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Critical Appraisal of Research Article
By:
A.Masooth Mohamed (BScN, MScN)
Date:30/12/2021

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Table of Content
Introduction 3
Author credential 4
Abstract: 5
Article Introduction: 5
The Literature review 7
Hypothesis and variable 10
Ethical Consideration 10
Methodology 11
Study Finding 15
Article Conclusion and Recommendation 17
Conclusion 17
References 18

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Introduction
Research is a systematic collection of data and information analysis. There are rules to
conducting research related to ethics which include protection of participants rights and also
guide line to be followed for systematic data analysis and data collection(Ruth, 2011). Every
piece of research, whether naturalistic, experimental, survey, or historical ought to meet these
requirements to be taken into consideration(Morgan, Gliner and Harmon, 1999).
The essence of successful critique of a research study paper the reader want to search for
the merit and demerits for the techniques used in the study. A balance appraisal also calls for a
degree of logic and objectivity in identifying the systematic cause of inquiry which underpins the
research. The remaining intention of any critique under taken via nurses is to consider the
applicability to practice (parahoo, 1997). Through the research critique which assess the study’s
strengths and limitations. Critiques always bring for a conclusion with the reviewer’s summary,
value of evidence, recommendations, and some suggestions for improving the study(Denise,
Polit and Cheryl 2013).
This essay mainly focus of critique a research article titled, The Use of Personal Digital
Assistants at the Point of Care in an Undergraduate Nursing Program. By Sandra Goldsworthy,
Nancy lawrence, william goodman. According to critique frame work whole the parts of this
article included in this critique such as; author, title, abstract, literature review, ethical issue,
methodology, hypothesis, data collection, data analysis, discussion and conclusion.

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Critical Appraisal
Critiquing a research it is a mechanism for provide a feedback for improvement and also
contribute nurses knowledge on critically reviewing a study(polit and beck, 2006).This paper is
going to critique the article of “The Use of Personal Digital Assistants at the Point of Care in an
Undergraduate Nursing Program”.
Author Credential
Credibility of variables which mainly point out on how this study is believable and also
it focus on the qualifications of the researcher, moreover ability to present the study
accurately(Coughlan, Cronin, & Ryan, 20 07).and also janet(2013) states author has the
appropriate clinical and educational credential for the research study or the team members have
been recruited based on related knowledge and skill. To increase the trust of research study the
following to be considered such are; does the author mention the qualifications or position
indicate a degree of knowledge in the particular field of study?(Coughlan et al., 2007).
in this research study authors mentioned their belonging qualifications as; 1. Sandra
Goldsworthy, RN, BSCN, CNCC (C), MSC, 2. Nancy Lawrence, RN, BScN, Med, 3. William
Goodman, PhD . therefore the qualification of the researcher much more suit for conducting this
research study.
Study Title
Title which provide a valuable information about the study, therefore the title of the
study should reflect a clear and accurate description about the study and also it should provide
appropriate perception for the over view of the paper. A study title should be clear and short. The

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word count is appropriate to be between10 and 15 long. If the Title is too long or too short it may
guide to misleading and confusion (parahoo, 2006). In this study the title is clear and it provide
overview perception of this study and also through this title readers can understand what the
author intend to describe through this study, the tile mentioned as “The Use of personal digital
assistants at the point of care in an undergraduate nursing program”
Abstract
The abstract is a summarized description of a research article which always place at the
beginning of an article. The content of the abstract include the followings ; research questions,
the method used for address the question, the findings, implications used for nursing practice,
and the reader can review an abstract to judge whether to read the full report(Denise et al.,
2013). The abstract that should be included the study purpose, method, sample size and selection,
the main finding with conclusion and recommendation (parahoo, 2006). In the abstract of this
study the author briefly mentioned overall view about the study and reader able to understand a
whole concept of the study. In this abstract authors included the purpose of the study, method,
findings, conclusion and recommendation.
Introduction
The introduction should be highlighted the research problem of the study (Coughlan et
al., 2007). Through the introduction author provide essential background information related to
subject matter of interest of the research. And also at the end of the introduction author should
include a statement on research hypothesis who aim to test and prediction on possible outcome
of the study (yeong &may, 2014). The introduction should be written in a simple

