Why is the first prerequisite for appraising qualitative studies ...

[bobbie]

Why is the first prerequisite for appraising qualitative studies an appreciation for the philosophical foundation of qualitative research?
 
  a. Understanding the research requires a detailed understanding of each qualitative methodology.
  b. Qualitative research is not based on truth; it takes work for the reader to get past this stumbling block.
  c. There is no common ground among the qualitative methods. Each requires individual study before reading a research report can be attempted.
  d. All qualitative research has slightly different ground rules. Without an understanding of the philosophy of the method, appraisal is unfair.

Question 2

In deciding whether a framework is suited to a study, what is the principal question the reader must answer?
 
  a. Is a conceptual map provided?
  b. Is this the best framework for this study?
  c. Does the framework specify the study variables?
  d. Is this a theory or merely a framework?

[jointhecircus]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The first prerequisite for appraising qualitative studies is an appreciation for the philosophical foundation of qualitative research. Qualitative researchers design their studies to be congruent with one of a wide range of philosophies, such as phenomenology, symbolic interactionism, and hermeneutics, each of which espouses slightly different approaches to gaining new knowledge. Although unique, the qualitative philosophies are similar in their view of the uniqueness of the individual and the value of the individual's perspective. Without an appreciation for the philosophical perspective supporting the study being critically appraised, the appraiser may not appropriately apply the standards of rigor consistent with that perspective.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The questions a reader must ask are presented in this order:
1. Is the framework presented with clarity? If a model or conceptual map of the framework is present, is it adequate to explain the phenomenon of concern?
2. Is the framework linked to the research purpose? If not, would another framework fit more logically with the study?
3. Is the framework related to the body of knowledge in nursing and clinical practice?
4. If a proposition or relationship from a theory is to be tested, is the proposition clearly identified and linked to the study hypotheses

[bobbie]

TYSM

[amcvicar]

Excellent