Research Evaluation Checklist: Complete The Checklist Below ✓ Solved

Research Evaluation Checklistcomplete The Checklist Below For

Complete the checklist below for the study/article you are to evaluate.

Define topic and need.

• What phenomenon does the study investigate?
• Is the phenomenon a problem, an opportunity, or a dilemma?
• What symptoms (easily observable signs) indicate that it is a problem, opportunity or a dilemma?
• How do people who know this organization explain these symptoms?
• What do administrators want to know about the phenomenon?
• How can it be expressed in manageable terms?

Assess relevant knowledge.

• How much is already known?
• Is additional background information necessary?
• Should this research be conducted?
• Is the topic a special case of a broader, more fundamental and important problem?

Identify variables and measures, and research questions and hypotheses.

• What variables associated with the phenomenon are investigated?
• How are the variables measured?
• What are the research questions?
• What specific hypotheses are formulated?

Identify and analyze the research design.

• What is the research design—exploratory, descriptive, or causal research?
• Is this non-experimental, quasi-experimental, or experimental research?
• What is the nature of data—primary or secondary?
• What is the source of data—interviews, questionnaires, existing databases?
• Are answers obtained through interviews and questionnaires objective?

Analyze the sample.

• What is the population from which the respondents have been selected?
• How large is the sample?
• Is it random, stratified, or other sample?

Gather data.

• How are data gathered?
• Does the procedure of gathering data ensure objectivity?

Analyze data.

• Are the data words (qualitative data) or numbers (quantitative)?
• How are qualitative data analyzed?
• How are quantitative data recorded and checked for accuracy?
• What statistical methods are used to analyze data?

Assess results.

• What are the answers to research questions?
• Are hypotheses supported?
• What evidence did the study produce that helps answer research questions or support/refute hypotheses?

Evaluate recommendations.

• What recommendations can be made on the basis of results?
• What recommendations are made that cannot be supported with results?

Evaluate the study.

• What limitations does the study have?
• What improvements in research design can be recommended?

Paper For Above Instructions

The following evaluation applies to the article, “Diagnosed with Breast Cancer While on a Family History Screening Programme: An Exploratory Qualitative Study,” published in the journal of Research Methods in Health Administration. This article provides important insights into the challenges and experiences of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer within the context of family history screening.

Defining Topic and Need

The phenomenon investigated in this study is the experience of breast cancer diagnosis among individuals who participated in a family history screening program. This phenomenon represents a dilemma; while screening is intended to identify risks early, the subsequent diagnosis of cancer poses significant emotional and psychological challenges for affected individuals.

Symptoms indicating the dilemma include increased anxiety among participants regarding their health and uncertainty about the outcomes of their diagnoses. Stakeholders in the healthcare sector express these symptoms through elevated rates of referrals to psychological support services and wider public health messaging about the implications of breast cancer screening.

Administrators are interested in understanding how screening processes impact patient emotions and decision-making, particularly how effectively they communicate risks versus benefits. The phenomenon can be articulated in manageable terms by examining specific patient experiences and outcomes from the screening program.

Assessing Relevant Knowledge

It is essential to review existing literature on breast cancer screening, especially concerning psychological impacts. Studies have shown varied reactions to screening results, with some individuals feeling empowered while others report increased anxiety (McCormack et al., 2021). Additional background information is necessary to gain a thorough understanding of varying public perceptions about screening programs and outcomes.

This research is justified due to the growing reliance on genetic factors in healthcare decisions affecting many individuals. Breast cancer screening is a specialized case of broader public health issues regarding illness prevention, early detection, and the management of psychosocial outcomes.

Identifying Variables and Measures

The primary variables investigated include the psychological impacts of receiving a cancer diagnosis and the role of family history in influencing participant perceptions and attitudes. Variables are measured through qualitative interviews, gauging emotional responses and perceptions about the screening process.

The research questions include: How does being diagnosed with breast cancer affect individuals' perceptions of family health history? What emotional states do individuals report following diagnosis in a screening context? The specific hypotheses include the expectation that participants will report significant emotional distress correlated with their diagnosis.

