CASP Checklist: 10 questions to help you make sense of a Qualitative research
How to use this appraisal tool: Three broad issues need to be considered when appraising a qualitative study:
Are the results of the study valid?
(Section A)
What are the results?
(Section B)
Will the results help locally?
(Section C)
The 10 questions on the following pages are designed to help you think about these issues systematically. The first two questions are screening questions and can be answered quickly. If the answer to both is “yes”, it is worth proceeding with the remaining questions. There is some degree of overlap between the questions, you are asked to record a “yes”, “no” or “can’t tell” to most of the questions. A number of italicised prompts are given after each question. These are designed to remind you why the question is important. Record your reasons for your answers in the spaces provided.
About: These checklists were designed to be used as educational pedagogic tools, as part of a workshop setting, therefore we do not suggest a scoring system. The core CASP checklists (randomised controlled trial & systematic review) were based on JAMA ‘Users’ guides to the medical literature 1994 (adapted from Guyatt GH, Sackett DL, and Cook DJ), and piloted with health care practitioners.
For each new checklist, a group of experts were assembled to develop and pilot the checklist and the workshop format with which it would be used. Over the years overall adjustments have been made to the format, but a recent survey of checklist users reiterated that the basic format continues to be useful and appropriate.
Referencing: we recommend using the Harvard style citation, i.e.: Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (2018). CASP (insert name of checklist i.e. Qualitative) Checklist. [online] Available at: URL. Accessed: Date Accessed.
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Paper for appraisal and reference:
Section A: Are the results valid?
- Was there a clear Yes HINT: Consider statement of the aims of• what was the goal of the research the research? Can’t Tell • why it was thought important
• its relevance
No
Comments:
- Is a qualitative Yes HINT: Consider methodology• If the research seeks to interpret or appropriate? Can’t Tell illuminate the actions and/or subjective
experiences of research participants
No
• Is qualitative research the right methodology for addressing the research goal
Comments:
Is it worth continuing?
- Was the research Yes HINT: Consider design appropriate to• if the researcher has justified the address the aims of the Can’t Tell research design (e.g. have they research?discussed how they decided which
No method to use)
Comments:
Section C: Will the results help locally?
- How valuable is the HINT: Consider research? • If the researcher discusses the contribution the study makes to existing knowledge or understanding (e.g. do they
consider the findings in relation to current practice or policy, or relevant researchbased literature
• If they identify new areas where research is necessary • If the researchers have discussed whether or how the findings can be transferred to other populations or considered other ways the research may be used
Comments:
