I agree with the nature of Steve Simon's advice on Teresa Benson's question, and would like to add a suggestion that teaching critical appraisal might best be approached following the three questions emphasized in Abramson's "Making Sense of Data" books. In short, when looking at any display or report, one is to ask in this order:
1. What, exactly, do the data represent (no guesses or assumptions allowed);
2. What are all possible interpretations;
3. What else, if anything else, is needed to make a decision.
No study is perfect, readers with different purposes may set different levels of quality requirements for studies reviewed as potential evidence, and many studies are useful within reasonable limits to interpretation if one can recognize those limits. The approach advocated by Abramson's self-directed learning book tends to emphasize that middle ground.
David.
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David Birnbaum, PhD, MPH
Adjunct Professor
School of Nursing & School of Population and Public Health
University of British Columbia
Principal, Applied Epidemiology
British Columbia, Canada
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