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language, in present tense and which should include purpose, rationale for conducting study with
background, current state of what is known, and should clearly highlight the gap of present study
target to fulfill. Introduction contains three specific themes(Shah, 2015).
The first is pointing out general over view of the topic, which include past literature with
key word where the sentence should be focused directly on the topic for expressing clear
objective for the study(Shah, 2015). The second is State the purpose of the study with rationale
of why being carried out. Rationale should include already known background information of
the problem, current state, and then narrow down from what is unsolved to the gap of present
study is going to bridge. Third is the final para which is conclusion para. So, introduction should
conclude with a obvious purpose and objective which help to readers to focus on evolution,
important and critical aspects of the study(Shah, 2015).
In this research paper authors provided general over view of the study. Authors
mentioned the problem statement as “examine the relationships between the use of personal
digital assistants and self-efficacy and the preparation for medication administration among
second-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing students in a medical-surgical clinical environment”.
and they concluded the introduction as, “encouraging applications of the technology to a more
formal level of evaluation” (Goldsworthy, Lawrence, & Goodman, 2006).
The authors begin discussing the purpose, the needs on clinical judgment and vital
thinking competencies for student nurses and the want them in an effort to quick retrieve and the
process information to make the safest patient care choices and further explained the important
need of student nurses in a clinical environment consisting of drug, books, calculators, and
notes, etc. And they claim the student with support of PDA (Goldsworthy et al., 2006).

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When reading overall introduction it has been written in a simple English and terms were
introduced, on the body of introduction rationale. In this article the study purpose simply stated
and the problem statement which meets the criteria and clearly stated but it is not written in
interrogatory format, it has been written in declarative format.
The Literature Review
Literature review includes variety of sources, which is arranged in a chronological order
or by subject matter. The review should be mixed of previous studies related to research
question, some may support to the author’s point of view and some are not(Janet, 2010). The
purpose of the literature review is to develop a research question and identifying appropriate
methodology for data collection. And also it should help to identify the gap and how this gap was
filled( Burns and Grove, 1997).The literature review is to be selected from the recent origin, it is
ideal less than five years, but in some occasions there may be exception if lack of researches
have been done in a particular topic. Another important thing to be considered is the type and
source of literature presented(Coughlan et al., 2007).
The literature review is provide an over view idea for the research study such as; key
author, prevailing theories and hypothesis, what questioned being asked and, methodologies. In
the literature review empirical primary source is more favorable than the secondary source. A
good literature review begins with an introduction which identifies key words, related
information. the content of the review should consist strength, limitation of the study and also the
review should be compared and contrast with the finding of any other studies(Coughlan et al.,
2007).

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According to researchers, the literature review in this study is lack of amount study
available especially on under graduate nursing student. Although the review not much more
describe the evidence in detail about data and variables in this study. The evidence in this study
favor in use of personal digital assistant but not much consider to nursing student. In overall this
review is hard to apply as due to lack of pervious research and analysis also suggesting this
article tries to develop a new theory and it is a kind of applied research that can be used to
change the practice and it would be a solution for the issue of students who face challenge on the
clinical units for decision making.
Researchers highlighted importance finding and outcomes in the literature review. As the
literature review introduced step by step it produce a logical argument and all are appears related
to topics. And moreover researcher collected the reviews from and researcher comprehensively
stated literature review from 2002 to 2006. As the literature review categorized and logically
introduced to aim to research question.
The theoretical framework is a guide for a study.in a sound framework where, can
identifies conceptual relationship. Therefore a research study can be built on the theory basis
through the empirical observation (Coughlan et al., 2007). Framework is the conceptual basis of
a study, even though every study is not based on a theory or conceptual model but every research
studies have a framework (Denise et al., 2013).
Framework
The conceptual frame work is a kind of structure to explain the natural progression of the
phenomenon of a study which, linked with concepts, important theories and empirical research
for promoting and organizing researcher’s knowledge related to the study(Adom, Hussein, &

