Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of gap analysis in the nursing research process?
What is the primary purpose of gap analysis in the nursing research process?
Which aspect of the research design focuses on determining the methods for gathering data?
Which aspect of the research design focuses on determining the methods for gathering data?
What should be prioritized while evaluating sources of literature in nursing research?
What should be prioritized while evaluating sources of literature in nursing research?
What is the primary logic of theory building in quantitative research?
What is the primary logic of theory building in quantitative research?
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Which of the following best describes the significance phase in identifying a research problem?
Which of the following best describes the significance phase in identifying a research problem?
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What is the primary purpose of descriptive statistics in data analysis?
What is the primary purpose of descriptive statistics in data analysis?
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Which of the following best describes the focus of qualitative research?
Which of the following best describes the focus of qualitative research?
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What role does synthesizing information play in the nursing research literature review?
What role does synthesizing information play in the nursing research literature review?
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Inferential statistics are used to:
Inferential statistics are used to:
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Which component is NOT typically included in the methodology section when conducting research?
Which component is NOT typically included in the methodology section when conducting research?
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What statistical method is generally appropriate when analyzing data from two independent groups in nursing research?
What statistical method is generally appropriate when analyzing data from two independent groups in nursing research?
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Which type of research design is characterized by measuring differences between groups or time?
Which type of research design is characterized by measuring differences between groups or time?
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In the context of nursing research, which is an example of a non-parametric test?
In the context of nursing research, which is an example of a non-parametric test?
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Which of the following best describes a non-parametric test?
Which of the following best describes a non-parametric test?
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The conceptual framework for research should NOT include which of the following elements?
The conceptual framework for research should NOT include which of the following elements?
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ANOVA techniques are primarily used to analyze:
ANOVA techniques are primarily used to analyze:
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Which phase in the nursing research process involves creating specific research questions and objectives?
Which phase in the nursing research process involves creating specific research questions and objectives?
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What type of research design involves manipulating one variable to see its effect on another?
What type of research design involves manipulating one variable to see its effect on another?
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In the context of non-parametric tests, which of the following best represents their use?
In the context of non-parametric tests, which of the following best represents their use?
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In quantitative data analysis, which technique is typically used to determine if there is a statistically significant difference between the means of two groups?
In quantitative data analysis, which technique is typically used to determine if there is a statistically significant difference between the means of two groups?
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Which of the following is an example of an analytic or exemplar generalization method?
Which of the following is an example of an analytic or exemplar generalization method?
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What aspect of research environment must be described regarding the study location?
What aspect of research environment must be described regarding the study location?
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Which data collection method is best for gathering qualitative data?
Which data collection method is best for gathering qualitative data?
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What does thematic analysis primarily focus on in qualitative data?
What does thematic analysis primarily focus on in qualitative data?
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Study Notes
Phases of the Nursing Research Process
- The presentation explores the different phases of the nursing research process.
- Each step is examined in detail.
The First Step: Identifying the Research Problem
- Focus & Scope: Identify a relevant and meaningful research problem within the nursing field, aligning with the study's goals and objectives.
- Gap Analysis: Thoroughly review existing knowledge to identify gaps and areas needing further exploration for innovative research.
- Significance: Understanding the potential impact of the research problem on patient care, nursing practice, and healthcare communities.
Next Step: Reviewing the Literature
- Comprehensive Search: Conduct a systematic review of relevant academic journals, books, and databases to gather existing information and insights on the research problem.
- Evaluating Sources: Critically analyze the credibility, validity, and reliability of the sources to ensure evidence's inclusion in the nursing research.
- Synthesizing Information: Integrate the findings of different studies to identify gaps, contradictions, and emerging trends, contributing to the knowledge base.
Designing the Study: Crafting a Methodology
- Research Framework: Define the study's theoretical framework, research questions, objectives, and hypotheses, and select the most appropriate research design.
- Data Collection: Determine the data collection methods, such as surveys, interviews, observations, or experiments, ensuring ethical considerations and participant privacy.
- Data Analysis: Analyze collected data using suitable statistical methods, accurately interpret the results, and draw meaningful conclusions.
Collecting and Analyzing Data
- Data Collection: Meticulously collect data following the predetermined methods and protocols, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
- Data Processing & Cleaning: Organize and clean the collected data, addressing missing values, outliers, and data integrity issues, preparing it for analysis.
