Test Your Knowledge: Stylistic Appropriateness

Question 1

1. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) exerts a cardioprotective function.

A (Appropriate for a research lit review)
B (Inappropriate for a research lit review)

Answer 1

ANSWER:
B (Inappropriate for a research lit review)
The assertion needs to be backed up with evidence—i.e., there should be a citation to one or more studies or a systematic review, and tentative language is needed.

Question 2

2. Several studies have found a relationship between depression and memory loss in elderly populations (Hill, 2016; Smith, 2015; Walsh, 2015).

A (Appropriate for a research lit review)
B (Inappropriate for a research lit review)

Answer 2

ANSWER:
A (Appropriate for a research lit review)
The sentence states what has been FOUND in several studies, and those studies are cited.

Question 3

3. People with multiple sclerosis have a low perceived quality of life.

A (Appropriate for a research lit review)
B (Inappropriate for a research lit review)

Answer 3

ANSWER:
B (Inappropriate for a research lit review)
The assertion needs to be backed up with evidence—i.e., there should be a citation to one or more studies or a systematic review, and tentative language is needed.

Question 4

4. Women who suppress their anger tend to have high blood pressure.

A (Appropriate for a research lit review)
B (Inappropriate for a research lit review)

Answer 4

ANSWER:
B (Inappropriate for a research lit review)
The assertion needs to be backed up with evidence—i.e., there should be a citation to one or more studies or a systematic review, and tentative language is needed.

Question 5

5. A systematic review suggests that the amount of information parents give children prior to surgery affects children’s coping (Jones, 2016).

A (Appropriate for a research lit review)
B (Inappropriate for a research lit review)

Answer 5

ANSWER:
A (Appropriate for a research lit review)
The sentence states what has been FOUND in a systematic review, and it is cited.