Introduction to Nursing Research PDF

Introduction to Nursing Research Think about this…for later discussion A Philanthropist puts a notice on the bulletin board at your school or work setting. She wrote that she is willing to fund a $200,000 nursing study in the name of her deceased mother who was cared for by “wonderful nurses.” S...

Introduction to Nursing Research Think about this…for later discussion A Philanthropist puts a notice on the bulletin board at your school or work setting. She wrote that she is willing to fund a $200,000 nursing study in the name of her deceased mother who was cared for by “wonderful nurses.” She is asking for suggestions. What one study would you suggest?  Nursing Research Why is a course in research methods part of this program??? What are your gut feelings about taking this class??? Are you… excited? full of dread? fearful curious angry ready for this whole thing to be over?!  Research and the Consumer Science produces knowledge This knowledge provides society with more choices…or does it control our choices? Can be used to manipulate Can imply info which isn’t necessarily “fact” What do I believe??? One study “says” to do one thing; another study says that I should do the opposite! What is a person to do?  Read the study? Do you simply How do you accept the know which findings studies are because they credible? are “scientific?” This course will help!  Why get excited about research? “The essence of How can…? all research originates in Why is…? curiosity - a desire to find What is the best way to…? out how and why things What happen” causes…? What are the effects of…? I wonder... Importance of Nursing Research Nurses ask questions aimed at gaining new knowledge to improve pt. care Research-based (evidence based) practice = integrating research findings into clinical decision making Importance of Nursing Research Accountability for care-related decisions; research expands nursing practice Reinforce identity of nursing as a profession – knowing/ understanding pts. health care experience  History of Nursing Research Began with Nightingale and Crimean War- mid 1800s Early 1900s – problems in nursing: education, staffing issues 1960s Practice oriented research; first nursing research journals 1983 - ANA Center for Research for Nursing  History of Nursing Research 1986 - National Center for Nursing Research (NIH); awards/grants to support nursing research & training 1993 – Re-designated at NIH as the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)  Scientific Inquiry Observable, verifiable data collected to: Describe Explain Predict events  Scientific Method Select/define a problem Formulate research question/hypothesis Collect data Analyze data Report results  Scientific Method 2 Unique Characteristics: Objectivity – distance research from personal beliefs, values, attitudes Why??? Empirical Data – documenting objective data through direct observation = reality  Scientific Method Test: Ideas Hunches Guesses Doesn’t that sound like fun???  Nursing Research Application of scientific method to areas of interest to nursing Primarily involves studying people – People do not behave consistently as do objects/chemicals in a laboratory! This poses special challenges!  Continuum of participation Consumers of research – read and evaluate Participate in the research process, utilize findings Conduct research Quantitative Research Formal, objective, systematic process using  measurement  hypothesis testing  data analysis Traditional approaches such as experiments, questionnaires, surveys  Qualitative Research Evaluate subjective life experiences and give meaning to them Focuses on understanding phenomena from an individual’s perspective Approaches: observation, in-depth interviews, case studies, narrative analyses  Triangulation Using both quantitative and qualitative methods to collect data May combine various research designs/data collection techniques in the same study – combine psychosocial surveys, interviews, observations Two approaches are complimentary and can give an accurate reflection of reality.  The Research Language - Some Terminology Variable Data Rigor Control Sampling Setting Concept of Variable Measurable characteristic that varies among subjects Research is conducted because this variance occurs! Types: Independent – presumed cause Dependent – presumed effect  Data Pieces of information obtained in a study Are the actual “values” of the study variables Quantitative - numeric values Qualitative - narrative descriptions  Concept of RIGOR Striving for excellence in research. Involves: Discipline Adherence to detail Strict accuracy! Uses precise measurement tools Concept of CONTROL Using “rules” to decrease error and increase probability that study findings are an accurate reflection of reality Ensure results that reflect true relationship among variables Reduction of the influence of unwanted “extraneous” variables  Concept of SAMPLING Who/what do you want to study? Choosing subjects who are “representative” of the study population Random & Non-Random Sampling  Concept of SETTING Location of the study - can affect results Natural Setting: Uncontrolled, real life situation Partially Controlled: Manipulated or modified in some way Highly Controlled: Artificial environment for sole purpose of doing research. Decreases effects of outside influences.  