Assignment:
The first article is about ‘public health' and the association of the tobacco industry with the executive of the International Society of the Built Environment.
The second article is about the health challenges being faced in the 21st century as posed by slums and cities.
The 20 check list items along with an explanation as to how each item helps us to evaluate the study:
Was the research question clearly stated? This item is important in evaluating study as it enables to determine if the outcome is clear and if the target population is properly selected.
Did the authors study an outcome? Or did they study a topic that is important for the population group? This is a question of relevance and helps evaluate a study by determining the subject of study.
Was there any bias in the selection of study subjects? This is a question of validity and helps evaluate a study in terms of the proper representation of the relevant population by the subject.
Is the procedure being used feasible? This is a question of relevance and helps evaluate a study in terms of its outcome and its feasibility.
Were the groups comparable? This is a question of validity and helps evaluate a study in terms of use of concurrent controls.
Was biases prevented by using blinding? This is a question of validity and helps evaluate a study by determining if the data collectors were blinded for outcome assessment.
Were protocols described for all factors to be studied? This is a question of validity and helps evaluate a study in terms of the detailed description of exposure factors.
Were the outcomes clearly defined? This is a question of validity and helps evaluate a study by understanding the relevance of description of primary and secondary endpoints.
Were the measurements valid and reliable? This is a question of validity and helps evaluate a study by determining if the measurements are based on a standard.
Were the data collection procedures reliable? This is a question of validity and helps evaluate a study by determining if the data collection is based on a standard.
Were the measurements conducted in a consistent manner for different groups? This is a question of validity and helps evaluate a study by determining if the measurements are based on a standard.
Was the measurement of outcomes blinded? This is a question of validity and helps evaluate a study by evaluating the presence or absence of biases.
Was the exposure amount measured? This is a question of validity and helps evaluate a study by evaluating compliance.
Were the effects measured precisely? This is a question of validity and helps evaluate a study by determining if the measurements were valid and reliable.
Were all factors accounted for that could possibly affect outcomes? This is a question of validity and helps evaluate a study by determining its level of comprehensiveness.
Are the findings of the study discussed? This is a question of validity and helps evaluate a study by analyzing the conclusions.
Are the limitations in the study process discussed? This is a question of validity and helps evaluate a study by analyzing if the limitations were taken into consideration or not.
Was there any conflict of interest? This is a question of validity and helps evaluate a study by finding bias due to funding or sponsorship.
Were the sources of funding mentioned? This is a question of validity and helps evaluate a study by finding bias due to funding or sponsorship.
Was the dependent variables studied? This is a question of relevance and helps evaluate a study by determining the relevance of common issue to the population.
Review the following two research studies.
Garne, D., Watson, M., Chapman, S., & Byrne, F. (2005). Environmental tobacco smoke research published in the journal Indoor and Built
Environment and associations with the tobacco industry. Lancet, 365(9461), 804-9.
Sclar, E. D., Garau, P., Carolini, G. (2005). The 21st century health challenge of slums and cities. Lancet, 365(9462), 901-3;