Critical Appraisal Worksheet Example

CHUMP Study Abstract
Chocolate Happiness Undergoing More Pleasantness
The CHUMP study was designed to compare the effects
of dark chocolate, milk chocolate and normal chocolate
consumption on happiness. Although the intention-totreat
analysis showed that participants who received
either dark or milk chocolate were happier than those
who received no additional chocolate, the actualconsumption
analysis showed that there were no
differences between any of the groups. The reason for
this result is that many participants switched groups midstudy
because of their personal chocolate preferences.
Chan J. A clinical trial gone awry: the Chocolate Happiness Undergoing More
Pleasantness (CHUMP) study. CMAJ. 2007 Dec 4;177(12):1539-41.

CHUMP Study
Donna Timm
Yes, follow-up was
complete, with an additional
36 adults joining the study.
(p. 1539)
Randomized into 3 study
groups:
Group 1 - 1 dark
chocolate bar each day
Group 2 - 1 milk
chocolate bar each day
Group 3 – No additional
chocolate; however, they
continued with their
normal chocolate-eating
habits. (p. 1539)

Expanded Critical Appraisal Worksheet
Intention-to-treat analysis
and the “actual-consumption”
analysis are presented in
Table 2. (p. 1540)
No significant differences
See Table 1. (p. 1540)
Started as double-blinded clinical trial, BUT those
in control group raided chocolate of those in the
interventional arms. (pp. 1539-40)
No! Some stole extra treats
from their kids! (p. 1540)
ZERO VALIDITY!