NRS-433V: Evidence-Based Practice and Research Utilization – Quantitative Research Critique (Grand Canyon University)
In professional nursing practice, evidence-based decision-making relies on the ability to critically evaluate and apply research findings. This assignment focuses on the systematic critique of a quantitative research study relevant to nursing and patient care. Students are required to demonstrate understanding of research design, methodology, validity, reliability, ethical considerations, and the implications of findings for clinical practice. The assessment reinforces analytical thinking, academic writing, and application of quantitative evidence to nursing decision-making processes.
Assessment 2: Quantitative Research Critique Paper
Course: NRS-433V – Introduction to Nursing Research | Institution: Grand Canyon University College of Nursing and Health Care Professions | Due: End of Week 5 | Length: 1,200–1,500 words | Format: APA 7th edition | Submission Type: LopesWrite via GCU Learning Management System
Assignment Instructions
Select one recent (published between 2019–2026) peer-reviewed quantitative nursing research article related to patient outcomes, evidence-based practice, or healthcare quality improvement. Critically appraise the article by addressing the following areas in a structured essay:
- Research Problem and Purpose: Clearly describe the problem being investigated, its relevance to nursing, and the stated purpose of the study.
- Research Design and Methods: Identify the study design, sample characteristics, data collection tools, and statistical methods used. Discuss how the design aligns with the research objectives.
- Validity, Reliability, and Ethics: Evaluate the rigor of the study, including internal and external validity, reliability of instruments, and ethical considerations in participant protection.
- Findings and Clinical Implications: Summarize key findings, interpret their meaning for nursing practice, and discuss potential application in clinical or community settings.
- Strengths and Limitations: Analyze methodological strengths and weaknesses, suggesting areas for improvement in future research.
Use appropriate evidence from at least four scholarly sources to support your critique. Ensure all citations and references conform to APA 7th edition guidelines.
Assessment Rubric
| Criteria | Exemplary (90–100%) | Proficient (80–89%) | Developing (70–79%) | Emerging (Below 70%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identification and Relevance of Research Problem | Demonstrates in-depth understanding of the problem’s relevance to nursing practice and patient outcomes. | Identifies a clear problem and explains relevance with moderate depth. | Provides limited connection between problem and practice relevance. | Fails to establish the significance of the research problem. |
| Analysis of Research Design and Methods | Accurately and critically evaluates all methodological aspects and aligns design with study purpose. | Provides adequate evaluation of methods with minor inconsistencies. | Describes methods but lacks analytical critique. | Inaccurate or superficial discussion of methods and design. |
| Evaluation of Validity, Reliability, and Ethics | Comprehensive assessment of rigor and ethical standards with clear evidence-based reasoning. | Addresses validity, reliability, and ethics with some depth. | Limited discussion of rigor or ethical standards. | Fails to evaluate key quality and ethical criteria. |
| Interpretation of Findings and Implications | Provides insightful interpretation linking results to clinical practice and evidence-based decision-making. | Interprets findings clearly with moderate application to practice. | Generalized discussion with minimal practical linkage. | Weak or missing interpretation of findings. |
| Writing Quality and APA Formatting | Writing is precise, well-organized, and consistently formatted per APA 7th edition. | Minor organizational or APA errors present. | Several grammatical or APA inconsistencies. | Frequent errors hinder clarity and professionalism. |
Quantitative nursing research provides measurable insights into patient outcomes and clinical efficiency. Statistical analysis strengthens evidence-based decision-making, ensuring interventions are data-driven rather than anecdotal. Evaluating study validity, methodology, and ethical rigor ensures that research findings can be applied confidently in real-world nursing contexts.
References
- Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2021). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (11th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. https://doi.org/10.1097/00000446-202111000-00027
- LoBiondo-Wood, G., & Haber, J. (2022). Nursing research in Canada: Methods, critical appraisal, and utilization. Elsevier Health Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2020-0-00859-1
- Curtis, E., Comiskey, C., & Dempsey, O. (2019). Importance of quantitative research in evidence-based nursing practice. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 51(6), 706–713. https://doi.org/10.1111/jnu.12528
- Houser, J. (2023). Evidence-based practice: An integrative approach to research, administration, and practice. Jones & Bartlett Learning. https://doi.org/10.1891/9781284278725
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