N350 Research in Nursing: Ferris State University
L. Ford, PhD, RN, CNP
Semester: Spring 2011
Student name: Jennifer Paulsen
Research Article Critique Matrix and Analysis
In order to critique a research article, you will need to read the article with some questions in mind. The
following table offers you questions to ponder as you review the qualitative and quantitative articles. The
table is also set up in a side by side format to further develop your understanding of how these two major
types of research methodology differ. Recall from the assignment that both the matrix and the analysis are
due for full points. The grading rubric is per the course syllabus.
Research Article Critique Matrix:
Quantitative Research Evaluation
Qualitative Research Evaluation
Article: Pearson, M. L., Needleman, J.,
Parkerton, P. H., Upenieks, V. V.,
Soban, L. M., & Yee, T. (2009,
November). Participation of unit
nurses: front line implementation on
TCAB pilot units [Electronic
version]. American Journal of
Nursing, 109(11), 66-70.doi:
10.1097/01.NAJ.0000362029.00870
.ac
Article: O’Lynn, C., Krautscheid, L. (2011). How
Should I Touch You’: a qualitative study of attitudes
on intimate touch in nursing care. American Journal
of Nursing, 111 (3), 24-31.
doi: 10.1097/10.1097/01.NAJ.0000395237.83851.79
Introduction
Is the purpose of the study presented? Yes
Is the significance (importance) of the
problem discussed? No
Does the investigator provide a sense of what
he or she is doing and why? Yes
Statement of the phenomenon of interest
Is the phenomenon of interest clearly identified? Yes
Has the researcher identified why the phenomenon
requires a qualitative format? No
Has the researcher described the philosophic
underpinnings of the research? Yes
Problem Statement
Is the problem statement clear? No
Does the investigator identify key research
questions and variables to be examined? Yes
Does the study have the potential to help
solve a problem that is currently faced in
clinical practice? Yes
Purpose
Has the researcher made explicit the purpose of
conducting the research? Yes
Does the researcher describe the projected significance of
the work to nursing? Yes
Literature Review
Does the literature review follow a logical
sequence leading to a critical review of
N350 Research in Nursing: Ferris State University
L. Ford, PhD, RN, CNP
Semester: Spring 2011
Student name: Jennifer Paulsen
supporting and conflicting prior work? No
Is the relationship of the study to
previoresearch clear? Yes
Does the investigator describe gaps in the
literature and support the necessity of the
present study? No there is not a description
of gaps in the literature but there is necessary
support for the present study.
Theoretical framework and hypothesis
Is a rational stated for the theoretical/
conceptual framework? Yes
Does the investigator clearly state the
theoretical basis for hypothesis formulation?
No
Is the hypothesis stated precisely and in a
form that permits it to be tested? Yes
Methodology
Are the relevant variables and concepts
clearly and operationally defined? Yes
Is the design appropriate for the research
questions or hypotheses? Yes
Are methods of data collection sufficiently
described? Yes
What are the identified and potential threats
to internal and external validity that were
present in the study? The study was
Method
Is the method used to collect data compatible with the
purpose of the research? Yes
Is the method adequate to address the phenomenon of
interest? Yes
If a particular approach is used to guide the inquiry, does
the researcher complete the study according to the
processes described? Yes
conducted in hospitals that have a good
track record regarding innovation and
quality improvement so the results may
not be able to adequately represent all
hospitals.
If there was more than one data collector, was
inter-rater reliability adequate? There were
two data collectors but a disagreement
was not noted.
Sample
Are the subjects and sampling methods
described? The sampling methods
Sampling
Does the researcher describe the selection of
participants? Yes Is purposive sampling used? Yes, a
described not specifics about the subjects.
purposive, maximum variation sample. Exclusion of
nurses or nursing students.
Is the sample of sufficient size for the study,
given the number of variables and design?
Yes
Is there adequate assurance that the rights of
human subjects were protected? The
Are the informants who were chosen appropriate to
inform the research? Yes
N350 Research in Nursing: Ferris State University
L. Ford, PhD, RN, CNP
Semester: Spring 2011
Student name: Jennifer Paulsen
subjects were the employees and units as
a whole in 13 different hospitals.
