Quantitative Article Critique: Healthcare, Research Methods by Shoshanna Sofaer

Critique of Research Studies
Name
Institutional Affiliation
Critique of Research Studies
It is essential to critique a research article adequately. The capability to critique is considered one of the core tools of scholarship in any discipline. In the medical field, the review provides a firm base for understanding and comprehending the research work undertaken. The two major types of research are qualitative and quantitative article critique. This paper analyses both the qualitative and quantitative article critique of two research papers “Qualitative research methods” by Shoshanna Sofaer and “Quality research in healthcare: Are researchers getting enough statistical support?” by N. Omar, N. McNally, G. Amber, and A. Pollock.
“Qualitative research methods” by Shoshanna Sofaer
Quantitative Article Critique
Methods
The paper states that while conducting a survey of patients and consumers, it is essential to commence it by isolating the issues that are the most meaningful to the patients and the language they frequently do and do not use. It uses both cognitive interviews and focus groups in collecting data. In measuring the data, Commonwealth Fund Project in New York capitalized on using focus groups to investigate the general framework of performance through engaging consumers and patients. Furthermore, the groups were used to establish the most interested group of the populace. The New York City project used cognitive interview and CAHPS as procedures to test the effectiveness of the materials with Medicare, people, and counselors who would assist in disseminating the materials (Sofaer, Qualitative research methods, 2002). The respondents were awarded freedom of speech and their identities concealed.
Results
The results obtained are that the low-income people are more interested in joining the managed care delivery while the high-income earners preferred to continue buying Medigap. The data analysis methods adopted in the research were the use of explicit methods for managing and tracking the raw data collected. The data was coded in the form of phrases permitting it to be analyzed as textual context.
Discussion
The paper “Qualitative research methods” by Shoshanna Sofaer focuses on the application of various research methods to enhance the dissemination and the development of quality measures, quality reports and the efforts of quality improvement. The reliability of coding ought to be ensured through using multiple codes for articulating and recognizing new ideas about hypothesis, themes, patterns, and explanations for the data (Sofaer, 1999). Consciously, a search should be conducted to establish rival explanations, patterns, and data that could refine or disconfirm explanations and patterns developed.
Global Issues
The article addresses the global issues experienced on the application of numerous research methods to enhance dissemination vividly thus highlighting the credibility of the research. Ideas and findings are clearly presented in a gradual manner with appropriates structuring of sentences and flow of the article. To conclude, the research thesis is gradually analyzed with an adequate explanation.
Qualitative Article Critique
Methods
The research was undertaken through carrying out cognitive interviews, focus groups and at some point observations. In order to preserve the respondents’ activeness and response cognitively, probes were administered after each question in a survey conducted to determine consumer experience by the MEDSTAT Group. Moreover, the respondents’ identities were concealed to protect their rights. Though the cognitive interview was structured, the questions were designed to be open-ended rather than limiting the respondent to a set of predetermined responses (Sofaer, Qualitative research methods, 2002). The cognitive interviews aided in sampling the validity and reliability of the survey instruments. The procedures employed included analyzing whether the response options of the respondent were well understood and consistently interpreted as per the interviewer intention.
Results
The data obtained through carrying out focus group which assessed the comprehensibility and the relevance of the quality measures were reported by displaying the data graphically. The study undertaken by NCQA (National Committee for Quality Assurance) established the indicators of candidates focusing on the measures of effectiveness through focus groups (Sofaer, Qualitative research methods, 2002). The studies conducted, presented the results in the form of recommendations and conclusions towards the improvement of quality.
Discussion
The qualitative methods employed, as stated in the paper provide mechanisms and measures on what can be done to improve the performance. For example, they would identify members of the focus who were dissatisfied with the available plans and probe them into obtaining advice and how they can improve their experiences. The interviews also pointed out a vast range of issues normally taken for granted by medical professionals in order to aid in narrowing the response of the respondent to the investigator’s intention. Moreover, the article states some studies measure their effectiveness and success by exploring how many surprises their expertise in the fields while conducting the research and data collection.
Global Issues
In conclusion, the research was carried out successfully with the objectives, patterns, expectations and hypothesis met. The implementation of the findings and recommendations have been adopted while conducting research globally. The presentation and layout of the research show proficiency and strategic understanding of the research. Conducting the research globally ought to follow the quality research methods to provi...