This document outlines the elements that should be included in a research critique. It defines a research critique as a systematic way to objectively review a research study to identify its strengths and weaknesses. The principles of a good critique are that it should be objective, constructive, balanced, and communicate effectively. Key elements that should be evaluated in a research study include the title, abstract, introduction, design, sample, data collection tools, analysis, results, discussion, conclusions, and recommendations. A strong critique evaluates whether these elements of the study are clearly described and appropriate.

2. Research critique
Prepared by:
Elham Atef Abdelazeem Ali

3. Supervised by:
Pro.Dr. Sanaa Saber
Research critique

4. Outlines
 Definition of research critique
 Importance of research critique
 Principles of Research Critique
 Elements of research Critique

5. Definition:
Is a systematic way of objectively and critically
reviewing a research study contents to highlight both
its strength and weakness and its applicability to
practice.

6. Importance of Research Critique:
1. To assess the strengths & weaknesses of the study.
2. To help research consumer to decide how to use findings
from the study
3. To improve nursing education programs
4. Aids in the development of research skills.

7. Principles of Research Critique:
• Be objective
• Be constructive
• Be balanced
• Be a good adviser:
• Be a good communicator

8. Title
1. Is clear, easy and concise
2. Is accurate language
3. Is reflect the study variables& population
4. Is reflect the study hypothesis
5. Is typed in capital letters
6. Is not contain abbreviations
7. Is it between 8-15 words?
8. Is it in a form of inverted pyramid (If more than two lines)
Elements of research Critique

9. Abstract
1- Is including the title abstract
2- Is specific and in the correct form
3- Is it not exceeding 250 words
4- Include information about (Study purpose, Design, Sitting, Sample
size, Tools, Conclusion, Recommendation and Result)
5- Are the key words not more 3 – 5 words
6- Is it in the past tense
7- Is not contain abbreviations?

10. Introduction:
1. Is understand the magnitude of problem
2. Is appreciate the reason for research
3. Is original study not replication of another study
4. Is follow the abstract
5. Is it easy and accurate language
6. Are references very recent 5 years
7. Is a small letter except 1st letter capital
8. Are the research variables explaining in the introduction

11. Aim:
1. Is clear and concise formulation
Hypotheses or research questions
1. Is the research question clearly stated
2. Does it match the purpose of the study
3. Are all variables described
4. Is the hypothesis clearly stated
5. Does the hypothesis reflect the purpose of the study

12. Design
1. Is the design appropriate for the research study
2. Does the design seem to flow from the proposed research problem,
theoretical framework, and hypothesis
3. Is the design specified correctly
4. Is the design appropriate to answer the research question?
5. Is the design identifying variables (dependent & independent)

13. Setting
1- Describe sitting
2- Appropriate to study
Sample
1- Who is identified as the target population
2- How were the subjects chosen (e.g. randomly, conveniently)
3- Who is included (e.g. male, female, children adult)
4- Who is excluded (e.g. elderly, pregnant women)

14. Data collection tool:
1) Are the data collection tool is clearly identified?
2) Is the rational for selection of instruments discussed?
3) Are the data collection is appropriate to measure the variables?
4) Who designed the tools
5) Are this instruments is valid& reliable?
6) Are the tools adequately described for you to understand what the
score means?

15. Pilot study
1- Has a pilot study been complete
2- Excluded from the sample study (10%)
Data Analysis:
1. Data analysis procedures are appropriate to the type of data collected.
2. Data analysis procedures clearly described.

16. Results:
1. Are presented in an understandable way.
2. Tables and figures are used to synthesize and emphasize certain
findings.
3. The information regarding the results is presented, concise and
sequential
4. It is clearly and completely stated
5. Significant and no significant findings explained.
6. The statistical results presented in text and numerically?
7. The figures and tables illuminate the presentation of results.

17. Discussion:
1. Is simple?
2. Containing facts (results).
3. Don’t repeat results but comment on it.
4. Stating if these results happen with others.
5. Is discuss positive and negative results and why?
6. Is explaining unexpected results?

18. Cont., Discussion:
7. Is reflecting whether the hypothesis accepted, supported, rejected
and unsupported?
8. Is includes aim of the work?
9. Is mentioning the limitations of study.
10. Is tried to explain unexpected results?
11. Are there other studies with similar findings?

19. Conclusions:
1. Are conclusions based on the results and related to the hypotheses?
2. Are study limitations identified?
3. Are generalizations made within the scope of the findings?
4. The aim, question or hypothesis addressed clear
5. Were the conclusions stated clearly and concisely
6. Contain significant results of the study

20. Recommendation:
1- Are suggestions for further use in practice included?
2- Is there an identification need for further research?
3- Could you make a change in your practice based on the results?
4- Able to be implemented?
5- Relevance to nursing practice

21. Cont., Recommendation:
6- Related to the problem
7- Realistic & meaningful
8- Can be generalized
9- Is include benefits and risks to population, researcher &
community

22. Reference
1. Relevant to the study
2. Sufficient numbers
3. Alphabetical organized
4. Very recent < 5 years 50%
5. Recent < 10 years 40%
6. Old < 10 years 10%
7. Appropriate written
8. Include all reference
9. All reference written in the same way