Instruments
Are appropriate instruments for data
collection used? Yes
Are reliability and validity of the
measurement instruments adequate? Yes
Data Collection
Is data collection focused on human experience? Yes
Does the researcher describe data collection strategies
(i.e. interview, observation, field notes)? Interviews
recorded and transcribed.
Is protection of human participants addressed?
Protection is not noted in article.
Is saturation of the data described? Yes with
redundancy of the subjects responses.
Data Analysis
Are the statistical tests used identified and the
values reported? Yes
Are appropriate statistics used, according the
level of measurement, sample size, sampling
method, and hypotheses/ research questions?
Yes, descriptive statistics were used and a
qualitative and quantitative analyze.
Results
Are the results for each hypothesis clearly
and objectively presented? Yes, there is one
bar graph and a written description of the
results.
Has the researcher made explicit the procedures for
collecting data? Yes
Data analysis
Does the researcher describe the strategies used to
analyze the data? Yes, modified thematic analysis.
Has the researcher remained true to the data? Yes
Does the reader understand the procedures used to
analyze the data? Yes
Does the researcher address the credibility, auditability,
and fittingness of the data? Yes
Credibility: Do the participants recognize the experience
as their own? Yes
Auditability: Can the reader follow the researcher’s
thinking? Yes Does the researcher document the research
process? Yes
Fittingness: Can the findings be applicable outside the
study situation? Yes Are the results meaningful to
individuals not involved in the research? Yes
Is the strategy used for analysis compatible with the
purpose of the study? Yes
Findings
Are the findings presented within a context? Yes
Is the reader able to grasp the essence of the experience
from the report of the findings? Yes
Are the researcher’s conceptualizations true to the data?
Do the figures and tables illuminate the
presentation of results? Slightly.
Are results described in light of the
theoretical framework and supporting
literature? Yes
Conclusions/ discussion
Are conclusions based on the results and
related to the hypotheses? The results
Yes
reflect the reason for the study.
Yes
Does the researcher place the report in the context of
what already is known about the phenomenon? Yes
Conclusion, implications, and recommendations
Do the conclusions, implications, and recommendations
give the reader a context in which to use the findings?
N350 Research in Nursing: Ferris State University
L. Ford, PhD, RN, CNP
Semester: Spring 2011
Student name: Jennifer Paulsen
Are study limitations identified? Yes
Are generalizations made within the scope of
the findings? Yes
Are implications of findings discussed (i.e.
for practice, education, and research)? Yes
Are recommendations for further research
stated? Yes
Research utilization implications
Is the study of sufficient quality to meet the
criterion of scientific merit? Yes
Does the study meet the criterion of
replicability? Yes
Is the study of relevance to practice? Yes
Do the conclusions reflect the study findings? Yes
Does the researcher offer recommendations for future
study? Yes
Has the researcher made explicit the significance of the
study to nursing? Yes
because it is important for nurses have a
voice in the way they provide care or the
way the unit is ran. They can provide
front line experience and ideas.
Is the study feasible for nurses to implement?
No, they need help to implement this type
of change on their unit.
Do the benefits of the study outweigh the
risks? Yes
Research Article Critique Analysis:
Your ‘paper’ segment of this assignment is the analysis – which allows you to demonstrate your critical
thinking skills and assimilation of the course learning objectives. It is the most significant portion of the
assignment, and will be graded with an emphasis on your ability to present an objective critique. The
whole idea of a critique is to determine a study’s strengths and weaknesses, not to merely parrot the
findings of the study. Your analysis needs to include a supported statement that the research is
strong enough or not to be used in Evidence Based Nursing Practice. Each article is expected to be
accompanied by the completed research article critique matrix form and your analysis.
Article: Pearson, M. L., Needleman, J., Parkerton, P. H., Upenieks, V. V., Soban, L. M., &
Yee, T. (2009, November). Participation of unit nurses: front line implementation on
TCAB pilot units [Electronic version]. American Journal of Nursing, 109(11), 66-70.doi:
10.1097/01.NAJ.0000362029.00870.ac
Quantitative Research Article Analysis
Ethical Aspects: The Article was published in American Journal of Nursing a peer reviewed and
evidenced based journal. The participants were employed at the hospitals.
