identify the problem statement or statement of purpose of the article

(7-10 points)

Provides clear, accurate comments on the title, abstract, introduction, and purpose of the study

(3 – 6 points)

Provides comments on the title, abstract, introduction, or purpose of the study

  (0-2 points)

Lacks comments on the title, abstract, introduction, or purpose of the study

(7-10 points)

Discusses participants, inclusion and exclusion criteria, sample size, consent, and other ethical considerations

(3-6 points)

Includes information on participants, but lacks information regarding sample size and/or consent

(0-2 points)

Provides little or no information regarding participants, sample size, or consent

(13 – 20 points)

Accurately identifies research question/hypotheses, including independent and dependent variables

(6-12 points)

May not accurately identify research question/hypotheses or independent and dependent variables

(0-5 points)

Lacks discussion of research question/hypotheses and/or study variables

(13-20 points)

Accurately comments on literature review, research methods, data analyses, and limitations of the study

(6-12 points)

Includes comments on literature review, research methods, data analyses, and limitations of the study, but discussion was somewhat vague

(0-5 points)

Does not comment on literature review, research methods, data analyses, and limitations of the study; or inaccurately discusses these aspects

(13-20 points)

Accurately comments on level of evidence used, nursing theory, and implications for nursing practice or research

(6-12 points)

Comments on level of evidence used, nursing theory, or implications for nursing practice or research

(0-5 points)

Inaccurately comments on level of evidence used, nursing theory, or implications for nursing practice or research

(7-10 points)

Discusses realistic applications of the research to the clinical area

(3-6 points)

Discusses somewhat realistic applications of the research to the clinical area

(0-2 points)

Does not discuss realistic applications of the research to the clinical area

(7-10 points)

Expertly applies APA guidelines in formatting and referencing; exhibits excellent spelling and grammar throughout the paper; is well organized and easy to read

(3-6 points)

Applies APA, but exhibits some formatting or referencing mistakes; has some spelling and grammar errors; is generally well written and easy to read, with minimal organization