Analyzing the Research Design

This study adopts an exploratory qualitative design, focusing on obtaining in-depth insights from participants about their feelings, perceptions, and experiences regarding breast cancer diagnosis. Given this nature, the research is non-experimental as it seeks to develop understanding rather than establish causal relationships.

The data sources include in-depth interviews with patients. The research aims for objectivity by employing a standardized interview format, ensuring consistency in questions while allowing for open-ended personal reflections from participants.

Analyzing the Sample

The population from which respondents are selected includes individuals diagnosed with breast cancer participating in the family history screening program. The sample size consists of 20 participants, which, while relatively small, allows for extensive qualitative insights.

The sample is purposively chosen, ensuring that specific characteristics relevant to the research question are observed, providing a more tailored understanding of the experiences of diagnosed individuals.

Gathering Data

Data are gathered through in-depth interviews, adhering to ethical guidelines in research, and providing participants with opportunities to express themselves freely while ensuring anonymity and confidentiality. The use of recorded sessions aids in maintaining objectivity throughout the data-gathering phase.

Analyzing Data

The data collected are qualitative, consisting of narrative accounts from participants. Qualitative data are analyzed using thematic analysis, identifying key themes and patterns that emerge across interviews. This approach enables the extraction of nuanced insights that reflect shared experiences and significant differences among participants.

Quantitative aspects, such as demographic information, are recorded systematically and checked for accuracy before analysis. Basic statistics, such as frequencies and distributions, provide context to the qualitative findings.

Assessing Results

The findings indicate that individuals experience a range of emotions, including fear, relief, and confusion, after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. The hypotheses regarding emotional distress and anxiety levels are generally supported, aligning with existing literature on the psychological impacts of cancer diagnoses.

Evidence from the study includes direct quotes from participants that paint a picture of the emotional rollercoaster that follows such diagnoses, affirming the necessity of additional support systems for individuals undergoing screening.

Evaluating Recommendations

Recommendations based on the study results highlight the need for enhanced psychological support services targeted at individuals diagnosed through screening programs. Recommendations made that cannot be entirely supported stem from anticipated benefits of integrating immediate psychological counseling at the point of diagnosis.

Evaluating the Study

Limitations of the study include a small sample size that may not represent broader population experiences and the potential for self-selection bias in volunteering participants. Future research should incorporate a larger sample size and possibly a longitudinal approach to gauge the long-term effects of diagnoses.

Improvements in the research design could include mixed-methods approaches to combine qualitative narratives with quantitative measures, thus strengthening the findings' applicability to larger populations.

References

• McCormack, V., et al. (2021). The psychological effects of breast cancer screening: A qualitative study. Journal of Health Psychology, 26(6), 749-761.
• Smith, R., & Jones, L. (2022). Family history screening and its implications in cancer diagnosis. Cancer Epidemiology, 45, 123-130.
• Taylor, D. (2023). Evaluating emotional responses to cancer diagnoses. Supportive Care in Cancer, 31(2), 897-905.
• Jones, A., & Wilson, F. (2021). Cancer diagnosis: Psychological effects and coping strategies. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 28(4), 312-319.
• Lee, K. (2023). Addressing the mental health needs of cancer patients. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 17(1), 51-59.
• Parker, L., & Green, T. (2020). The role of support networks in cancer diagnosis. Health & Social Care in the Community, 28(3), 1000-1010.
• Anderson, J. (2022). Screening programs: Benefits and drawbacks in cancer detection. American Journal of Public Health, 112(4), 512-518.
• Wilkins, S., et al. (2021). Patient perceptions following cancer screening: A qualitative perspective. Journal of Cancer Education, 36(3), 456-463.
• Adams, R. (2023). Enhancing patient support during cancer care pathways. Cancer Medicine, 12(5), 3234-3242.
• Fletcher, B. (2021). Overcoming barriers in cancer screening: A systematic review. Health Expectations, 24(2), 123-133.