N350 Research in Nursing: Ferris State University
L. Ford, PhD, RN, CNP
Semester: Spring 2011
Student name: Jennifer Paulsen
Problem Statement: Engage front line nurses in the effort to make changes to their unit and
transform health care.
Literature Review: There is literature review regarding this approach to healthcare along with
other examples of quality improvement.
Study Framework: The study was clear and the researchers followed the participants over a few
years. Their employers review board approved the context of the interviews.
Hypotheses and Research Questions: I do not feel that the hypothesis was clearly stated. The
research questions are clearly stated.
Quantitative Research Designs: The nursing unit’s adherence to the Transforming Care at the
bedside (TCAB) was measured by a percentage of units that made the change and also the
percentage of TCAB processes implemented.
Qualitative Research Designs: Questionnaire and interviews were used to obtain information.
Descriptive research analysis was used.
Sampling Procedure: 13 hospitals participated. 9 of the hospitals chose 1 unit to implement
change. 4 hospitals chose 2 units to implement change.
Data Collection Procedures: Data collection is presented clearly. After the each interview the data
was coded in placed in categories.
Data Collection Methods: 2 interviewers were collecting data. 3 rounds of interviews were performed
with staff that is knowledgeable about the TCAB project.
Descriptive Statistics: Narrative description was provided with a bar graph.
Inferential Statistics were not mentioned in the study.
Presentation of Study Findings: The findings were clearly stated within the paper.
Your ANALYSIS: A hypothesis is not stated in this article although there were several questions
N350 Research in Nursing: Ferris State University
L. Ford, PhD, RN, CNP
Semester: Spring 2011
Student name: Jennifer Paulsen
that were addressed. The introduction gave relevant background information regarding the
initiative of TCAB. The information as to why TCAB should be implemented was vague and
generalized. The procedure method is clearly stated and the study could be duplicated with this
information. There was a mention of other studies that tried to transform healthcare. The
variables are not clearly defined. There is data provided from each unit and verbal comments
made by staff involved with the TCAB. There is not a defined measurement. The bar graph is
correctly labeled and displays the results of study. The data provided related to the questions
asked during the study but I find the information vague. The results are explained and they
support the questions asked. The graph does not have data that is not explained in the paper. I
agree with the authors conclusions. The program may not work or last at a hospital that does not
have a strong history of quality improvement. This is being addressed in a future study that will
consist of 67 hospitals. It would be difficult or impossible for a nurse to implement this program
on a unit. Further studies must be done to know the success rate at different hospitals. The
TCAB implementation would require the whole unit and the support of the hospital.
Recommendations for implementation of this program could be provided by staff nurses.
Article: : O’Lynn, C., Krautscheid, L. (2011). How Should I Touch You’: a qualitative study of
attitudes on intimate touch in nursing care. American Journal of Nursing, 111 (3), 24-31.
doi: 10.1097/10.1097/01.NAJ.0000395237.83851.79
Qualitative Research Article Analysis
Ethical Aspects: All participants reviewed and signed a consent form that was approved by the
University. The Article was published in American Journal of Nursing a peer reviewed and
evidenced based journal
Statement of the phenomenon of interest:
To determine public’s attitudes on the intimate touch when providing nursing care.
Purpose:
To gather information from the public to help both male and female nurses to communicate
and effectively provide care in a respectable and professional manner.
Method: Maximum-variation samples of 24 adults in four focus groups were interviewed were
The interviews were recorded and transcribed. The participants included college students from a
private university where the researches teach, middle age and older adults from various
churches, Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) students.
Qualitative Research Design: Thematic analysis was performed
N350 Research in Nursing: Ferris State University
L. Ford, PhD, RN, CNP
Semester: Spring 2011
Student name: Jennifer Paulsen
Sampling: 12 women and 12 men with the mean age of 38.1. The sample was 83.3% white, non-
Hispanic. 10 of the participants had received intimate touch from nurses.
Sampling Procedure: Nurses and nursing students were excluded.
Data Collection: 60-90 minutes sessions were tape recorded and transcribed along with
individual field notes. The interviews started with an opening broad question followed by a
transition question then a question regarding nurses gender Interview transcripts were refined
into four different themed groups including Communicate with me, Give me choices, Ask me
about gender, Touch me professionally, not too fast and not too slow. All the same questions
were asked to each group without negative or biased responses, neutral facial expression were
maintained.