- Data Analysis & Interpretation: Apply advanced statistical techniques to analyze the data, draw meaningful insights, and present findings using appropriate visual representations.
Interpreting the Findings
- Identifying Patterns: Look for patterns, trends, and relationships within the data to draw conclusions and understand implications for nursing practice and patient care.
- Discussion & Implications: Discuss findings in context of existing literature. Evaluate potential implications for policy changes, clinical practice, and further research.
- Limitations & Future Directions: Acknowledge study limitations and propose recommendations for future research to improve nursing care.
Communicating the Results
- Research Paper: Compile findings into a scholarly paper, following appropriate scientific communication guidelines.
- Conference Presentations: Share findings at national and international conferences to disseminate knowledge and receive feedback from peers.
- Publications & Journals: Submit the paper for publication in academic journals for wide accessibility.
- Engaging with Stakeholders: Present findings to crucial stakeholders to facilitate evidence-based decision-making.
Concluding Remarks
- The nursing research process is empowering to advance patient care, nursing education, and healthcare as a whole.
Unit VII: Data Collection and Analysis
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Define primary and secondary endpoints.
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Cite statistical tests to be used.
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State the accepted level of significance.
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Predict the expected outcome and list anticipated results.
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Explain how the outcome will be interpreted and a conclusion made.
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Identify possible alternative outcomes and interpretations.
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Pitfalls and Problems: Address potential technical difficulties and have a backup/plan B (and C).
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Opportunity for preemptive strike against potential criticisms: Plan ahead for potential criticisms.
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Statistics: Poorly presented, or inadequate plans for statistical analyses can significantly impact scores.
- Justify sample size and provide power calculations and analysis of variables.
- Include strategy for adjustments for other variables.
- Consult with a statistician.
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Data Collection Process- 4 steps:
- Form Construction
- Coding Strategy Designation
- Data Collection
- Data Entry
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Data: information gathered during a study to answer the question being investigated. Data includes various measurable information on participants, i.e. age, intelligence, performance scores
- Data are gathered using tools, measures, tests, questionnaires, observation checklists, artifacts, etc..
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Data or measures are operationalization of the problem statement.
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Selecting a measure/tool for gathering the needed data is important.
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Variables (independent and dependent) suggest what data is needed and how to gather it.
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Criterion measure/ dependent variable is the focus of the study (e.g., school achievement).
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Experimental variable / independent variable is the manipulated factor (e.g. method of teaching).
Common Tools for Data Gathering
- Survey Questionnaire
- Interview Guide
- FGD (Focus Group Discussion) Guide
- Tests
- Observation Checklists
- Laboratory Checklists/Observation
Constructing a Questionnaire
- Questionnaires include structured, focused questions (self-report, paper-and-pencil format).
- Use simple, conversational language. Avoid leading and loaded questions.
- Avoid ambiguity; be specific.
- Avoid double-barreled items.
- Avoid making assumptions.
- Avoid burdensome questions.
- Questions can be open-ended or close-ended.
- Questionnaires may contain scales (Likert-scale, verbal frequency scale, bi-polar objectives or Semantic Differential Scale, Checklist)
Information Obtainable from Questionnaires
- Demographic and socio-economic characteristics
- Consumer attitudes
- Opinions
- Buyer awareness
- Knowledge
- Motivations
- Behaviors
Questionnaire Guidelines
- Layout varies by preference, consider research goals.
- Survey title and explanatory note are important.
- Include instructions on completing the questionnaire.
- General qualifying questions are useful in the first part.
- Questionnaires should be concise and well-organized.
- Questionnaires should undergo testing to ensure accuracy against required information.
Further Data Collection Techniques and Tools
- Observation Techniques (structured / unstructured) - why you are observing, outline of specific behaviors, likelihood of occurrence to avoid time scanning.
- Frequency Counts
- Rate Technique
- Duration Recording Technique
- Interval Recording Technique
- Time Sampling Technique
- Anecdotal Records
- The Likert Scale
- Two-point Scale
- The Semantic Differential Scale or Bipolar Adjective Scale
How to Administer a Likert Scale
- The respondent is asked to rate items on a 1-5 response scale with weights assigned to options (e.g. strongly disagree = 1, disagree = 2, undecided/neutral = 3, agree = 4, strongly agree = 5).
- Odd-numbered scales normally have a middle neutral or undecided value.
