Nursing Research - Quick Reference
Sources of Knowledge
- Superstition
- Intuition
- Authority
- Tenacity
- Agreement with Others
- Rationalism
- Empiricism
- Scientific Method
Definitions of Research
- Parel (1973): Systematic study or investigation of something for the purpose of answering the questions posed by the researcher.
- Good and Scates (1972): Continuous discovery and exploration of the unknown.
- Kerlinger (1973): Systematic, controlled, empirical and critical investigation of hypothetical propositions about the presumed relations among natural phenomena.
- Best (1981): Systematic and objective analysis and recording of controlled observations that may lead to the development of generalizations, principles, or theories resulting in the prediction and possibly the ultimate control of events.
Characteristics of Research
- Directed toward solving a problem
- Develops generalizations, principles or theories for predicting future occurrences
- Based on observable empirical evidence
- Requires accurate observation and description
- Gathers new data from primary sources or uses existing data for a new purpose
- Uses carefully designed procedures applying rigorous analysis
- Requires expertise
- Strives to be objective and logical
- Quest for answers to unsolved problems
- Patient and unhurried activity
- Carefully recorded and reported
- Sometimes requires courage
Research Process
- Selecting a Problem
- Formulating Hypotheses
- Reviewing the literature
- Listing the Measures
- Describing the Subjects
- Constructing a Research Design
- Data Analysis
- Conclusion
- Writing the Research Report
Classification of Research by Goal
- Pure or Basic research: search for new knowledge; establishing fundamental theories or relationships; not intended for immediate use; advances scientific knowledge.
- Applied Research: seeks new applications of scientific knowledge in solving a problem, making a decision, developing or evaluating a program, procedure or product.
- Action Research: study of a certain problem; decisions, actions and conclusions drawn; findings limited to settings actually studied.
Classification of Research by Type of Research Methods
- Qualitative
- Meaning: Develops understanding on human and social sciences, to find the way people think and feel
- Nature: Holistic
- Approach: Exploratory
- Reasoning: Inductive
- Sampling: Purposive
- Data: Verbal
- Quantitative
- Meaning: Generates numerical data and hard facts, by employing statistical, logical and mathematical techniques
- Nature: Particularistic
- Approach: Conclusive
- Reasoning: Deductive
- Sampling: Random
- Data: Numerical
- Basis for Comparison (Qualitative vs Quantitative)
- Inquiry: Process-oriented vs Result-oriented
- Hypothesis: Generated vs Tested
- Elements of analysis: Words, pictures and objects vs Numerical data
- Objective: To explore and discover ideas used in the ongoing processes vs To examine cause and effect relationship between variables
- Methods: Non-structured techniques (e.g., in-depth interviews, group discussions) vs Structured techniques (e.g., surveys, questionnaires, observations)
- Results: Develop initial understanding vs Recommends final course of action
Selecting a Research Problem (Good and Scates, 1954)
- External Criteria: Novelty and avoidance of unnecessary duplication; Availability of data and choice method; Practical value of the problem; Institutional or administrative cooperation.
- Personal Criteria: Interest in the Problem; Training and special qualification; Time; Cost
Sources of Problem (Good and Scates, 1954)
- Specialization
- Analysis of an area of knowledge
- Consideration of existing practices and needs
- Repetition or extension of investigation
- Off-shoots of studies under way
Characteristics of a Good Research Problem
- Feasible: can be investigated without expending undue time, energy, or money
- Clear: key words in the question are well defined
- Significant: will contribute important knowledge about the human condition
- Ethical: will not involve harm to humans or to the environment