I’m supposed to do an appraisal of a research study, so I’ve attached the actual questions I need answered as well as a copy of the article.

What kind of sampling strategy was used? Did they describe in detail how they obtained (recruited) the sample?

B. Is the sampling design likely to produce a representative sample?

C. What were the inclusion/exclusion criteria, if any were specified?

D. Did the researchers conduct a power analysis? If so, how many subjects were needed, and did the researchers obtain the correct number?

E. Given the type of design and number of variables, was the number of subjects sufficient if no power analysis was performed?

F. Did the researchers indicate the response rate if a questionnaire was distributed to subjects to complete? What effect does the rate have on the results?

G. What were the characteristics of the study’s sample group?

H. To what population can the findings be applied?