NursingSprint

✔ A sound and effective approach to appraising research involves evaluating how well the study was designed and conducted in accordance with methodological standards specific to that research type (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, RCTs, etc.).

✔ Nurses using evidence-based practice must assess validity, reliability, and applicability of findings—not just the study type or sample size—ensuring appropriate integration into clinical decision-making.

✔ This approach reflects the nurse’s responsibility to use critical thinking and professional judgment to determine whether the study findings are credible, relevant, and transferable to practice.

Incorrect Options:

• "B. Select only studies with a sample size of at least 100 people."
• Sample size is important, but quality matters more; small studies can still be rigorous and valid, depending on the design.
• "C. Discard systematic reviews and meta-analyses since they are the weakest form of evidence."
• This is incorrect and misleading—these are among the strongest levels of evidence, as they synthesize data from multiple studies.
• "D. Accept only studies that use a randomized controlled trial design."
• RCTs are strong but not always applicable, especially for qualitative research questions or when studying rare conditions.