🩹Professionalism and Research in Nursing Unit 8 – Research Methods: Quantitative & Qualitative

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Research involves systematic investigation to establish facts, solve problems, or advance knowledge in a particular field
• Quantitative research focuses on numerical data, statistical analysis, and objective measurements to test hypotheses and draw conclusions
• Qualitative research explores subjective experiences, perceptions, and meanings through non-numerical data (interviews, observations)
• Variables are characteristics or attributes that can be measured or manipulated in a study
  • Independent variables are manipulated by the researcher to observe their effect on the dependent variable
  • Dependent variables change in response to the manipulation of the independent variable
• Hypotheses are testable predictions about the relationship between variables in a study
• Sampling refers to the process of selecting a subset of a population to represent the entire group in a study
  • Probability sampling uses random selection, giving each member of the population an equal chance of being included (simple random sampling, stratified random sampling)
  • Non-probability sampling does not involve random selection and may be based on convenience, purposive selection, or other criteria (convenience sampling, snowball sampling)

Types of Research Methods

• Experimental research involves manipulating one or more independent variables to observe their effect on a dependent variable while controlling for other factors
  • Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard for experimental research in healthcare
• Non-experimental research does not involve the manipulation of variables and focuses on observing and describing phenomena
  • Descriptive research aims to systematically describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon (surveys, case studies)
  • Correlational research investigates the relationship between two or more variables without implying causation
• Mixed-methods research combines both quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a research problem
• Longitudinal research involves collecting data from the same participants over an extended period to observe changes or patterns over time
• Cross-sectional research collects data from participants at a single point in time to provide a snapshot of a population or phenomenon

Quantitative Research Techniques

• Surveys and questionnaires are structured instruments used to collect data from a large sample of participants
  • Likert scales are commonly used in surveys to measure attitudes or opinions on a continuum (strongly agree to strongly disagree)
• Experiments involve manipulating an independent variable to observe its effect on a dependent variable while controlling for other factors
  • Control groups do not receive the intervention or treatment being tested, serving as a baseline for comparison
  • Experimental groups receive the intervention or treatment being tested
• Quasi-experiments are similar to experiments but lack random assignment of participants to groups
• Observational studies involve collecting data through direct observation of participants without manipulating variables
• Meta-analyses combine and analyze data from multiple studies to provide a more comprehensive and robust understanding of a research question

Qualitative Research Approaches

• Phenomenology explores the lived experiences and subjective perceptions of individuals regarding a particular phenomenon
• Grounded theory aims to develop a theory based on the systematic analysis of qualitative data
  • Constant comparative method involves continuously comparing new data with existing categories to refine the emerging theory
• Ethnography involves immersing oneself in a particular culture or community to gain an in-depth understanding of their beliefs, behaviors, and experiences
• Case studies provide a detailed examination of a single case or a small number of cases to gain insights into a particular phenomenon
• Narrative research focuses on the stories and narratives of individuals to understand their experiences and the meanings they assign to them

Data Collection Strategies

• Interviews are one-on-one conversations between a researcher and a participant to gather in-depth information about their experiences, perceptions, or opinions
  • Structured interviews follow a predetermined set of questions asked in a specific order
  • Semi-structured interviews have a general guide but allow for flexibility in the order and phrasing of questions
  • Unstructured interviews are more conversational and allow the participant to guide the direction of the discussion
• Focus groups involve a small group of participants discussing a specific topic or issue, guided by a moderator
• Observations involve the researcher systematically watching and recording behaviors, interactions, or events in a natural setting
• Document analysis involves examining existing documents (medical records, policies, or personal journals) to gather data relevant to the research question
• Field notes are detailed records of observations, conversations, and reflections made by the researcher during data collection

Analyzing and Interpreting Data

• Quantitative data analysis involves using statistical methods to summarize, describe, and draw conclusions from numerical data
  • Descriptive statistics summarize and describe the main features of a dataset (mean, median, mode, standard deviation)
  • Inferential statistics use sample data to make generalizations or predictions about a larger population (t-tests, ANOVA, regression analysis)
• Qualitative data analysis involves organizing, interpreting, and drawing insights from non-numerical data
  • Thematic analysis identifies patterns or themes within the data and organizes them into categories
  • Content analysis systematically codes and quantifies the presence of certain words, themes, or concepts within the data
• Triangulation involves using multiple data sources, methods, or researchers to enhance the credibility and validity of the findings
• Member checking involves sharing the researcher's interpretations with participants to ensure accuracy and credibility
• Reflexivity requires researchers to acknowledge and critically examine their own biases, assumptions, and influence on the research process

Ethical Considerations in Nursing Research

• Informed consent ensures that participants are fully informed about the purpose, risks, and benefits of the study and voluntarily agree to participate
  • Capacity to consent refers to the participant's ability to understand the information provided and make an informed decision
• Confidentiality involves protecting participants' identities and ensuring that their data cannot be linked to them
• Anonymity goes a step further by ensuring that even the researcher cannot link the data to specific participants
• Beneficence requires researchers to maximize the potential benefits of the study while minimizing harm to participants
• Non-maleficence obligates researchers to avoid causing harm or injury to participants
• Justice ensures that the benefits and burdens of the research are distributed fairly among participants and that no group is unfairly excluded or exploited

Applying Research to Nursing Practice

• Evidence-based practice (EBP) integrates the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to guide healthcare decision-making
• Translational research aims to "translate" basic scientific findings into practical applications that improve patient care and outcomes
• Quality improvement (QI) initiatives use research findings to identify areas for improvement in healthcare processes and implement changes to enhance patient care
• Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are evidence-based recommendations that provide guidance on the appropriate treatment and management of specific health conditions
• Dissemination involves sharing research findings with a wider audience (healthcare professionals, policymakers, or the general public) through publications, presentations, or other means
• Implementation science focuses on understanding and addressing the barriers to the adoption and integration of research findings into routine healthcare practice