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Joe, 2018). The conceptual frame work describes the relationship between the main concept of a
study. and this frame work mainly researcher use when existing theories are not sufficient to
create a structure for the study(Adom et al., 2018)
In this research article Conceptual framework is clearly describe the relationship of the
concept in this study, the concept between use of personal digital assistant(PDA) and self-
efficacy among nurses(Goldsworthy, Lawrence, & Goodman, 2006). In this article literature
found about self-efficacy related to nursing. And their frame work theory basis in Bandura’s
socio cognitive theory. Author further explain about self-efficacy as “belief in one’s capabilities
to organize and excuse the source of action required to manage prospective
situation”(Goldsworthy et al., 2006).
When analyzing the study the frame work ;it is clearly identified because authors
discussed the relationship between PDA use and self-efficacy in the abstract therefore easy to
identify the framework. Author discusses in the literature about self- efficacy related to nursing
with the reference of Bandura’s socio cognitive theory but they did not mention his theory in
text.
The relationship among the concept clearly presented as “individual with higher self-
efficacy will persist when encountering obstacle and will feel that they can achieve success in a
situation” and further they mentioned “studying PDA use in student nurses will provide evidence
on whether this technology will enhance one’s self esteem or not”(Goldsworthy et al., 2006).
Overall literature review of this study is fairly strong while the theoretical framework is not
clear, and obviously can find this article based on Banduras socio cognitive theory following
through reading of references and all other criteria of frame work are met.

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Hypothesis and Variable
Hypothesis contains the relationship among the variable, which predict the expected
outcome of the study and state the relationship that the researcher expect to observe in the study.
A hypothesis will predict the relationship of concept. Most of the quantitative studies are
designed to test the hypothesis through statistical analysis(Denise et al., 2013)
Depend on the variable; hypothesis can be categorized as simple and complex hypothesis.
A research hypothesis predict the existing relationship between the variable and null hypothesis
predict no relationship between the variable, moreover there are directional, non-directional
types which mean, if the researcher predict the relationship which is exist that is called non
directional and if the researcher predict the types of relationship that is directional(Denise et al.,
2013).
The hypothesis found in this article at the end of the literature review which mentions as;
“studying PDA use in student nurses will provide evidence on whether this technology will
enhance one’s self esteem or not”(Goldsworthy et al., 2006). This relate to the problem
statement. The problem statement state as; does the use of PDA by second year bachelor of
science in nursing student in medical- surgical environment enhance the student self-efficacy?.
Research questions is lacking define the hypothesis therefore due to incomplete hypothesis all
part of the problems are not fully tested.
Ethical Consideration
There are four fundamental ethical principles in the studies ethics as : autonomy, non-
maleficence, beneficence and justice. Autonomy infers that an man or woman has the proper to
freely decide to participate in a research study, Non-maleficence an purpose of not harming and

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preventing harm occurring to members, Beneficence is interpreted as the research reaping
rewards the participant and society as a whole, Justice is concerned with all individuals being
dealt with as equals and no one institution of individuals receiving preferential
treatment(Coughlan et al., 2007). Ethical committees or institutional review boards should give
approval before studies can be undertaken (Burns and Grove, 1999).
In this article authors stating as; “ethics approval was received from the University ethics
board, students were recruited from the class of eligible students” (Goldsworthy et al., 2006)..
And more authors mentioning confidentiality and protection maintained, patients were not
identified by names, password protected and the equity for learning opportunity of all students
addressed(Goldsworthy et al., 2006). Therefore in overall the ethical part of this study is clearly
explained but authors not discussed about informed consent.
Methodology
Research Design
Research design is a strategy that researcher use to answer their question and test
hypothesis. and it specify the method and procedure for collecting and analyzing the information,
this mainly stresses a systematic methodology in collecting information and further it is a blue
print for data collection, measuring and analyzing(Akhtar & Islamia, 2016).
In this study authors mention that they used a control experimental method. And the
sample they used only 36 students as two group with PDA and two group without PDA as a
control. And two professors were assigned as in charges one for PDA group and the other for
without PDA group(Goldsworthy et al., 2006). Self-efficacy instrument issued to all group
before the study then the posttest 8 weeks after the study. As this study is control experimental