- Forced-choice response scales with even numbers of responses can be used without a neutral option (e.g., 1 = disagree, 2 = agree).
How to Score Likert Scales
- Positive/Negative phrasing of question determines the weights.
- Scoring involves summing weights for all the chosen options in order to provide a mean attitude score.
- Reversal items (items worded differently from the overall direction of the scale) are necessary for summing up responses.
What is the Two-Point Scale?
- A variable of the Likert-Scale.
- Response options are limited to two choices (e.g., Yes/No).
Theory Building Comparison
- Quantitative Research: Deductive logic of theory development and verification occurs after theory building is complete; concepts are firmly defined beforehand; inductive generalizations
- Qualitative Research: Inductive logic of theory development and verification is concurrent with the research process; concepts begin with orienting and are developed during research; analytic/exemplar generalizations
Theoretical Frameworks
- Contains concepts derived from existing theory or related literature.
- It is a synthesis.
- It guides data analysis and interpretation.
- It may be deductive or inductive (e.g., linear, comparative, causal, correlational).
- It is supported by related literature.
Research Population and Sampling
- A research population is a large collection of individuals or objects that are the main focus of scientific research.
- Sampling is the procedure of selecting a smaller representative subset from a larger population.
- Obtaining a complete list of the population is required for probability sampling.
- Simple random sampling - each individual has an equal chance of being selected; requires a complete list of the population.
- Stratified random sampling - divides a population into strata (groups) based on a factor, obtains a random sample in each stratum.
- Cluster random sampling - divides a population into clusters, selects a few clusters at random ensuring representation, collects data from all the sampling units within those selected clusters.
- Systematic random sampling - selecting every nth item of a list, ensuring a representative sample.
- Non-probability sampling doesn't ensure every individual has an equal chance of selection.
- Convenience sampling - selecting participants that are most readily available.
- Quota sampling - dividing the population into strata, then selecting a specific number of people from each stratum in proportion to their prevalence.
- Judgmental sampling - researcher selects individuals that he/she believes are representative of the target population.
- Snowball sampling - existing participants recruit new participants to the study.
Unit of Analysis
- The unit of analysis is the entity being described or analyzed, e.g. individuals, groups, organizations, social interactions, social artifacts.
Ethical Aspects of Nursing Research
- Researchers should respect research participants' autonomy and capacity to consent.
- Protect them from harm.
- Ensure benefits and burdens of research are distributed justly—avoid exploiting individuals.
- Safeguard their privacy.
- Maintain ethical conduct throughout the research process (with use of appropriate checks and balances in conduct, dissemination, and implementation).
- Report suspected or known scientific misconduct to appropriate institutional officials.
- Maintain competency in subject matter and methodologies, and related professional or societal issues affecting nursing research.
- In animal research, prioritize benefits over potential harm to the animals.
- The Belmont Report articulates ethical principles: beneficence (minimize harm, maximize benefits), respect for human dignity (self-determination, full disclosure), and justice (fair treatment).
Procedures for Protecting Study Participants
- Risk/Benefit Assessment: balance the potential harm and benefits of participation.
- Informed Consent: participants receive adequate information, comprehend it, and consent voluntarily.
- Confidentiality Procedures: safeguarding participant data, often accomplished through anonymity or a promise of confidentiality.
- Debriefings: sessions with participants after the study to resolve or answer questions or complaints that might have arisen, especially when there is deception in data gathering.
- Referrals: connecting participants to resources appropriate for their needs.
- Treatment of Vulnerable Groups: provide special consideration and protection to individuals at higher risk due to their circumstances or conditions (e.g. children, mentally impaired adults, prisoners, terminally ill).
- Reviews & Committees: Institutions, e.g., hospitals and universities normally have review boards that oversee research proposals in order to ensure that ethical principles are followed.
Thesis Proposal Sections
- Title (Cover Page)
- Introduction
- Background of the Study
- Statement of the Problem
- Hypothesis
- Significance of the Study
- Scope and Limitations
- Review of Related Literature and Theoretical Framework
- Methodology
- Research Design
- Research Environment
- Respondent and Sampling Procedure
- Research Instrument
- Data Gathering Procedure
- Data Analysis Procedure
- References
- Appendices
- Transmittal Letter
- Research Tool
- Informed Consent Form
- Curriculum Vitae
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