Some Myths About Research The purpose of research is to “prove” or “confirm” a theory. Research findings are presented as complete and conclusive answers. There is a hierarchy of research methodology that places true “experimental” research at the top. Intro to the Research Process Involves decision making - what methods will help to answer a research question/test a hypothesis? Is flexible - multiple possibilities, each with its own strengths/weaknesses Is a circular process  The Research Process What do I want to know? Does anyone else know anything about this? I’ll make an educated guess about what I think the answer to my question will be. Here’s what I’m going to do to try to answer my question. The Research Process I’ll try to make sense out of all this info I’ve collected. What did I find? Was my hunch supported? What do I want to know now???  Major Phases in the Research Process 1. Selecting and defining the problem in need of investigation 2. Selecting a research design 3. Collecting data 4. Analyzing data 5. Utilizing the Findings  Phase 1 Selecting and defining the problem (area of research) ID a question or area where knowledge can be advanced Review related literature for rationale to do study ID theoretical framework for interpreting results (maybe) (see chap 3) Propose research question and/or hypothesis  Phase 2 Choose study or research design ID Study Population (chap 8) Design Sampling Plan (chap 11) Define how will variables be measured Setting How data will be collected - tools Pilot Study - Revisions  Phase 3 Data Collection - according to pre- established plan (implements the plans designed in Phase I & II) (chap 9) recruiting obtaining consent training staff collecting data Organization of the data How do you analyze the data? (must be appropriate form) May be the longest phase of the research process  Phase 4 Data Analysis Interpret findings Draw conclusions Hypothesis is supported or rejected (chap 10) How best to utilize findings? New question formulated? (can lead to new questions that can stimulate further study)  Phase 5 Disseminate findings - Share findings with colleagues May report findings in journal articles, oral presentations, poster presentations Utilize findings - use in nursing practice Classification of research is based on the purpose of a study and the amount of control  Types of Research: Basic Vs. Applied Basic or “Pure” Research: Pursuit of knowledge or finding truth Generates, refines or tests theory Often uses laboratory setting Findings may not be directly useful in practice May be used later in development of treatment/drug/theory  Basic Vs. Applied Applied or “Practical” Research Knowledge intended to directly influence clinical practice Conducted in actual practice conditions Solve problems, make decisions, predict/control outcomes Evaluate interventions Test/validate theories Evaluate“Basic” research knowledge for usefulness The research findings contribute to some modifications of present practices. Ie: patient care, education, administration  Experimental vs. nonexperimental Experimental: Nonexperimental: Researcher Describes or looks manipulates or at relationships(s) or controls variable(s) correlation between and observes effect variables. in other variable(s) Variables are not Evaluates cause manipulated by the and effect researcher relationship Ex: Correlation Ex: Does a pre-op between HRT use intervention program and breast CA to  self efficacy affect self care measures post-op? Descriptive Research Uses questionnaires, surveys, interviews or observations to collect data Correlation Research Relationships between and among variables Collection of data on at least 2 variables for the same group of individuals Calculator-the correlation between the measurer Highest number of research studies in nursing are classified as description correlation design  Time dimension: Retrospective vs. Prospective Retrospective: Prospective: Examines data examines data already collected being collected in in the past the present Ex: Review of Ex: Study medical records describing social to examine support and previous history in coping of cholesterol mechanisms of levels in s/p MI women with patients ovarian CA  Time Dimension: Cross-Sectional vs. Longitudinal Cross-sectional: Longitudinal: Collects data at Studies one point in examines time variables of interest over a period of time What exists today? Advantages – ability to collect data on the same individual over time Many Approaches to Research Choice of design – the fun part!