Step-by-step guide to critiquing research. Part 2: qualitative research

Abstract

Al>stractAs with a quantitative study, critical analysis of a qualitative study involves an in-depth review of how each step of the research was undertaken. Qualitative and quantitative studies are, however, fundamentally different approaches to research and therefore need to be considered differently with regard to critiquing. The different philosophical underpinnings of the various qualitative research methods generate discrete ways of reasoning and distinct terminology; however, there are also many similarities within these methods. Because of this and its subjective nature, qualitative research it is often regarded as more difficult to critique. Nevertheless, an evidenced-based profession such as nursing cannot accept research at face value, and nurses need to be able to determine the strengths and limitations of qualitative as well as quantitative research studies when reviewing the available literature on a topic. Key words:Critical appraisal • Qualitative research and quantitative studies are flnidanientally (difFercnc approaches to research and therefore need to be approached differently with regard to g. Qualitative research is essentially an assortment of various approaches that have commonalities as well as differences (Parahoo, 2006).The difierent philosophical underpinnings of the various qualitative research methods generate discrete ways of reasoning and distinct terminology; however, there are many similarities within these methods (Burns and Grove, 1999) that can be categorized together.Qualitative research docs not regard truth as objective, but as a subjective reality that is experienced differently by each individual (Vishnevsky and Beanlands, 2004), Nor do proponents of qualitative research believe that a phenomenon can be isolated into multiple variables that can be studied independently. Qualitative research asserts that a phenomenon is more than the sum of its parts, and must therefore be studied in a holistic manner. As a result, the purpose of this paradigm is not to attempt to generalize data to the population but to Elements Influencing beltevabillty of the studyThe elements mtlucncmg bclicvability can help the reader to focus on what to expect from a piece of research by asking questions regarding the researcher's academic and professional qualifications and the skills demonstrated in presenting the study (Ryan-Wenger, 1992).These questions are similar to those asked when critiquing a quantitative study and were discussed in part I of this article (Coughlan et al, 2007). Questions relating to these elements are presented in Tcihic I. Elements influencing robustness of the study Statement of the phenomenon of interestMany ot the topics examined in research studies are of an abstract nature in that the particular experience may be interpreted differently by another individual, or by the same individual under different circumstances, e.g. when in pain. In qualitative research these abstract encounters or experiences are known as phenomena (Polit and Beck, 2006).The topic being studied...

An Ethnography of the Culture of Pain in a Non-Pediatric Emergency Department

“…In qualitative research, review of the literature is used to demonstrate knowledge of previous work in the area, provide the basis for research, and the context for interpreting findings (Meadows, 2003;Ryan, Coughlan, & Cronin, 2007). According to Sandelowski and Barroso (2002) the literature review may show contradiction logic where writers emphasize the inconsistencies in knowledge and point to a purpose that will help to resolve this contradiction.…”

“…Credibility refers to the faithfulness to the description of the phenomenon in question. It addresses the issue of consistency between the participants' views and the researcher's representation of them (Koch & Harrington, 1998;Ryan, et al, 2007).…”

“…Dependability refers to how clearly documented, logical, and traceable the process of research is so that others can follow the researcher's documentation of data, methods, decision, and end product and potentially arrive at comparable conclusions (Ryan et al, 2007;Tobin & Begley, 2004). Confirmability refers to the congruence between two or more independent people about the data's accuracy, relevance, or meaning (Tobin & Begley, 2004).…”

“…Confirmability refers to the congruence between two or more independent people about the data's accuracy, relevance, or meaning (Tobin & Begley, 2004). Transferability refers to whether or not findings can be applied outside the context of the study situation (Ryan et al, 2007). Authenticity refers to the extent to which the researchers faithfully show a range of different realities (Tobin & Begley, 2004).…”

“…The systematic collection and analysis of the data presented will provide a mechanism for ensuring the scientific merit of this qualitative form of research (Ryan et al, 2007).…”