NURS 344 - Quiz #1

Research

Systematic inquiry that uses disciplined methods to answer questions and solve problems

Basic Research

Extends the base of knowledge of a discipline. Produces more knowledge for the discipline and can develop theories

Applied Research

Purpose is to find answers/solutions to practical problems. Research that has application to clinical practice

Descriptive Research

Focuses on context. Describes people's characteristics, circumstances, and/or the frequency with which certain phenomena occur

Explanatory Research

An exploratory approach usually used for a problem that was not studied before in-depth. Helps researchers understand the problem better. Can generate operational definitions

Predictive Research

Focuses on forecasting outcomes, initiating preventive measures

Goals for Nursing Research

1. Promote evidence informed nursing practice
2. Ensure credibility of the nursing profession
3. Provide accountability for nursing practice
4. Document the cost effectiveness of nursing care

Deductive Reasoning

The process of developing specific predictions (hypotheses) from general principles or theories

Hypothesis is formed and THEN tested to see if it is true

Inductive Reasoning

The process of reasoning from specific observations to more broad general rules. Inductive reasoning can produce theory.

Does not test theories

Design the study

Select a design/conceptual frame.
Identify sample & setting
Decide data collection method

Conduct the study

Obtain ethical approval
Recruit Sample
Collect data

Analyze the data

Apply method of analysis

Interpret the findings

Interpret findings
Discuss implications for nursing and further research

Disseminate the findings

Knowledge transfer

The Research approach

Refers to the philosophical perspective or paradigm (i.e., worldview or lens) about what constitutes reality and the type of data that provide the best evidence of that reality

Quantitative Research

Based on the perspective that reality is objective and can be measured

Produces numerical/statistical data

Qualitative Research

Based on the perspective that reality is subjective and best represented or revealed by collection of narrative data and thematic analysis of those data

Produces narrative data

Paradigm

Sets of beliefs and practices, shared by communities of researchers that Guide the knowledge development process

Positivism/Postpositivism

Determinism
Reductionism
Empirical observation and measurement
Theory verification

Constructivism

Understanding
Multiple participant meanings
Social and historical construction
Theory generation

Transformative

Political
Power & Justice oriented
Collaborative
Change-oriented

Pragmatism

Consequences of actions
Problem-centered
Pluralistic
Real-world practice oriented

Naturalism / Constructivism
(Perceived View)

Subjectivity is valued
Multiple realities
Context is emphasized
Value-laden
Qualitative
Aim of research is to describe, understand
Researcher is an active participant

Post-positivistism
(Received View)

Objectivism is valued
One reality
Context is minimized
Value-free
Quantitative
Aim of research is to describe, explain, predict or control
Researcher is neutral

Quantitative Paradigm

Positivist/Postpositivist
Deductive
Identified concepts are investigated for relationships
Tests/explores relationships among concepts
Accepts or rejects proposed theory or hypotheses
Reality is objective and universal

Qualitative Paradigm

Constructivist (interpretive)
Inductive
Identifies concepts
Describes a situation, develops theories
Illuminates a situation or concept, builds theory
Reality is subjective and individually or socially constructed

Mixed Methods Research

Researcher designs and implements a study, then analyzes the data using both quantitative and qualitative methods

Empirical Research Article

Defined as research based on observed and measured phenomena

Primary Source

Written by person who developed the theory or conducted the research

Secondary Source

Scholarly material written by someone other than the individual who conducted the research or developed the theory

Welfare

The quality of a person's experience of life in all its aspects

Justice

The obligation to treat people fairly and equitably

Scientific Misconduct

Fabrication
Falsification
Plagiarism

Criteria of Problem Statements

Researchability
Feasibility
Significance

Purpose of Quantitative Research

Identifies key study variables
Identifies possible relationships among variables
Indicates the population of interest
Suggests, through use of verbs, the nature of the inquiry (e.g. to test, to compare, to evaluate)

Purpose of Qualitative Research

Identifies central phenomenon
Indicates the research tradition (e.g. phenomenology, ethnography)
Indicates the group, community, setting of interest
Suggests, through use of verbs, the nature of the inquiry (e.g. to describe, to discover, to explore)

Characteristic of Research Questions

1. Questions, not statements
2. Simplicity - precise and specific
3. Action-oriented
4. Provide directions for action

Exploratory/Descriptive

One variable/phenomenon and one population topic

Correlational/Comparative

A minimum of two variables

Quasi-experimental/Experimental

Must be two variables that specify a cause and effect

Research Questions Should Be...

F = feasible
I = interesting
N = novel
E = ethical
R = relevant

PICO Stands for...

P - Population, problem and /or participants
I - Intervention
C - Comparison or control
O - Outcome

Criteria for a Hypothesis

Written in a declarative sentence
Written in present tense
Must contain:
- the population
- the variables
- the expected outcome (relationship between/among variables)
Reflect the problem statement, purpose statement, or research question
Empirically testable

Non-directional Hypothesis

State an assumption or prediction that a relationship exists between variables

Does not state whether the effect is positive or negative

Highlighted by verbs such as influence, alter, change, or effect

Directional Hypothesis

More specific

Predicts relationship and direction of relationship

Generally contain the words positive or negative when describing changes or effects

The Null Hypothesis (H0)

Expresses the absence of a relationship
Statistical hypothesis
It is used for statistical testing and interpretation
The null hypothesis is not always clearly stated in a research report
It may be implied as it is the opposite of the research hypothesis (alternate hypothesis)
It can be simple or complex, associative or causal

When is the null hypothesis rejected?

The null hypothesis is "rejected" if analysis of the data indicates a relationship between the variables

Alternative Hypothesis

States the actual prediction of a relationship between variables
Simple
Complex