Wilson, F., Brown, D., Stephens-Ferris, M. (2006). Can easy-to-read immunization information increase knowledge in urban low-income mothers. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 21(1), 4-12. doi:10.1016/j.pedn.2005.06.003

Aspect of the Report
Critiquing Questions
Student Assessment
Title
 Is the title a good one, succinctly suggesting key variables and the study population?
The title is sufficiently brief yet describes key variables such as immunization information, urban-low income mothers, increased knowledge and easy-to-read dictates level of skill required.
Abstract
 Does the abstract clearly and concisely summarize the main features of the report (problem, methods, results, conclusions)?
The abstract clearly and concisely summarizes
Population and sample
 Was the population identified and described? Was the sample described in sufficient detail?
 Was the best possible sampling design used to enhance the sample’s representativeness? Were sample biases minimized?
 Was the sample size adequate? Was a power analysis used to estimate sample size needs? The population sample was described and identified as fifty-four mothers from four urban public health centers in the Midwest with children younger than 2 years of age. The population is described using age (18-52), income (unemployed -15,000), ethnicity (all African American), and each must have a child or children younger than 2 years of age. The characteristics were utilized by staff in selecting sample participants at each clinic. This leads into the question of “was the best possible sampling design used?” The title of the report identifies that easy to read immunization information is studied and the data used to find indicators of schedule adherence in mothers. Research reports on adults exist to show that income level and education play a role. Based on this alone, the selection of mothers for the study should account for these characteristics and would suggest a “representativeness” design. The report indicated public health centers in the Midwest were used; however, to more adequately represent the population, a multiregional sampling would be recommended. The