Nursing Research

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts and terminology from the video on nursing research.

Research

A problem-solving process; a systematic, intensive study directed toward full scientific knowledge of the subject and the search for new facts and relationships.

Qualitative Research

A research approach that evaluates subjective experiences and aims to understand phenomena from an individual's perspective; uses methods like observation, in-depth interviews, case studies, and narrative analyses; data are non-numerical and analysis is narrative.

Quantitative Research

A vigorous, systematic, and objective method in which phenomena are measured and represented numerically; involves measurement, hypothesis testing, data analysis, and statistical tests (e.g., T tests, Chi-square) with bias control.

Exploratory Research

Provides a scientific basis for nursing, develops tools for evaluating interventions, and helps identify areas of need in nursing practice.

Descriptive Research

Aims to describe systematically a situation, service, phenomenon, or program and often uses surveys, assessments, and evaluations.

Correlational Studies

Studies that determine the extent of relationships between two or more variables and identify associations between aspects of a situation.

Experimental Studies

Investigations that explore cause-and-effect by manipulating an experimental variable and using control groups to isolate effects.

Evidence-Based Practice

Using the best available clinical evidence to guide patient care decisions, describing and predicting aspects of nursing situations, and aiming to improve outcomes.

Conceptual Phase

The initial stage of the research process: formulating and delimiting the problem, reviewing related literature, defining the theoretical framework, and proposing a research question or hypothesis.

Design & Planning Phase

Phase where you choose the study design, identify the population, plan sampling, define measurement methods, develop and validate instruments, and plan pilot testing.

Empirical Phase

Stage in which data are collected through observation, measurement, or experimentation.

Analytical Phase

Stage in which data are analyzed and interpreted to draw conclusions and implications.

Dissemination Phase

Stage in which research findings are communicated to the relevant audience.

Theoretical Framework

A set of theories and assumptions guiding the study, justifying the chosen methodology, and supported by existing literature.

Research Design

The overall plan for conducting the study; specifies the type of data needed, data sources, and how the research will be carried out.

Data Source

The origin of data: respondents/participants, unit of analysis, sample size, and sampling procedure.

Data Collection Instrument

Tools used to collect data (e.g., questionnaires, interview protocols); justification, pilot testing, and evidence of reliability/validity.

Data Gathering Procedure

The steps or techniques used to collect data, including settings, sequence, and ethical considerations (e.g., ethics approval).

Data Treatment and Analysis

Statistical or qualitative methods used to analyze data; justification of tools; includes software like SPSS or Atlas.ti and, for qualitative work, coding and pattern discovery.

Working Title

A concise label for the research proposal (often 15 words or fewer) that accurately describes the topic and includes key terms.

Rationale

The justification for the study; identifies the gap or problem in current research and explains why addressing it is important.

Key Research Questions

Central questions (or hypotheses) the study seeks to answer, aligned with the objectives and rationale.

SMART Objectives

Objectives that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound; written in clear, operational terms with action verbs.

Background Context/Literature Review

Review of the historic and current state of research to situate the study, summarize what is known, identify gaps, and provide critical insights.

Paradigm

A world view or general perspective guiding inquiry; involves ontologic (nature of reality) and epistemologic (nature of knowledge) considerations; includes Positivist, Naturalistic, Quantitative, and Qualitative paradigms.

Positivist Paradigm

Assumes an objective reality that operates by real causes; findings are not influenced by the researcher; emphasis on objectivity and disciplined, measurable procedures.

Naturalistic (Constructivist) Paradigm

Reality is multiple and subjective; knowledge is constructed by individuals through interaction; findings arise from the research process itself; values and subjectivity are acknowledged.

Reliability

Consistency of a measurement or instrument across time and items; a key component of instrument quality.

Validity

The extent to which an instrument measures what it is intended to measure; supported by evidence and theory.

Ethics Approval

Formal approval from an ethics review board prior to data collection to protect participants and ensure responsible conduct of research.

Review of Literature

Systematic examination of existing research and theory related to the topic to provide context, justify the study, and identify gaps.