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Qualitative Research Appraisal: Detailed Guidance for the Whole Assessment
Do not include an introduction or conclusion to any of these three parts. This is not an essay but a critical research appraisal. You do not need to present general information on qualitative research.
Part a) Trustworthiness and Rigour 25 marks (approx. 500 words)
- Define both the concepts of trustworthiness and rigour and identify and discuss their specific components.
- Why is it important to address issues of rigour and trustworthiness in qualitative research?
This section requires you to provide a discussion of the concepts of trustworthiness and rigour in relation to the quality of a qualitative research approach and should not relate to the paper to be appraised.
Parts b), c) and d) Appraisal of a Qualitative Research Article
McMahon, K., Stoddart, K. and Harris, F. (2021) Rescripting— A grounded theory study of the contribution that fathers make to Family- Based Treatment when a young person has anorexia nervosa. Journal of Clinical Nursing. 2021;00:1-14.
Direct link: https://onlinelibrarywilev.comidoi/epdf/10.1111/iocn.16013
You will need to use your university login to access this article.
Please note that appraisals of other studies will not be marked.
You will need to use Your university login to access this article.
You need to pay attention specifically to aspects of the article that relate to the three areas that you are asked to appraise in the guidance below.
Please note that appraisals of other studies will not be marked.
Do not write up a full research appraisal but focus your discussion on the areas identified in the assignment question (sampling method, data collection method, data analysis and presentation method). You must take a critical approach to your discussion and discuss the strengths and limitations of the research methods used in the three areas of the study to be appraised. Avoid the temptation to simply list answers to the questions we have outlined below. You should also avoid repeating back to the reader what the study did or what the authors have told us. You need to develop a critical discussion to show how the overall trustworthiness and rigour of the study could be affected by the methods used in the study.
Critically appraise each of the following three areas in relation to the research study cited above: Use references from the module reading list as well as other current research texts to support the appraisal.
Part b) Sample Selection 25 marks (approx. 500 words)
Consider the following as a guide only:
- Was the method of sampling identified — if not then discuss the impact of this on the study’ findings.
- What method of sampling was chosen (e.g. purposive, convenience, snowball)?
- How was access to the sample negotiated?
- Have the researchers explained exactly how the participants for the sample were recruited and selected? Have they explained why the participants they selected were the most appropriate to provide the type of knowledge sought by the study?
- Are there any other issues around recruitment (e.g. why some people chose not to take part)?
- Have the characteristics of the participants in the sample been defined?
- Is the sample size adequate for the particular research methodology being used?
- Was ethical approval sought? Make sure you understand why this is done and report on this.
- Are there sufficient details of how the research was explained to participants for the reader to assess whether ethical standards were maintained? E.g. was there a participant information sheet?
- Was consent gained from the participants?
The above list is for guidance only — please do not simply answer each of the questions as not every study will cover all these issues. Remember the points you raise about the sampling approach need to be related back to how they could potentially affect the trustworthiness and rigour (quality) of the study and its results using current books and research articles on qualitative research.
Part c) Data Collection 25 marks (approx. 500 words)
Consider the following as a guide:
- Is it clear how data were collected (e.g. focus group, interview etc.)
- How were data captured (e.g. notes, audiotapes, observations, diary)? Have the researchers justified the methods chosen to collect data? Is the approach appropriate? Have the methods used for data collection been described in enough detail (e.g. how and where interviews were conducted)? What is the potential influence on participants? E.g. payment, power balances.
- If methods were modified during the study, have the researchers explained how and why?
- If relevant, have the researchers discussed saturation of data (not all qualitative studies need to use this method so be careful here)?
- Is it clear how ethical considerations such as confidentiality and anonymity were addressed?
- Have the researchers discussed the safe storage of data?
The above list is for guidance only — please do not simply answer each of the questions as not every study will cover all these issues. Remember the points you raise about the sampling approach need to be related back to how they could potentially affect the trustworthiness and rigour (quality) of the study and its results using current books and research articles on qualitative research.
Part d) Data Analysis and Presentation of Results 25 marks (approx. 500 words)
Please remember there are two parts to this section – you need to discuss both the analysis and presentation of the results.
Consider the following as a guide:
- What methods did the researchers use to analyse the data?
- Is it clearly described, step by step and easy to follow? (Who did this and what process did they use)
- If categories/themes were used, is it clear how they were derived from the data collected?
- Did more than one researcher perform the analysis and how did they address differences of interpretation?
- Have excerpts from the data been used to support the discussion? What is best practice in this?
- Is it possible to determine the source of data presented in quotations in the text (e.g. by numbering of extracts)?
- Are sufficient data presented to support the findings?
The above list is for guidance only — please do not simply answer each of the questions as not every study will cover all these issues. Remember the points you raise about the sampling approach need to be related back to how they could potentially affect the trustworthiness and rigour (quality) of the study and its results using current books and research articles on qualitative research.
The assessment will be marked using the following rubric.