Research report appraisal: How much understanding is enough?

Lipscomb, Martin

Abstract

When appraising research papers, how much understanding is enough? More specifically, in deciding whether the results of research can be used to inform practice, do appraisers need to substantively understand how findings are derived or is it sufficient simply to grasp that suitable analytic techniques were chosen and used by researchers? This paper explores an important but under examined aspect of research report appraisal. It is suggested that if – prior to use – a significant degree of understanding is required by appraisers of the processes that produce research findings, then assumptions about appraiser competence and the feasibility of current UK conceptions of evidence based practice are destabilized.

Citation

Lipscomb, M. (2013, September). Research report appraisal: How much understanding is enough?. Paper presented at Genes, Neurons, and Nurses: Implications of 21st Century Science for Nursing Care at 17th Annual International Philosophy of Nursing Conference in association with the International Philosophy of Nursing Society, Emory University - Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Atlanta, USA

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: Genes, Neurons, and Nurses: Implications of 21st Century Science for Nursing Care at 17th Annual International Philosophy of Nursing Conference in association with the International Philosophy of Nursing Society
• Conference Location: Emory University - Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Atlanta, USA
• Start Date: Sep 7, 2013
• End Date: Sep 9, 2013
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/927918
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : Genes, Neurons, and Nurses: Implications of 21st Century Science for Nursing Care