Question

Select one quantitative nursing research article that uses statistical analysis and review the data analysis section. Do not just summarize the article. Critique the statistical analysis used in the article.

Was it appropriate?

What were the results of the analysis?

What are the limitations of the analysis?

Please come with problems that you encountered in understanding the analysis.

What questions do you have regarding quantitative analysis not just for your project, but also in relation to reading and critiquing research?

Answer 1

CONDUCTING AN ARTICLE CRITIQUE FOR QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH STUDY:Perspectives for doctoral students and other novice readers

*critique of statistical analysis in article: Varying sample sizes were reported for each of the analyses.It was not clear why the sample sizes changed.no information was provided discussing such aberrations.no explanation was given for the instability,or for changes in analyses based on differences.

*No,it was difficult to determine whether the statistical result of the chi-square was meaningful.

*Results of the analyses :only 38% of patients reported use of homeopathic prescription alone for treatment of acute migraine attacks,which greatly weakens any study conclusions regarding the effectiveness of homeopathic medications.

*Limitations of the analysis:change in primary outcome i.e number,intensity and duration of migraine attacks should have been compared between 3 reported acute treatment groups.(1)homeopathic medication alone(2)both traditional and homeopathic medicine and (3) traditional medicine alone.

*problems encountered in understanding analysis:
-sample size of 165 was reported instead of 168.
-for the comparisons,the sample size might not be adequate.
-descriptive statistics (similar to t-test and chi-square) should have been used.

*what are the componenets of research articles are assembled to form an overall picture of what the researcher did and why?