Research Process Overview

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Questions and Answers

In research terminology, what distinguishes a 'dichotomous' variable from other types of variables?

  • It refers to the number of family members in a study.
  • It is a variable that can only take on one of two possible values or categories. (correct)
  • It is a variable that has multiple categories which cannot be ordered.
  • It represents a continuous range of values along a spectrum.

When formulating hypotheses in the conceptual phase of a quantitative study, what is the most critical consideration for researchers?

  • Developing vague hypotheses to allow for broader interpretation of results.
  • Prioritizing hypotheses that are easy to prove, regardless of their relevance.
  • Ensuring the hypotheses align with popular opinion to increase study participation.
  • Basing hypotheses on a well-defined theoretical framework and a comprehensive literature review. (correct)

In the context of research variables, what is the fundamental difference between dependent and independent variables?

  • Independent variables are manipulated or controlled to observe their effect on dependent variables. (correct)
  • Independent variables are influenced by dependent variables.
  • Dependent variables cause changes in independent variables.
  • Both variables are interchangeable and have no directional influence on each other.

What is the primary reason for conducting a pilot study during the design and planning phase of a quantitative research project?

<p>To test the feasibility of the research design, methods, and procedures before full-scale implementation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When defining the theoretical framework in a research study, why is it important to differentiate between a 'theoretical definition' and an 'operational definition'?

<p>Because theoretical definitions provide a general understanding of concepts, while operational definitions specify how those concepts will be measured in the study. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the review of related literature, what distinguishes international infection control studies from Jordanian studies?

<p>International studies provide a broader context and diverse perspectives, while Jordanian studies offer insights into the local context. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In defining a sampling plan for a quantitative study, what is the most critical consideration when identifying the target population?

<p>Ensuring the population is representative of the broader group to which the study's findings will be generalized. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During data collection in the empirical phase, what is the primary purpose of obtaining IRB (Institutional Review Board) approval?

<p>To protect the rights and welfare of human subjects participating in the research. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of data analysis, what is the key distinction between defining dependent and independent variables?

<p>Defining dependent and independent variables is essential for determining cause-and-effect relationships and selecting appropriate statistical analyses. (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the 'dissemination phase' of a quantitative study, which of the following actions demonstrates the most effective utilization of research findings?

<p>Implementing evidence-based practices based on the study's results to improve healthcare outcomes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most accurate interpretation of 'incidence' in the context of the provided data on infections?

<p>The number of new cases of infection per 1,000 admissions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When summarizing the problem in the first phase, what is the significance of pointing out the absence of studies in Jordan regarding infection control practices among nursing staff?

<p>It highlights the uniqueness of the Jordanian healthcare system and the need for context-specific research. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of research, what is the primary purpose of defining the 'purpose of the study' during the conceptual phase?

<p>To provide a clear and concise statement of the study's objectives and intended outcomes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the data on patient risk factors, what critical inference can be made when comparing the prevalence of 'other infections' in Nosocomial BSIs versus Community-Acquired BSIs?

<p>Nosocomial BSIs are likely associated with healthcare-related exposures. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the empirical phase of a quantitative study, what is the ethical rationale behind informing potential participants that their participation is voluntary and that they can withdraw at any time?

<p>To respect the participants' autonomy and right to self-determination. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What underlying assumption is made when researchers generalize the findings from a sample to a larger population?

<p>The sample adequately represents the population's key characteristics relevant to the research question. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the research title 'Registered Nurses Knowledge, Practice, and Attitudes toward Infection Control Guidelines: A Jordanian National Study' directly contribute to the initial conceptualization of the study?

<p>By providing a concise overview of the study's focus, population, and scope. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of the inclusion criteria 'Being currently on the working schedule' when identifying the population of staff nurses for a research study?

<p>It ensures that the sample includes nurses who are actively engaged in patient care and clinical practice. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely reason for offering a 'thank you gift' as a moral incentive for nurses to participate in a research study during data collection?

<p>To encourage higher participation rates and minimize potential for non-response bias. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of nursing research, why is it essential to distinguish between a study, an investigation, and a research project?

<p>There is no significant distinction; the terms are interchangeable. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Research Project

A study, investigation, or research project involves systematic inquiry to discover new knowledge.

Study Participants

Individuals who participate in a study, providing data or insights, are known as subjects, study participants, or informants.

Researcher

The person conducting and leading said research project.

Theory

A systematic, abstract explanation of some aspect of reality.

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Continuous Variables

Variables that can take on any value within a given range.

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Discrete Variable

Variables with distinct, separate values.

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Categorical Variables

Variables that represent categories or groups.

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Dichotomous Variable

A categorical variable with only two possible values.

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Dependent Variable

The variable that is affected or influenced in a study.

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Independent Variable

The variable that is manipulated or changed in a study.

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Finding Area of Interest

Identifying the area of interest and formulating the specific problem to be addressed by the research.

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Summarizing the Problem

A brief overview of the main issues or questions that the research intends to investigate.

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Purpose of the Study

The overall goal or aim of the study.

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Review Related Literature

Examining existing studies and literature related to the research topic to gain insights and identify gaps in knowledge.

