Qualitative Research in Nursing: Key Concepts and Steps

What is qualitative research?

Systematic, interactive, experience-based research that gives meaning to human phenomena and is discovery-oriented, explanatory, descriptive, and interpretive.

What are the three main disciplinary traditions for qualitative nursing research?

1. Grounded Theory: Understanding social-psychological processes (How). 2. Phenomenology: Understanding lived experiences (What). 3. Ethnography: Understanding patterns in social-cultural contexts (What).

What is the purpose of a theory in research?

A theory is an abstract explanation of some aspect of the world, showing relationships between concepts, and is relevant in both qualitative and quantitative research.

How does qualitative research differ from quantitative research in terms of relationships?

Qualitative research focuses on patterns of association or influence without establishing cause and effect, while quantitative research examines relationships between independent and dependent variables.

What are the main steps in conducting qualitative research?

1. Review of the literature 2. Study design 3. Sample 4. Setting: recruitment and data collection 5. Data collection 6. Data analysis 7. Findings 8. Conclusions.

What are the key steps in a qualitative study?

1. Conceptualizing and planning the study 2. Identifying a problem 3. Literature review 4. Selecting a site 5. Designing the study 6. Ethical concerns 7. Conducting the study 8. Interpreting findings.

What is the design and planning phase in qualitative research?

It involves selecting a research design, developing the intervention protocol, identifying the study population, determining sampling plans, and planning for ethical concerns.

What occurs during the empirical phase of qualitative research?

Data collection and preparation of data for analysis (coding).

What is the analytic phase in qualitative research?

Interpreting the findings in light of previous research and considering implications for practice and future research.

What is the dissemination phase in qualitative research?

Communicating the findings and using them in practice.

Can you provide an example of a qualitative study using phenomenology?

Suffering in silence: The experience of early memory loss.

Can you provide an example of a qualitative study using grounded theory?

Facing children suffering from physical abuse: The decision-making process of non-abusing caregivers.

Can you provide an example of a qualitative study using ethnography?

Encounters with a difference: Mental health nurses and indigenous Australian users of mental health services.

What is the significance of understanding research terminology for RNs?

It is crucial for effective use of research and critical appraisal.

How does practicing critical appraisal benefit RNs?

It makes them more familiar with research terminology and improves their ability to evaluate studies.

What is knowledge translation in the context of qualitative research?

It involves disseminating findings and applying them in practice.

What ethical concerns must be addressed in qualitative research?

Protecting human rights and ensuring ethical treatment of participants.

What does the term 'lived experience' refer to in qualitative research?

It refers to the subjective experiences of individuals, often explored in phenomenological studies.

What is the role of literature review in qualitative research?

To gather existing knowledge and context regarding the identified problem.

What is the importance of sampling in qualitative research?

It determines the participants from whom data will be collected, impacting the study's validity.

What should researchers consider when selecting a site for qualitative research?

The relevance of the site to the research question and the feasibility of gaining entry.

How can qualitative research inform practice?

By providing insights into human experiences, which can guide the development of interventions and assessment tools.