More points to consider

Research design

• Have the authors explained why they chose a particular design (for example, survey, ethnography, phenomenology, experimental)?
• How have they justified their choice?
• Do you feel that their choice was appropriate?
• Give a description of the research approach and design backed up by a reference

Population and sample

• Give a summary of the sample information provided by the author
• For both qualitative and quantitative approaches, does the author:
  • state the study population?
  • identify how the sample group was recruited?
  • give the sample size?
  • is the sample size appropriate for the research approach?
  • identify the response rate
• specific critiquing issues for qualitative and quantitative approaches are available.

For a handy checklist, look at p.106-107 of The research process in nursing, edited by Desmond F. S. Cormack. You will find it at call number 610.73072 R38 on the second floor of the library.

Next: Ethical issues