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design authors state sample joint as randomly. This design is possible and appropriate for
answering the research question whether the use of PDA by nursing student will enhance self-
efficacy. In overall the research design of this article is able to identify easily and it draw the
researcher to cause and effect relationship.
Sample and Sampling Method
Sample and sampling methods are very essence in a research study. When selecting a
sample for a study, researcher should identify about target population and the criteria for
selecting participant and also there should need evidence for how sample selected, how many
were invited to participate(Coughlan et al., 2007).
In this article Goldsworthy et al., (2006)state; “The sample is 36 second-year
baccalaureate nursing students in south eastern Ohio in a medical/surgical clinical unit. They
were divided randomly into groups consisting of 2 control groups and 2 PDA groups”. And
further in this article they mentioned for the both group equal opportunities were given on same
resources(Goldsworthy et al., 2006). Therefore in this study sample was clearly identified but
the population not directly stated and target population is large but nonspecific.
Meanwhile accessible population is second year nursing student group but not described
about the characteristic, gender and age of the sample in this study. And they did not make any
specific discussion on how the samples were formed?, but just they states as sample was random
selection(Goldsworthy et al., 2006). And further they stated in the study both pre and posttest
completed student’s sample was 12, this result is make a complex and not match with studies
original sample.

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At the end, in this study the sampling method and sample size are clear but not in details.
As the lacking of sample it much not better to represent as best representation of the population.
And due to drop of sample bias not discussed.
Data Collection Method
In the quantitative study there are numbers of strategy available in collecting data such as
interviews, questionnaire, attitude scale or observational tools. Questionnaire is most common
tool, for data collection. And questionnaire can be administered in face to face interviews
also(Coughlan et al., 2007).
In this study data was collected by using pre-test and post-test. And the instruments used
which consisted of 10 items. in this article authors stated as; “ the general self-efficacy scale
aims at a broad and stable sense of personal competence to deal efficiently with a variety of
stressful situation”(Goldsworthy et al., 2006). Even though data collection method was
mentioned as questionnaire but detail and the type of questions are not mentioned. Use of
questionnaire may be appropriate for this study, because as measuring self-efficacy of student’s
before and after and which is a human response to an experiment.
In this study authors not mentioned about types of instrument used for this study and
according to study statement only one type of method was used for collecting data but my
suggestion is that, it may be beneficial if use observation as other measures. Even though in
overall the method was appropriate for this study but article not provide sufficient detail on types
of questions.

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Instruments
Instrument designing play a vital role on linking research question and to achieve
research goal therefore it should be demonstrated by the researcher(Coughlan et al., 2007). The
instrument and measurement should be described and reliability and validity of instrument to be
addressed in an study(Bauce, 2018). Sufficient information related to variable should be included
in the date collection instrument to verify the effect of non-response bias on the result. In
randomize control trial design it is more possible to collect enough information on related
variables(WHO, 2001)
In this study authors have used a pre and post general self-efficacy instrument. When
reefing the study where able to identify authors used two instruments, the first is the instrument
which consist 10 items to measure general self-efficacy. The coefficients of this tool ranged from
.75 to .90. the second instruments is a safety tool which developed by authors for medication
administration(Goldsworthy et al., 2006).
The level of instrument can be found as ratio level of measurement because zero point
can be found. The zero point means that there is no difference in the score on pre and posttest
meanwhile the level of, measurement suitable for measuring variables. In this article data
collection was described but poor on description about the tool. And also in this article there
couldn’t find any details about whether the instruments tested for reliability and validity and
authors states in the article that, safety tool for medication administration developed by
themselves but there is not enough information whether the instrument previously used or not.
Even though this article was intended as a pilot study for how formal testing might be conducted
in the educational context. In overall as this article not sufficiently providing information on

