Please include 200 words in two answers to your peers by Saturday 23:59.
Ambury Valera
Nursing research involves a wide range of research methods that can be classified in different ways depending on the research question, population being studied, and type of data being collected. One classification system used in nursing research is based on the type of data collected, which includes quantitative and qualitative research methods. Quantitative research methods involve the collection and analysis of numerical data, while qualitative research methods focus on non-numerical data such as interviews, observations, and focus groups.
Another classification system used in nursing research is based on the research design. Experimental research designs typically involve the manipulation of one or more variables to determine the effect on an outcome. Non-experimental research designs, on the other hand, use observational methods to study existing phenomena without intervening. Descriptive research designs are used to describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon, while correlational research designs examine relationships between variables.
A third classification system used in nursing research is based on the degree of control and manipulation of variables. Experimental research designs provide a high degree of control over variables and allow for the manipulation of independent variables. Quasi-experimental research designs lack the same level of control over variables, while non-experimental designs provide no control over variables.
An example of these classification systems in action can be seen in a study by Chen et al. (2021) that used a quantitative research method to examine the effect of a nurse-led intervention on the quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study utilized a randomized control trial, which is an experimental research design that involved the manipulation of the independent variable (nurse-led intervention) to determine its effect on the dependent variable (quality of life). The study found that the nurse-led intervention significantly improved the quality of life of patients with COPD.
In another example, a qualitative research method was used by Pryor et al. (2022) to explore the experiences of nurses providing end-of-life care to patients with dementia. The study utilized semi-structured interviews with nurses to collect non-numerical data on their experiences. The study found that nurses faced numerous challenges in providing end-of-life care to patients with dementia, including ethical dilemmas and communication barriers.
In conclusion, the classification of research methodologies in nursing research can be organized in various ways, including based on the type of data collected, research design, and degree of control and manipulation of variables. Researchers should choose the appropriate research methodology for their study based on the research question, population being studied, and type of data being collected.
References
Chen, Y.-M., Li, Y.-W., & Chen, Y.-M. (2021). Effect of a nurse-led intervention on the quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 30(7–8), 1162–1171. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.15692
Pryor, J., Hall, P., & Morrison, R. S. (2022). Nurses’ experiences providing end-of-life care to patients with dementia: A qualitative study. Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing, 24(1), 56–61. https://doi.org/10.1097/NJH.0000000000000749
Isamar A Rodriguez Corbel
Advanced Nursing Inquiry and Evidence Based Practice
Dr. Idalia Martin, DNP, ANP-BC
May 20, 2023
Research methodologies used in nursing research can be classified into three main categories: qualitative methods, quantitative methods, and mixed methods approaches. Each of these broad methodological approaches has its own strengths and weaknesses that must be considered when selecting the most appropriate methodology for a particular research project.
Qualitative research involves gathering data through interviews, focus groups, or direct observations to provide rich descriptions and insights into a given phenomenon. Qualitative research is often used to explore topics such as human behavior, subjective experiences of patients or healthcare providers, and health-related decision-making processes among individuals or within communities (Brennan et al., 2016). This type of research enables researchers to deepen their understanding of complex phenomena by studying them from different perspectives. The primary advantages of qualitative research are that it can provide invaluable insights into the lived experience of participants and yield valuable data on non-numerical topics (Baker, 2018).
However, qualitative methods may also be a source of bias if researchers do not take proper steps to ensure trustworthiness and credibility of the data collected. Furthermore, results from qualitative research cannot be generalized to broader populations or extrapolated to other contexts without careful consideration (Gibson et al., 2019). For these reasons, some studies use quantitative methods in conjunction with qualitative approaches.
Quantitative research focuses on numerical data and involves collecting large amounts of structured information through questionnaires, surveys, or experiments (Keri et al., 2017). This type of research is most often used to study relationships between variables and to test hypotheses about causal mechanisms. One of the major advantages of quantitative research is that it can provide a broad overview of a particular phenomenon, allowing researchers to make statistical inferences from relatively large and representative samples (Gibson et al., 2019). However, quantitative data may lack certain important nuances or overlook the complexity of human behavior. Additionally, quantitative studies are prone to bias if not conducted properly and yield results that may be difficult to interpret (Baker, 2018).
Mixed methods approach combines qualitative and quantitative methods into one study design in order to maximize the strengths of each methodology while mitigating their respective weaknesses. This type of approach provides researchers with multiple lenses through which they can analyze a given phenomenon and allows them to draw more comprehensive conclusions than either qualitative or quantitative methods alone (Gibson et al., 2019). However, the use of mixed-methods is not without its own set of challenges. It may be difficult to reconcile different types of data into one cohesive narrative, and there must be careful consideration taken when interpreting results that are based on both qualitative and quantitative methods (Keri et al., 2017).
Overall, there are a variety of research methodologies available for exploring complex nursing research questions. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method approaches each have their own strengths and weaknesses that must be considered when selecting the most appropriate methodology for a particular research project. All researchers should strive to select the methodology most appropriate for their research questions and context in order to ensure accurate and meaningful results.
References:
Baker, K (2018). Qualitative vs quantitative research: What’s the difference? Health Informatics Journal, 24(3), 568–578.
Gibson, J., Ballinger, C., & Clark, M. (2019). An introduction to qualitative research. Nursing Standard, 33(51), 35-41.
Keri, T., Naidoo, R., Taylor, A., & Boo yens I (2017). ‘Mixed methods’: a review of the literature and implications for occupational therapy practice. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 80(11), 646-654.
