Research Critique

[drsrn]

Hi Everyone, I'm currently enrolled in an RN-BSN program and taking my first research class ever. I am required to do a Research Critique on an assigned article. This project will count for a high percentage of my grade. Most of the students in the class were assigned quantitative articles, but I believe my article is grounded theory qualitative. The article is entitled: Application of a theoretical framework to foster a cardiac-diabetes self-management programme (Wu, 2014). The article discusses self-efficacy strategies for patients with these 2 co-morbidities. Patients were interviewed regarding basic skills of self-management of their dual diagnoses. The interviews were conducted face-face and by phone. For example in person the patients were encouraged to check glucose levels and discuss the meaning. Open ended-questions regarding experiences were asked via phone. The exact number/sample is not mentioned in the article. Basically I am seeking verification that I am on the right track in my thinking that this has to be a qualitative article. I work full-time and I'm in school full-time so time is valuable. I have already spent numerous hours studying this article. None of the nurses in my work place have a clue. Thank you for your help! I appreciate and welcome all advice.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

What theoretical framework is applied in the study? Does the theoretical framework have a numeric scale? If so, look at the definitions of quantitative and qualitative research again.

[drsrn]

The theoretical framework applied is Bandura's Self-Efficacy theory - the higher a person's efficacy expectations regarding a particular behavior, the greater the success will be in achieving the behavior. The framework involves four factors: mastery, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion, and self-appraisal. No numeric scale. Thank you.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Qualitative

[drsrn]

Thank you! Yes I believe qualitative and I first thought grounded theory, but the more I read about grounded theory I'm not sure. Grounded theory uses coding and symbols. So now I am leaning toward phenomenological qualitative because of the "lived experiences" and understanding of human behavior. I just need to be 100% sure.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Definitely qualitative - results are based on interpretation of subjective information. I'm a huge Bandura fan.

[drsrn]

Thank you! Yes, but I have to distinguish between the types of qualitative research. Phenomenological or Grounded Theory?

[dishes, BSN, RN]

Is the article true 'research', if so, did the research gain approval from an ethics review board? did the research subjects provide consent to participate in the research? What were the 'open' questions that were asked in the research? How were their answers recorded?

[drsrn]

Thank you. There is no mention of approval form an ethics review board, nor is there any mention of how the consent was obtained, or the sample size. Only that the patients had dual diagnoses: diabetes and heart disease. A teaching program was initiated on these patients upon hospital admission and a telephone call was made following discharge. While in hospital they were given instructions on how to take BP and blood glucose and given the opportunity to demonstrate. Example: Are you managing ok at home? Have you continued to check your blood sugar?How did you go about it? Does not state how the answers were recorded. The article is basically about incorporating Bandura's self-efficacy theory into an intervention program. The framework for Bandura's theory has four parts: Mastery, vicarious experience, verbal persuasion, and self-appraisal.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

Was this article assigned to you? It seems like it is an article on the application of a theory it doesn't sound like it contains the elements of research.

[drsrn]

Yes, this article was assigned to me as a Research Critique Project. I have been pulling my hair out over this for weeks. First of all, I am a novice, not an expert. This is my very first research class. I have read the article repeatedly and I have a step-by-step guide to critiquing research. I just can't make this article fit the criteria. I really do appreciate your help. It means so much to me. At least now I don't feel like a complete idiot.....and yes, in case, you are wondering, I'm a tad OCD!:)

[dishes, BSN, RN]

Use the step-by-step guide to show how the article does not meet the research criteria. Don't pull your hair out or feel like an idiot, it's normal to try to make it fit the criteria instead of show how it doesn't fit.