Why was the study done?
• Was there a clear explanation of the purpose of the study and, if so, what was it?
2. What is the sample size?
• Were there enough people in the study to establish that the findings did not occur by chance?
3. Are the instruments of the major variables valid and reliable?
• How were variables defined? Were the instruments designed to measure a concept valid (did
they measure what the researchers said they measured)? Were they reliable (did they measure a
concept the same way every time they were used)?
4. How were the data analyzed?
• What statistics were used to determine if the purpose of the study was achieved?
5. Were there any untoward events during the study?
• Did people leave the study and, if so, was there something special about them?
6. How do the results fit with previous research in the area?
• Did the researchers base their work on a thorough literature review?
7. What does this research mean for clinical practice?
• Is the study purpose an important clinical issue?