1. Was there a clear statement of the aims of the research?

2. Is a quantitative/qualitative methodology appropriate?

3. Sampling Strategy
a) From where was the sample selected and why?
b) Who was selected and why?
c) How were they selected and why?
d) Was the sample size justified?
e) Is it clear why some participants chose not to take part?
f) Was the sampling strategy appropriate to address the aims?
4. Data collection
a) Where the setting of the data collection was, and why that setting was chosen?
b) How the data were collected and why?
c) How the data were recorded and why?
d) If the methods were modified during the process and why?
e) Were the data collected in a way that addresses the research issue?
5. Data analysis
a) How the analysis was done?
b) Was the data analysis sufficiently rigorous?
6. Research partnership relations
a) If the researchers critically examined their role, potential bias and influence?
b) Where the data collected and why that setting was chosen?
c) How the research was explained to the participants?
d) If the relationship between researchers and participants had been adequately
considered?
7. Findings
8. Justification of data interpretation
a) Is there sufficient data presented to support the findings?
b) Do the researchers explain how the data presented in the paper were selected from the
original sample?
9. Transferability
10. Relevance and usefulness
a) In terms of addressing the research aim?
b) In terms of contributing something new to understanding / new insight / different
perspective?
c) In terms of suggesting further research?
d) In terms of impacting on policy / practice?
e) How relevant is the research? How important are these findings to practice?