Quantitative Research Critique

Quantitative Research Critique 2 QUANTATIVE CRITIQUE Quantitative Research Critique Quantitative research is an examination of data using methods to both identify and solve problems. Empirical evidence is collected and analyzed in a systematic fashion to produce resolutions to gaps in knowledge and practice (Polit & Beck, 2018, p. 41). In a study by Ciavattini, et al. (2015) the number and size of uterine fibroids in pregnant women was examined to determine if fibroids correlate with adverse obstetric outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to critique the quantitative research article, “Number and size of uterine fibroids and obstetric outcomes” and discuss the research problem, ethics, methodology, sampling, results, and the effects on clinical practice. Article Introduction Research Problem A research problem, as defined by Polit and Beck (2018), is an information deficit that produces a question of concern about a particular topic (p. 152). In Ciavatinni, et al. (2015), the reader would find the research problem is immediately available in the introduction. The research problem begins with the admission that previous studies are mixed on the correlation between uterine fibroids and adverse obstetric outcomes. The lack of clarity in previous research makes a compelling case for the need for additional research. Research Questions and Hypothesis Research questions are inquiries specific to the topic the research aims to explore (Polit & Beck, 2018). The research by Ciavatinni, et al. (2015) poses the research question in the form of a statement regarding the aim of the study, which is to determine if a connection exists between uterine fibroids and obstetric complications. A hypothesis is a predicted outcome to a posed 3 QUANTATIVE CRITIQUE question (Polit & Beck, 2018, p. 160). The research study fails to include a hypothesis which leaves some questions about arriving at an unauthentic conclusion to explain the results. Methods Ethical Aspects of the Study The authors of the study did not obtain approval from a research ethics committee but instead gained ethical approval by a local audit committee, as well as informed consent for the use of personal data from each participant in the study. Additionally, the authors declared no sources of financial support and no conflicts of interest. According to Polit and Beck (2018) it is appropriate for studies to include acknowledgement of a body of review to ensure ethical standards have been kept. The article met this standard with the inclusion of the review by a local audit committee. Research Design Research design is the “strategies that researchers adopt to answer their questions and test their hypothesis” (Polit & Beck, 2018, p. 210). An analysis of the study by Ciavatinni, et al. (2015) would reveal that the researchers did not have control over the independent variable; or number and size of uterine fibroids. This would inform the reader that the research design was nonexperimental. As explained by Polit and Beck (2018), studies where the researchers do not have control over the independent variable, the study is considered nonexperimental. Narrowing the research design down further Polit and Beck (2018) define data collection that includes both the independent variable and the dependent variable taken simultaneously as cross-sectional designs. This concurs with the data collection method from the study as both the independent variable and the outcome were recorded using medical records. By not following the cases over time in a longitudinal study it may leave the study open to scrutiny regarding what other factors 4 QUANTATIVE CRITIQUE may have contributed to the adverse obstetric outcomes, this would be considered a threat to the internal validity of the study. Sampling Ciavatinni, et al. (2015) used the consecutive sampling design, in that it chose all obstetric cases that filled the criteria during the time frame of January 2010 to December 2012, collecting two hundred and nineteen participants. According to Polit and Beck (2018) a consecutive sampling is composed of all eligible participants that fit within a specific time frame. The researchers made no mention of any weaknesses that may have occurred due to the sampling method. Data Collection The data collection method used in the study was structured observation. According to Polit and Beck (2018) structured observation includes a specific observational strategy with using formal protocols designed to document a specific outcome. In the research by Ciavatinni, et al. (2015) the specific outcome was an adverse obstetric result. The researchers made no connection between the method of data collection and any potential risks to internal validity. Results Statistical Analysis The research study by Ciavatinni, et al. (2015) used multivariate logistic regression analysis to measure the presence of large or multiple uterine fibroids and unfavorable obstetric outcomes. Results were also analyzed using the t test system and the Fisher exact test. Results The researchers applied three distinctive tables which afforded the reader the opportunity to view the information in several different formats. The researchers Ciavatinni, et al. (2015) 5 QUANTATIVE CRITIQUE make correlational inferences between large uterine fibroids and adverse obstetric outcomes. The conclusion requires further research due to the small sample size and the failure of the researchers to focus on the exact location of uterine fibroids as the study also includes intramural fibroids which calls into question the exact influence of the fibroids. Discussion Findings The findings of the study by Ciavatinni, et al. (2015) conclude that although additional research is needed, a correlation is found between large uterine fibroids and adverse obstetric outcomes. There remain some questions regarding the internal validity of the study, particularly due to the varied location of the uterine fibroids within the uterus, the particular manner of influence they have on obstetric outcomes, and the small sample size. Clinical Practice The researchers Ciavatinni, et al. (2015) agree that it would be premature to make any recommendations for clinical practice but that it may be beneficial to include the potential for difficulties to include the association of uterine fibroids and adverse obstetric outcomes in counseling to women of advance maternal age. Conclusion The research critique of the study conducted by Ciavatinni, et al. (2015) examined the research problem, questions, hypothesis, method, and result. Through this study information was gleaned on the correlation between women who have multiple or large fibroids and obstetric outcome complications. Though additional research is needed to reach any definite conclusions, the study is useful in guiding additional questions on the topic.