Does the title reflect the content ? Arrow-do Are the authors credible ? Arrow-do Does the abstract summarise the key components ? Arrow-do Is the rationale for undertaking the research clearly outlined ? Arrow-do Is the literature review comprehensive and up to date ? Arrow-do Is the aim of the research clearly stated ? Arrow-do Are all ethical issues identified and addressed ? Arrow-do Is the methodology identified and justified ?
Quantitative
Is the study design clearly identified and is the rationale for choice of design evident ?
Arrow-do Is there an experimental hypothesis clearly stated ?
Arrow-do Are the key variables identified ? Arrow-do Is the population identified ? Arrow-do Is the sample adequately described and reflective of the population ?
Arrow-do Is the method of data collection valid and reliable ?
Qualitative
Is the philosophical background and study design identified and the rationale for choice of design evident ?
Arrow-do Are the major concepts identified ? Arrow-do Is the context of the study outlined ? Arrow-do Is the selection of participants described and the sampling method identified ?
Arrow-do Is the method of data collection auditable ? Arrow-do Is the method of data collection valid and reliable ?
Are the results generalisable ?
Are the results presented in a way that is appropriate and clear ?
Arrow-do Is the discussion comprehensive ? Arrow-do Is the conclusion comprehensive ?
Are the results transferable ?
Figure 1 . A framework for research critique by Caldwell et al . [ 39 ]
38 Veterinary Nursing Journal