Table 5.

Quantitative descriptive

Is the sampling strategy relevant to address the quantitative research question (quantitative aspect of the mixed methods question)?

Is the sample representative of the population understudy?

Are measurements appropriate (clear origin, or validity known, or standard instrument)?

Is there an acceptable response rate (60% or above)?

Quantitative randomized controlled (trials)

Is there a clear description of the randomization (or an appropriate sequence generation)?

Is there a clear description of the allocation concealment (or blinding when applicable)?

Are there complete outcome data (80% or above)?  Is there low withdrawal/drop-out (below 20%)?

Is there low withdrawal/drop-out (below 20%)?

Quantitative nonrandomized

Are participants (organizations) recruited in a way that minimizes selection bias?

Are measurements appropriate (clear origin, or validity known, or standard instrument; and absence of contamination between groups when appropriate) regarding the exposure/intervention and outcomes?

In the groups being compared (exposed vs. nonexposed; with intervention vs. without; cases vs. controls), are the participants comparable, or do researchers take into account (control for) the difference between these groups?

Are there complete outcome data (80% or above), and, when applicable, an acceptable response rate (60% or above), or an acceptable follow-up rate for cohort studies (depending on the duration of follow-up)?