WEEK TWO

Research Process

The systematic sequence of steps followed to conduct research.

Paradigm

A framework of beliefs and theories that shape a researcher's view of the world.

Research Question

The specific question a researcher aims to answer through their study.

Quantitative Approach

A research method focusing on quantifying data and statistical analysis.

Qualitative Approach

A research method focused on understanding human behavior and experiences through detailed descriptions.

Description

Systematic observation aimed at depicting a phenomenon.

Explanation

The exploration of relationships and differences between groups.

Prediction

Investigating cause and effect relationships to forecast outcomes.

Control

Assessing the effectiveness of interventions.

Framework

A structured approach to guide understanding of a phenomenon.

Conceptual Framework

A structure created by the researcher to guide and organize the study.

Theoretical Framework

A structure that guides research based on existing theories.

Theory

A set of interrelated concepts explaining or predicting phenomena.

Inductive Reasoning

A logical process where generalizations are derived from specific observations.

Deductive Reasoning

A logical process where hypotheses are derived from a general theory.

Models

Symbolic representations illustrating relationships among concepts.

Levels of Abstraction

Different degrees of generality in conceptualization.

Variable

A defined concept or property that can take different values.

Concept

An image or symbolic representation of an abstract idea.

Conceptual Definition

Definition of a concept in theoretical terms.

Operational Definition

Specifies how a concept will be measured in research.

Critiquing Framework

A method of evaluating the clarity and relevance of research frameworks.

Clinical Questions

Questions posed by consumers to guide clinical practice.

Research Questions

Fundamental questions posed by researchers about a topic of interest.

Population

A well-defined set of individuals who share specific characteristics.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured in response to changes in an independent variable.

Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated to determine its effect on the dependent variable.

Testability

The ability to measure research questions quantitatively.

Hypothesis

A formal statement predicting the relationship between two or more variables.

Research Hypothesis

A statement predicting a specific relationship among variables.

Statistical Hypothesis

The null hypothesis asserting no relationship between variables.

Directional Hypothesis

A hypothesis predicting the specific direction of the relationship between variables.

Nondirectional Hypothesis

A hypothesis predicting a difference without specifying a direction.

Simple Hypothesis

A hypothesis addressing the relationship between two variables.

Complex Hypothesis

A hypothesis addressing relationships involving three or more variables.

Critiquing Research Questions

Evaluating the clarity, relationship, and testability of research questions.

Clinical Question Example

Example: Does the use of pain diaries in palliative care patients lead to improved pain control?

Research Question Example

Example: What is the effect of an educational intervention on the quality of verbal interactions between nursing staff and patients?

Causal Hypothesis

A hypothesis indicating that one variable causes changes in another.

Associative Hypothesis

A hypothesis indicating a relationship between variables without causation.

Guides Practice and Research

The relationship between theory, practice, and research contributing to nursing knowledge.

Framework Consistency

Assessing if the research framework aligns with nursing perspectives and standards.

Variable Change Relations

Investigating how changes in one variable impact another variable.

Evaluation of Findings

Examining study results in the context of the applied framework.

Research Design Implications

The influence of study goals and objectives on the research design.

Population Specification

Describing the group being studied in the research question.