Reference no: EM132296533

Assignment -

Instructions: Critically analyze the methodological quality of research paper relating to concepts of reliability, internal validity and external validity.  Use enclosed framework to structure essay by answering questions in each section.

Research Paper - Are daily routine chest radiographs useful in critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients? A randomized study.

Critical Evaluation of Research papers - RCTs or Quantitative research in general

Using the framework below evaluate the indicated.

Concept  -

Research Question (PICO/PIO) (ie what is the aim of the study and the elements)

Was an RCT appropriate/utilised? If not why not?

Internal Validity 1:

Reliability & Validity of measurement

Identify the outcome measures in the study (ie name them)

Are the tools used standardised tools:

Are they used in original format?

If yes: are they date and language appropriate?

If changed are changes detailed?

If changed have they been revalidated?

Author developed own measure:

What has the author done to demonstrate reliability & validity?

Is a copy of the questionnaire included?

How was the questionnaire designed?

Was it pilot tested?

Was any statistical testing done to validate?

Internal validity 2:

Randomisation

Is the process of randomisation clearly described?

Is there potential for bias?

Internal validity 3:

Comparable/equivalent groups

Are the groups the same at the beginning of the study?

Is there are a table showing key characteristics?

Has statistical testing been carried out to show they are the same?

Internal validity 4:

Blinding:

None/single/double/triple?

Who blinded?

If no blinding - would it have been possible?

Internal validity 5:

Equal treatment of groups:

Have both/all groups been treated the same APART from the intervention/treatment?

Is the procedure clearly detailed for ALL groups?

Internal validity 6:

Inclusion/exclusion criteria

Remember this is a good way of controlling for extraneous variables (ie good for internal validity)

BUT bad for external validity

Are the criteria used explained and relevant?

External validity 1:

Sampling

Who? (consider inclusion exclusion criteria see comment above)

Where?

How?

Based on the above - what type of sampling was used?

External validity 2:

Sample size:

Have the authors carried out a power analysis?

If yes was the sample size achieved?

External validity 3:

Attrition/Drop out rate

Are all participants accounted for in the study?

Are drop outs similar in both/all groups?

Note - SECTIONS INTERNAL VALIDITY 1 TO INTERNAL VALIDITY 6 NEEDED ONLY!

Attachment:- Assignment Files.rar