Studying a Study and Testing a Test aims to educate readers on how to critically appraise health research. New additions within the sixth edition include “learn more boxes” which extrapolate on various topics and provide practical examples and “mini studies” which outline common errors that may occur when conducting research and how to avoid making these errors.
The text is designed around the “M.A.A.R.I.E Framework”, the author’s mnemonic device, used to critique research studies. Using this method reminds readers of the various components to be analyzed: Method, Assignment, Assessment, Results, Interpretation, and Extrapolation. This approach helps the reader develop a systematic method of evaluating research, highlights key components which go into a study and discusses ways of detecting potential study flaws.
The strengths of this text are its readability and providing clinical examples to aid in practical application. I recommend Studying a Study & Testing a Test for any student or health care professional looking to gain a better understanding on how to critically appraise research and put those results into practice.