Analyzing Published Research Guidelines 

NR449 Evidence-Based Practice

RUA: Analyzing Published Research Guidelines

NR449_RUA_Analyzing_Published_Research_Guidelines_Sept20_v2

1

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to interpret the two articles identified as most important to the group topic.

Course outcomes: This assignment enables the student to meet the following course outcomes.

CO 2: Apply research principles to the interpretation of the content of published research studies.

(POs 4 and 8)

CO 4: Evaluate published nursing research for credibility and clinical significance related to evidence-based practice.

(POs 4 and 8)

Due date: Your faculty member will inform you when this assignment is due. The Late Assignment Policy applies to
this assignment.

Total points possible: 200 points

Preparing the assignment
1. Follow these guidelines when completing this assignment. Speak with your faculty member if you have questions.
2. Please make sure you do not duplicate articles within your group.
3. The paper will include the following:

a. Clinical Question (30 points/15%)
1. Describe the problem: What is the focus of your group’s work?
2. Significance of problem: What health outcomes result from your problem? Or what statistics document this

is a problem? You may find support on websites for government or professional organizations.
3. Purpose of the paper: What will your paper do or describe?
***Please note that although most of these questions are the same as you addressed in paper 1, the purpose of
this paper is different. You can use your paper 1 for items 1 & 2 above, including any faculty suggestions for
improvement provided as feedback.

b. Evidence Matrix Table: Data Summary (Appendix A) – (60 points/30%)
Categorize items in the Matrix Table, including proper intext citations and reference list entries for each article.
1. References (recent publication within the last 5 years)
2. Purpose/Hypothesis/

Study Question(s)

3. Variables: Independent (I) and Dependent (D)
4. Study Design
5. Sample Size and

Selection

6. Data Collection Methods
7. Major Findings (Evidence)

c. Description of Findings (60 points/30%)
Describe the data in the Matrix Table, including proper intext citations and reference list entries for each article.
1. Compare and contrast variables within each study.
2. What are the study design and procedures used in each study; qualitative, quantitative, or mixed method

study, levels of confidence in each study, etc.?

3. Participant demographics and information.

4. Instruments used, including reliability and validity.
5. How do the research findings provide evidence to support your clinical problem, or what further evidence

is needed to answer your question?
6. Next steps: Identify two questions that can help guide the group’s work.

d. Conclusion (20 points/10%)
Review major findings in a summary paragraph.
1. Evidence to address your clinical problem.
2. Make a connection back to all the included sections.

2

NR449 Evidence-Based Practice
RUA: Analyzing Published Research Guidelines

NR449_RUA_Analyzing_Published_Research_Guidelines_Sept20_v2 2

3. Wrap up the assignment and give the reader something to think

about.

e. Format (30 points/15%)
1. Correct grammar and spelling
2. Include a title and reference page
3. Use of headings for each section:

o Problem
o Synthesis of the Literature

− Variables

− Methods

− Participants

− Instruments

− Implications for Future Work
4. Conclusion
5. Adheres to current APA formatting and guidelines
6. Include at least two (2) scholarly, current (within 5 years) primary sources other than the textbook
7. 3-4 pages in length, excluding appendices, title and reference pages

For writing assistance (APA, formatting, or grammar) visit the APA Citation and Writing page in the online library.

Please note that your instructor may provide you with additional assessments in any form to determine that you fully
understand the concepts learned.

https://library.chamberlain.edu/APA

NR449 Evidence-Based Practice
RUA: Analyzing Published Research Guidelines

NR449_RUA_Analyzing_Published_Research_Guidelines_Sept20_v2 3

Grading Rubric Criteria are met when the student’s application of knowledge demonstrates achievement of the outcomes for this assignment.

Assignment Section and
Required Criteria

(Points possible/% of total points available)

Highest Level of

Performance

High Level of
Performance

Satisfactory
Level of

Performance

Unsatisfactory
Level of

Performance

Section not
present in

paper

Clinical Question
(30 points/15%)

30 points 26 points 24 points 11 points 0 points

Required criteria
1. Describe the problem: What is the focus of your group’s work?
2. Significance of problem: What health outcomes result from your

problem? Or what statistics document this is a problem? You may
find support on websites for government or professional
organizations.

3. Purpose of the paper: What will your paper do or describe?

Includes 3
requirements for
section.

Includes 2
requirements for
section.

Includes 1
requirement for
section.

Present, yet
includes no
required criteria.

No requirements
for this section
presented.

Evidence Matrix Table: Data Summary (Appendix A)

(60 points/30%)
60 points 56 points 47 points 25 points 0 points

Required criteria
Categorize items in the Matrix Table, including proper intext citations and
reference list entries for each article.
1. References (recent publication within the last 5 years)
2. Purpose/Hypothesis/Study Question(s)
3. Variables: Independent (I) and Dependent (D)
4. Study Design
5. Sample Size and Selection

6. Data Collection Methods
7. Major Findings (Evidence)

Includes 7
requirements for
section.

Includes 6
requirements for
section.

Includes 5
requirements for
section.

Includes 4 or less
requirements for
section.

No requirements
for this section
presented.

Description of Findings

(60 points/30%)
60 points 53 points 47 points 23 points 0 points

Required criteria
Describe the data in the Matrix Table, including proper intext citations
and reference list entries for each article.
1. Compare and contrast variables within each study.
2. What are the study design and procedures used in each study;

qualitative, quantitative, or mixed method study, levels of confidence
in each study, etc.?

3. Participant demographics and information.
Includes 6
requirements for
section.
Includes 5
requirements for
section.

Includes 4
requirements for
section.

Includes 3 or less
requirements for
section.

No requirements
for this section
presented.

NR449 Evidence-Based Practice
RUA: Analyzing Published Research Guidelines

NR449_RUA_Analyzing_Published_Research_Guidelines_Sept20_v2 4

Assignment Section and
Required Criteria
(Points possible/% of total points available)

Highest Level of
Performance

High Level of
Performance
Satisfactory
Level of
Performance
Unsatisfactory
Level of
Performance
Section not
present in
paper

4. Instruments used, including reliability and validity.
5. How do the research findings provide evidence to support your

clinical problem, or what further evidence is needed to answer your
question?

6. Next steps: Identify two questions that can help guide the group’s

work.

Conclusion
(20 points/10%)

20 points 18 points 15 points 8 points 0 points

Required criteria
Review major findings in a summary paragraph.
1. Evidence to address your clinical problem.
2. Make a connection back to all the included sections.
3. Wrap up the assignment and give the reader something to think

about.
Includes 3
requirements for
section.
Includes 2
requirements for
section.
Includes 1
requirement for
section.
Present, yet
includes no
required criteria.
No requirements
for this section
presented.

Format
(30 points/15%)

30 points 26 points 23 points 11 points 0 points

Required criteria
1. Correct grammar and spelling
2. Include a title and reference page
3. Use of headings for each section:

o Problem
o Synthesis of the Literature

▪ Variables
▪ Methods
▪ Participants
▪ Instruments
▪ Implications for Future Work

4. Conclusion
5. Adheres to current APA formatting and guidelines
6. Includes at least two (2) scholarly, current (within 5 years) primary

sources other than the textbook
7. 3-4 pages in length excluding appendices, title and reference pages

Includes 8
requirements for
section.

Includes 7
requirements for
section.
Includes 6
requirements for
section.

Includes 5 or less
requirements for
section.

No requirements
for this section
presented.

Total Points Possible = 200 points

NR449 Evidence-Based Practice
RUA: Analyzing Published Research Guidelines

NR449_RUA_Analyzing_Published_Research_Guidelines_Sept20_v2 5

Appendix A

EVIDENCE MATRIX TABLE

Article

References

Purpose
Hypothesis

Study Question(s)

Variables
Independent(I)
Dependent(D)

Study Design
Sample
Size &

Selection

Data
Collection
Methods

Major Finding(s)

1
(SAMPLE
ARTICLE)

Smith, L. (2013). What
should I eat? A focus for
those living with diabetes.
Journal of Nursing
Education, 1(4), 111-112.

How do educational support
groups effect dietary modifications
in patients with diabetes?

D-Dietary
modifications
I-Education

Quantitative N- 18
Convenience
sample-selected
from local support
group in Pittsburgh,
PA

Focus Groups Support and education
improved compliance with
dietary modifications.

1
2
3
4
5

NR449

Evidence-Based Practice

RUA: Analyzing Published Research Guidelines

Evidence Matrix Table

References

(SAMPLE ARTICLE)

NR449 RUA: Analyzing Published Research Guidelines

Highest Level of Performance
Includes 3 requirements for section.

26 pts

High Level of Performance
Includes 2 requirements for section.

24 pts

Satisfactory Performance
Includes 1 requirement for section.

11 pts

Unsatisfactory Performance
Present, yet includes no required criteria.

0 pts

Not Present
No requirements for this section presented.

30 pts

Highest Level of Performance
Includes 7 requirements for section.

56 pts

High Level of Performance
Includes 6 requirements for section.

47 pts

Satisfactory Performance
Includes 5 requirements for section.

25 pts

Unsatisfactory Performance
Includes 4 or less requirements for section.

0 pts

Not Present
No requirements for this section presented.

60 pts

60 pts

Highest Level of Performance
Includes 3 requirements for section.

18 pts

High Level of Performance
Includes 2 requirements for section.

15 pts

Satisfactory Performance
Includes 1 requirement for section.

8 pts

Unsatisfactory Performance
Present, yet includes no required criteria.

0 pts

Not Present
No requirements for this section presented.

20 pts

30 pts

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