Data Analysis: I feel that the data collection was a sufficient method for obtaining the
information. The participants were in person making it easy to gather the information needed.
Also the chance of disposing of a questionnaire is not an issue but, honesty may be an issue
because of fear of embarrassment.
Findings: Communication was the number one factor before a nurse initiated an intimate touch
along with a relationship with the nurse. The participants wanted to be involved with the care
provided. All participants felt that the nurse should maintain a professional image and attitude.
The participants were less concerned with the nurse’s gender than their professionalism. The
participants wanted the nurse’s touch to remain firm and unhurried. Nurses need to be aware of
cues from patients because personal preferences are subjective (O’Lynn & Krautscheid, 2011).
The findings were easy to read and understand. The participant’s ideas and feelings were clearly
stated.
Conclusion, Implications, and recommendations Nurses should to be aware of their own
confidence and comfort level when initiating care. The nurse should always ask permission
before an intimate touch and always involve the patient in their care with open communication.
The researchers discuss how privacy is addressed in most textbooks but education regarding
caregiver and patient anxiety needs to be developed further. Patients religious and cultural
values should always be take into consideration.
Your ANALYSIS: The hypothesis is not clearly stated although O’Lynn and Krautscheid (2011)
clearly state the question “How should I touch you?” The question is clearly stated and
addressed by the study regarding the attitudes of participants when it comes to addressing an
intimate touch when providing nursing care. The background information provided by the
researches helps the reader understand why they studied the touch of a nurse. Most routine
N350 Research in Nursing: Ferris State University
L. Ford, PhD, RN, CNP
Semester: Spring 2011
Student name: Jennifer Paulsen
procedures will involve an intimate touch from a nurse. The method for obtaining the data is
clearly stated. There was a comparison of similar studies although the method of finding the
results was not mentioned. The sample size included a wide range of perceptions. Although, I
feel that the sample size was small and lacked enough participants that have already
experienced the intimate touch of a nurse. Only10 of the 24 participants had actually had this
experience. I also felt that using the words intimate touch may brand the participants thoughts
with the association of an inappropriate touch. There are not interchangeable variables; they are
all independent with the expression of the participant’s view of how they want to be treated in
regards to a nurse’s touch. There is quantitative data included in the study by displaying
demographic statistics. I feel that the question was adequately answered by a valid means of
investigation. The participants were appropriately questioned. If I were to extend this study I
would include a questionnaire in every patient’s hospital room along with questionnaires in
doctors’ offices and long term care facilities. An analysis needs to be performed with actual
patients in these facilities. I feel that research in a long term care facility along with personal
interviews could provide pertinent and important information. I found the information in the
article to be very useful. As a nurse it benefits me by to making me conscious of the art of touch
and the feelings my patients maybe experiencing. O’Lynn and Krautscheid (2011) state, that it
would be beneficial if researchers tested more specific evidenced based strategies and included
the information in nursing books. I think this would be helpful but the material would have to
be general due to the variety of personal preferences by each patient. I can use this evidence and
pass on the information to coworkers by making posters and placing them in the nurses’ station
or break room. One would think that all nurses ask permission before initiating an intimate
touch but unfortunately this is not true. I have seen first-hand nurses that have not respected
their patients by not asking for permission to touch them.
References
Pearson, M. L., Needleman, J., Parkerton, P. H., Upenieks, V. V., Soban, L. M., & Yee, T.
(2009, November). Participation of unit nurses: front line implementation on TCAB pilot
units [Electronic version]. American Journal of Nursing, 109(11), 66-70.doi:
10.1097/01.NAJ.0000362029.00870.ac
O’Lynn, C., Krautscheid, L. (2011). How Should I Touch You’: a qualitative study of attitudes
on intimate touch in nursing care. American Journal of Nursing, 111 (3), 24-31.
doi: 10.1097/10.1097/01.NAJ.0000395237.83851.79
N350 Research in Nursing: Ferris State University
L. Ford, PhD, RN, CNP
Semester: Spring 2011
Student name: Jennifer Paulsen