Ch. 2 Research

• Unit 2: The Research Process and Ways of Knowing


  This unit focuses on all the elements that influence the choice of a research design. The steps involved in the research process lead to a description of classifications of research studies.
• The Research Process: Building a Study


  1. Define a research problem

  2. Scan the literature

  3. Determine basic knowledge

  4. Identify existing evidence

  5. Write a research question

  6. Determine an appropriate design

  7. Define a sampling strategy

  8. Collect data

  9. Analyze the data and describe results

  10. Communicate the findings
• Paradigms in Research


  An overall belief system or way of viewing the nature of reality and the basis of knowledge
• Considerations in Design Selection


  • Philosophical orientation of the researcher
  • Nature of the research question or problem
  • Skills, abilities, and preferences of the researcher
  • Resources available
  • Access to samples
• Quantitative Study


  A traditional approach to research where variables are identified and measured in a reliable and valid way
• Qualitative Study


  A natural approach to research where the focus is understanding the meaning of an experience from the individual's perspective
• Quantitative Versus Qualitative Characteristics

  • View of reality
  • View of time
  • Context
  • Researcher
  • Populations
  • Measures
  • Observations
  • Design
  • Analysis
  • Generalization
• Mixed Methods


  Research approach that combines quantitative and qualitative elements; involves the measurable state of a phenomenon and the individual's subjective response to it
• Research Classifications


  • Basic Research
  • Applied Research
  • Retrospective Study
  • Prospective Study
  • Longitudinal Study
  • Cross-sectional Study
• Quantitative Studies use as evidence for the effectiveness, efficiency, and value of interventions; influences whether a given action results in a desired outcome
• Qualitative Studies use as evidence in determining the preferences and values of the patient and practitioner; influences compliance and acceptability of a treatment
• Mixed Methods enable incorporation of a variety of approaches so the holistic needs of the patient can be addressed, including both physical and psychological responses to treatments
• A variety of philosophical orientations influence the design of a research study
• Both qualitative and quantitative research inform nursing practice
• In either case, research design is systematic and rigorous
• Research can be classified based on intent, type, and time
• Basic Research


  theoretical, pure, fundamental, or bench research done to advance knowledge in a given subject area
• Applied research


  Research to gain knowledge that has a practical application and contributes in some way to a modification of a practice
• Retrospective study


  Uses secondary data that have already been collected about events that have already happened
• Prospective study


  Planned by the researcher for collection of primary data for a specific research study; implemented in the future
• Cross-sectional study


  conducted by looking at a single phenomenon across multiple populations at a single point in time
• Longitudinal study


  conducted by following subjects over a period of time with data collected at prescribed intervals