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validity and reliability of the instrument, it seems weak in the section of measurement and data
collection.
Data Analysis
In quantitative study Data analysis is seen as daunting process. The researcher wants to
identify about statistical test to be undertaken, and why this test to be used and how to interpret
the result. There is a rule of thumb that descriptive statistic for descriptive study, and inferential
statistic for correlational, quasi experimental, and experimental studies(Coughlan et al., 2007).
In this article there were conducted two tests such as pre and posttest, and they were
involved 36 baccalaureates nursing second year student. The coefficients ranged from .75 to .90.
Further authors state that paired t test was used for students result (Goldsworthy et al., 2006).
The result of the test displayed in both text and table. Very poor descriptions of statistic on
pretest study result. And there couldn’t find description of the statistic finding (the statistic
calculated value, degree of freedom, level of significant that was obtained from the result)
Study Finding
The finding discussion should be logical from data and related to literature review. And
the hypothesis also should be supported to findings. Furthermore overall strength and weakness
of the study to be considered, and whether the finding was generalizable or not also included.
Further researchers make an assessment on design, sampling, and analysis of the study to support
the finding. In addition the researcher suggests a message for future research in the particular
area. Finally, the researcher want to explore the clinical significant of the study for applying the
findings in practice(Coughlan et al., 2007).

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In this research the mean pretest score on PDA group was 32.539, the mean of control
group was32.500 and the result shown in the table( table2- self efficacy pretest, table 3- self-
efficacy posttest) score of self-efficacy increased from 32.539(pretest) to 36.308(posttest). In
accordance with paired sample t test the increase was significant(p<.001). but the score on non
PDA student increased by 0.667[from 32.500(pre) to 33.167(post)] and in accordance with t test
it was not significant(p=0.166) (Goldsworthy et al., 2006).
Following this statistical data authors stated that with the evidence of the PDA students
experience these quantitative finding are consistent. And in the finding students reported PDA is
helpful in its capacities as a drug book, lab book, PDQ/medical surgical taps provider and class
note recorder (Goldsworthy et al., 2006). At the second objective of this study authors stated
that pilot experiment was not able to obtain clear result. In this study they decided to monitor
drug administrative error among the student to compare the performance of PDA and non PDA
group students. Finally concluded in their study as stating “The authors believe it has been
demonstrated that the potential advantages of PDAs in nursing education can be subject to
formal, case-control experimentation, to move beyond simply anecdotal and descriptive claims
of potential benefit”( Goldsworthy et al., 2006).
In this article authors did not compare their finding with the finding of other articles
which they discussed in the literature review. And when authors addressing about limitations
they discussed related to medication administration research question but did not mention any
limitation on self-efficacy measurement. At finally they discussed about result on both statistical
and clinical significant. In overall the result section well discussed and written more over authors
included majority of recommended information except the limitation and comparison with
literature review finding.

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Conclusion and Recommendation
In this study authors stating conclusion and recommendation as “The Use of Personal
Digital Assistants at the Point of Care in an Undergraduate Nursing Program” and further they
suggest that more studies to be conducted on to explore the use of PDA in other clinical setting.
The conclusion of this study also an increase in undergraduate’s self-efficacy while using
PDA(Goldsworthy et al., 2006). In this article researcher meet the objective and included detail
conclusion with more recommendation for further research. Therefore it provide for readers
enough details about the study and open the way for conducting more research in future related
to PDA use in many other areas.
Conclusion
The research critique process involves thorough examination on each step of the article.
Critique is not a criticism but it’s an approach of highlighting both positive and negative with
evidence. As nursing is a growing profession with evidence based practice it is essential that the
care is to be sound in research. Therefore whole nurses need to develop their skill on critically
appraise research in order to find out best practice (Coughlan et al., 2007).
In this critical appraisal I have determined strength and weakness of this research article
and several areas where needed improvements in this critique process. Mainly The research
design of the study was poorly explained, otherwise in and overall other parts are written well to
strength the study.
I Herewith annex original article which I select for critical appraisal

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