Findings and interpretation

• Are the findings based in the evidence presented, or do they draw inferences based on external material or opinion? If so, is this clearly stated?

• Do the conclusions/findings make sense and have a coherent logic?

• Does the research explain key concepts and definitions that it employs?

• Does the research address the aims and objectives as set out in the brief or as redefined during the study?

• What is the scope for drawing wider inferences from the findings and how well is this explained?

• Is there any reason to think that the evidence presented here may not be applicable in other contexts or not apply to particular groups of people? (e.g. urban/rural; men/women)

• Is there any reason to think that important contextual or other factors may have altered since the research was undertaken?

Research design, sampling and data collection

• Is the case made for different features of the research design to meet the aims of the study?

• Were the research methods used appropriate to the questions being asked?

• How appropriate is the sample design or selection of cases?

• Were the methods conducted properly – is there information on how the approaches were implemented? (e.g. response rates for surveys, sampling information, copy of questionnaires/questions used).

Analysis

• Has comprehensive, appropriate and accurate analysis been conducted?

• Are the issues considered from a range of perspectives?

Reporting and action

• How clear and coherent is the reporting?

• Is there a clear link between the data, interpretation and conclusions?

• Are the key messages highlighted and summarised?

• Are the research outputs presented in an appropriate format for the audiences?

• Does the research identify the implications for practical action in terms of service delivery?

Reflexivity and objectivity

• Are the assumptions, theoretical perspectives and values that have shaped the research made explicit?

• Is there evidence of openness to new and alternative ways of viewing the subject?

• Is there awareness of the limitations of the approach, methods and evidence and discussion of possible bias?

Ethics and access

• Were appropriate ethical guidelines adhered to? (eg. confidentiality, anonymity, informed consent)

• Is there evidence of sensitivity to the particular context and participants?

• Did the research make provision to enable the participation of all relevant parties?

• Did the researchers have sufficient level and type of experience to undertake the research?

Audit

• Has the research process been well-documented?

• Is there documentation and discussion of changes to the research design?

• Are the main study documents included?