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Define Theoretical Framework

Creating conceptual or theoretical underpinnings for the study.

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Formulating Hypotheses

Predicting relationships between variables and formulating specific research questions to guide the investigation.

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Select Research Design

The specific plan or approach designed to answer the research question or test the hypothesis.

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Identifying the Population

Identifying the group of individuals to participate in study.

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Measure Research Variables

Techniques and instruments used to gather data on variables.

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Define Sampling Plan

Development of process about how the participants will be chosen.

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Study Notes

  • Overview of the research process

Terminology in Research

  • Study, investigation, and research project are interchangeable terms
  • Subjects, study participants, and informants refer to those involved in a study
  • Researcher, investigators, and scientists refers to those conducting the study

Theory in Research

  • A theory is a systematic, abstract explanation of an aspect of reality
  • Roy adaptation theory and Orem self-care theory are examples of theories

Variables in Research

  • Continuous variables are variables that can take on any value within a range
  • Discrete variables are countable, such as "number of family members"
  • Categorical variables are variables with distinct categories
  • Dichotomous variables have two categories, such as male vs female or yes vs no
  • Dependent variables represent the "effect"
  • Independent variables represent the "cause"

Major Steps in a Quantitative Study: Phase 1 - The Conceptual Phase

  • Find an area of interest, and define the specific research problem
  • Summarize the background and significance of the research problem
  • Define the purpose of the study
  • Review existing research to provide context
  • Define the theoretical framework guiding the research
  • Formulate testable hypotheses and specific research questions

Example of Phase 1: Registered Nurses Knowledge, Practice, and Attitudes toward Infection Control Guidelines: A Jordanian National Study

  • Studies have examined healthcare workers' compliance with infection control guidelines worldwide
  • There were no studies in Jordan assessing infection control practices among nursing staff in Jordanian hospitals
  • Information about compliance of Jordanian nursing staff with infection control guidelines is limited
  • This study aims to evaluate infection control practices among nursing staff in Jordanian hospitals at the national level
  • The study intends to evaluate knowledge and attitude regarding infection control among Jordanian nursing staff
  • The theoretical definition for the study is the latest routine approaches and practices applied to nonintact skin, mucous membranes, blood, all body fluids, secretions, and excretions except sweat.
  • This applies regardless of whether they contain visible blood, with a high level of protection to patients, health care workers, and visitors from infection (Siegel, Rhinehart, Jackson, & Chiarello, 2007; WHO, 2004)
  • The operational definition is the latest standard infection control practices published by the CDC or equivalent guidelines adopted by the hospital

Themes of the Literature Review

  • Information about the healthcare system in Jordan
  • Jordanian studies regarding infection control
  • International infection control studies

Research Questions

  • What are the Jordanian nursing staff infection control practices?
  • Is there a relationship between Jordanian nursing staff attitude toward infection control and their real practice?
  • Is there a relationship between Jordanian nursing staff attitude toward infection control and their level of infection control knowledge?
  • Is there a relationship between Jordanian nursing staff infection control knowledge and their attitude toward infection control?

Major Steps in a Quantitative Study: Phase 2 - The Design and Planning Phase

  • Select an appropriate research design
  • Identify the target population for the study
  • Determine methods to measure the relevant research variables
  • Define the sampling plan
  • Conduct a pilot study to test the feasibility and refine the research procedures

Example of Phase 2

  • This study utilized a cross-sectional descriptive design to explore the Jordanian staff nurses' knowledge, practice, and attitude toward infection control guidelines
  • The sample will be staff nurses on the working schedule of each selected hospital
  • Inclusion criteria for the study sample:
    • a registered nurse with either a BSN or a 3-year diploma
    • currently on the working schedule
    • of Jordanian nationality

Major Steps in a Quantitative Study: Phase 3 - The Empirical Phase

  • Data Collection
  • Preparing for data analysis

Major Steps in a Quantitative Study: Phase 4 - The Analytical Phase

  • Data analysis
  • Interpreting the results

Example Phase 3

  • IRB approval is secured
  • The nursing director in each hospital is asked to provide a full list of eligible nurses
  • A simple random sample of the needed number of RNs is obtained
  • Potential participants are informed that the instrument is to be filled out and returned to the nursing administrator
  • After returning the instrument, each participant receives a "thank you gift" as a moral incentive for participation

Example Phase 4

  • Preparation of data analysis involves defining the dependent and independent variables
  • Defining the method and statistical procedures to be used in the analysis
  • Data analysis is preformed
  • Interpretation of the results

Prevalence of Patient Risk Factors

  • Comparing Nosocomial BSIs, Community-Acquired BSIs, and Uninfected

Incidence and Case-Fatality

  • Incidence (Cases per 1,000 admissions):
    • NBSIs: 21.7
    • CBSIs: 13.3
  • Case-Fatality (%):
    • NBSIs: 20.6
    • CBSIs: 13.6
  • Mortality (Deaths per 1,000 admissions):
    • NBSIs: 4.5
    • CBSIs: 1.8

Major Steps in a Quantitative Study: Phase 5 - The Dissemination Phase

  • Communicating the findings
  • Utilizing the findings

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