengths and weaknesses, to demonstrate an understanding of the research process. According to Polit and Beck (2004) the aim of critically appraising an article is an attempt to determine its strengths and limitations. Therefore, the research critique should reflect an objective and balanced consideration of the study’s validity and significance (Polit and Hungler 1999). The task of critiquing is, according to Lo Biondo-Wood and Harber (2006) a challenging one and can only be effectively achieved through much practice and skill.

For the purpose of this critique, the frameworks of Parahoo (1997) and Polit and Hungler (1999) have been used as a guide. This will assist in producing an organised sub-headed piece of work.

Title

The title of an article is the first part of a study to be encountered and Parahoo (1997) states that a title should draw the reader’s attention to the precise area of study and make reference to the population from whom the data is collected. Cormack (2000) and Marshall and Kelly (2007) agree, stating a title should be concise and reflect the content of the study.

The chosen article is titled ‘Perceived barriers and facilitators to implementing research findings in the Irish practice setting’. This title utilised by Glacken and Chaney is concise, consisting of 13 words in bold print. Rumrill et al (2000) state that a standard length title is 12 – 15 words. However, the title does not reflect the population of the sample group i.e. Registered Nurses. Although the title still provides insight into what the article is trying to accomplish.

Author(s)

Two qualified registered general nurses undertook the research. According to Cormack (2000) researchers must be qualified to commence a research study. The researchers qualification and credentials in the article are clearly stated and easy to find. They both have initials after their names, one of which has a PHD, which indicate that they have an educational background. A search using Glacken and Chaney using the ProQuest database identifies several published articles by Glacken. According to Lo Biondo-Wood and Harber (2002) this enhances the credibility of a study placing confidence in the findings.

The article was submitted for publication on the 1st July 2003 and was accepted on the 9th January 2004. This illustrates that it was still relevantly recent and not dated when published which could have posed questions regarding validity and reliability.

“The Journal of Clinical Nursing” has published the article. This also adds to the credibility of the research study, as all published articles are double bind peer reviewed.  

Abstract

The purpose of the abstract is to provide a short comprehensive synopsis of an article (Rumrill et al 2000). According to Parahoo (1997) it should quickly focus the reader’s attention on the main points of the study. Langford (2001) also states that a well-presented abstract should be accurate, self-contained and readable.

This abstract gives a brief summary of the study and within the first few lines identifies what the study is trying to achieve – to ascertain what registered nurses perceive as barriers to the utilisation of research findings and discover what they perceive would facilitate the implementation of these findings. The remainder of the abstract provides a summary of approach (cross-sectional survey), the population (registered nurses) and overall findings. One limitation noted is that the researchers do not give the exact sample size in the abstract. By reading this summary it is believed that the reader would be able to make an informed choice about the relevance of the article for their purpose.

Join now!

The keywords used within the abstract were – barriers, clinical practice, facilitators, Republic of Ireland, utilisation. It is vital that researchers choose appropriate keywords for their articles in order to aid literature searching through databases (Webb 2005). The keywords used by Glacken and Chaney are all relevant to the research study.

 

Introduction 

The purpose of the introductory section is to clearly identify the problem and give a rationale for the study been carried out (Cormack 2000). Poilt and Hungler (1999) agree by stating that the introduction should explain the research problem and why the study is ...

This is a preview of the whole essay