Critical Appraisal

Critical appraisal of primary research studies is important for novel research to be translated into practice and necessary for individuals to make sense of research methodologies to draw the right conclusions from research work. Thus, this paper will explore primary research studies, critical appraisal, a critique worksheet, and the purpose that these serve in fostering students understanding of research.

Primary research studies are original research studies that are conducted to learn about a specific topic by collecting primary data, analyzing data and reporting findings (Ham-Baloyi & Jordan, 2016). These studies appropriately inform a clinical or health policy decision when the findings are valid and applicable (Reeves et al., 2013).

831). Therefore, critical appraisal involves careful scrutinizing and evaluating of research to ensure its accuracy and reliability (Fingerhut & Lacaine, 2017, p.101). Consequently, it requires the ability to present a balanced discussion in terms of both the strengths and limitations of a study (Whiffin & Hasselder, 2013, p. 831). Critical appraisal tools such as the one in Appendix A can assist students in interpreting available research, determining its validity, reliability, and applicability to their clinical practice. The appraisal process involves three steps; the first is questioning study validity, then evaluating the reliability and clinical significance of the evidence, and the final step is synthesizing the evidence (O’Mathuna & Fineout-Overholt, 2015). These steps enable individuals to know if the evidence helps to answer the clinical inquiry. If it does not, individuals continue to critically appraise other articles searching for the best evidence to answer the clinical question. As such, effective critical appraisal enables the researcher to utilize the best available evidence which is a fundamental component of evidence-based practice (Fawkes, Ward & Carnes,