Introduction to Nursing Research

Refers to research done on addressing the health concerns of clients & the application of the research in their care.

nursing research

Refers to studies on particular concerns of nurses themselves

research in nursing

The most important and most difficult step in the research process

identification of a problem

The question or difficulty that the study seek to solve

problem

Refers to the outcome being intended. The outcome which is the solution of the problem.

purpose

Criteria for choice of problems

• external criteria

• internal criteria

External criteria

1. significance of novelty of the problem

2. problem researchability

3. feasibility of the problem

• Are qualities, properties, or characteristics of people, things, events or situations under study that vary from one person to another.

• Assessed & measured quantitatively & qualitatively.

variables

Refers to phenomenon under study that varies or assume different values. The focus of the research that indicates direct of influence to what the researcher would like to discover, & not merely establishing a direct causal link between the persons, objects or things being studied.

explanatory variable

Types of explanatory variables

• independent variable

• dependent variable

• intervening variable

• moderator variable

Factors that can be manipulated & the focus of inquiry.

independent variable

The factor that is affected or influence by the independent variable.

dependent variable

Factor that exists between the IV & DV. It explains why relationship exists & bears influence the effect of the IV on the DV.

intervening variable

Factor that affects the strength or direction of the relationship b/n the IV & DV.

moderator variable

These are not the foci of the study, they tend to affect to a certain extent. These are not the direct interest of researcher, & must be controlled or eliminated in order that hypotheses can be validly tested

extraneous or exogenous variables

These are psychological, physiological & demographic factors that could affect the outcome of the study.

organismic variables

These are economic, anthropological, sociological & physical factors that influence the phenomenon under study.

environmental variables

These are factors that have different values w/c are quantitatively measured & statistically tested thru hypotheses

abstract or continuous variables

These are factors w/ only 2 values, used in comparative studies & specifically identified in the hypotheses.

dichotomous variables

These are factors w/c the researcher creates &/or manipulates. Commonly used in experimental studies

active variables

These are pre-existing characteristics of the subjects w/c the researcher simply observes & measures.

attribute variables