1. ProblemStatement/Purpose a.State the problem directly from the article. 1. ProblemStatement/Purpose: a. State the problem directly from the article. b. Does the problem statement clearly identify the independent and dependent variables? Identify the variables. c. Does it imply empirical testability? d. Is the population specified within the problem statement? e. Is the problem relevant to nursing? f. State the purpose. 2. Review of the Literature: a. Are the independent and dependent variables adequately reviewed? b. Are strengths and weaknesses of each study included in the review? c. Does the literature provide linkages between the variables? d. Does the review include conceptual and data-based literature? e. Are mainly primary sources used? f. Are the sources current? g. Is there a synthesis summary of the reviewed literature? h. Are conceptual and operational definitions clearly identified? i. Are gaps or inconsistencies identified? 3. Theoretical Framework: a. Is the theoretical framework clearly identified? b. Is the theoretical framework consistent with the conceptual definitions? c. Is the theoretical framework based on a nursing theory? 4. Hypotheses/Research Question: a. Are the hypotheses/research questions clearly identified? b. State the hypotheses/research questions. c. Do the hypotheses/research questions clearly relate to the research problem? d. Do the hypotheses/research questions express a predicted relationship between the variables? e. Are the hypotheses/questions supported by the literature review? f. If research questions are used, are they used appropriately? 5. Design: a. What type of design is used in the study? b. Does the design control for threats to the internal validity of the study? If so, how? c. Are threats to the external validity taken into consideration? If so, how?
