Study Guide for Exam 2: Quantitative Research & Evidence-Based Practice

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to quantitative and qualitative research, critical appraisal, evidence-based practice, and clinical guidelines.

Evidence-Based Practice

Best practice evidence from quantitative studies measuring treatment effectiveness, risk, and outcomes.

Critical Appraisal

Assessment of a study's design strength, adequacy of sample size, similarity of participants to patients, and practical applicability of results.

Descriptive Research

Describes the sample without testing hypotheses; includes measures such as mean, standard deviation, and length of stay.

Inferential Research

Tests relationships or differences between data; employs statistical methods such as T-tests and ANOVA.

P values

Indicates statistical significance; a value of < 0.005 suggests strong evidence against the null hypothesis.

Hypothesis Testing

Process of identifying a hypothesis, comparing group interventions, evaluating p-values, and determining if results support or refute the hypothesis.

Mixed Methods Research

A research approach integrating both quantitative and qualitative data to capture breadth and depth.

Qualitative Research Characteristics

Involves natural settings, researcher as key instrument, emergent designs, and focuses on participant meaning.

Bracketing

The practice of researchers setting aside personal beliefs to minimize bias in qualitative research.

Data Saturation

The point in qualitative research when no new information emerges from data collection.

Convenience Sampling

A method of sampling involving easy access volunteers, often leading to economic advantages.

Snowball Sampling

A technique where existing participants recruit additional subjects for the study.

Grounded Theory Sampling

Selecting participants based on the ability to optimally develop theory within a grounded theory framework.

Reflexivity

Awareness of potential personal bias and reflection on experiences throughout the research process.

Trustworthiness in Qualitative Research

Includes credibility, dependability, confirmability, transferability, and authenticity of qualitative findings.

Systematic Reviews

Rigorous synthesis of research evidence structured to answer a focused research question.

Meta-analysis

A quantitative method that combines results from multiple studies to enhance overall statistical power.

Clinical Practice Guidelines

Recommendations derived from systematic reviews aimed at standardizing care and improving patient outcomes.

Electronic Health Record (EHR)

A comprehensive, interoperable health record that follows patients across multiple healthcare facilities.

Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS)

Systems providing real-time alerts, reminders, and evidence-based recommendations to enhance clinical decision-making.

Ambient Listening

AI technology that listens to clinical encounters to draft structured documentation.