Findings of a Qualitative Study Essay

APPENDIX E

Appraisal Guide:

Findings of a Qualitative Study

Citation:

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Synopsis

What experience, situation, or subculture does the researcher seek to understand?

Does the researcher want to produce a description of an experience, a social process, or an event, or is the goal to generate a theory?

How was data collected?

How did the researcher control his or her biases and preconceptions?

Are specific pieces of data (e.g., direct quotes) and more generalized statements (themes, theories) included in the report?

What are the main findings of the study?

Credibility

Is the study published in a source that required peer review?  Yes   No   Not clear

Were the methods used appropriate to the study purpose?  Yes   No   Not clear

Was the sampling of observations or interviews appropriate and varied enough to serve the purpose of the study?  Yes   No   Not clear

*Were data collection methods effective in obtaining in-depth data?  Yes   No   Not clear

Did the data collection methods avoid the possibility of oversight, underrepresentation, or overrepresentation from certain types of sources?  Yes   No   Not clear

Were data collection and analysis intermingled in a dynamic way?  Yes   No   Not clear

*Is the data presented in ways that provide a vivid portrayal of what was experienced or happened and its context?  Yes   No   Not clear

*Does the data provided justify generalized statements, themes, or theory?  Yes   No   Not clear

Are the findings credible?  Yes All   Yes Some   No

Clinical Significance

*Are the findings rich and informative?  Yes   No   Not clear

*Is the perspective provided potentially useful in providing insight, support, or guidance for assessing patient status or progress?  Yes   Some  No  Not clear

Are the findings clinically significant?  Yes All   Yes Some   No

* = Important criteria

Comments

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APP E-2 Brown

Brown APP E-1