Characteristics of quantitative research - Answers formal, objective, rigorous, systematic process for
generating information
Types of quantitative research (least to most control) - Answers Descriptive
Correlational
Quasi-experimental
Experimental
Descriptive research - Answers exploration and description of real life situation
identifies relationships
large number of subjects
natural setting (not lab)
Correlational Research - Answers investigated relationships between variable
Does not determine cause and effect
determines strength and type of relationship (-1-+1)
Quasi-Experimental Research - Answers Examines cause and effect
not randomly selected
all variables are not controlled
Experimental Research - Answers Highly controlled, objective, systematic studies
controlled manipulation of one or more variables
Uses experimental and control groups
Random assignment
Basic research - Answers find out the truth
for the sake of research
findings not directly useful to practice
Applied research - Answers solve real problems
studies the effects the interventions may have on patients
, Research process - Answers knowledge of nursing world
problem and purpose identification
methodology (design, sample, measurement methods, data collection, data analysis)
implementation
Outcomes
promotion of evidence based nursing practice
Framework - Answers the abstract, linking the findings to nursing body of knowledge
theory - Answers multiple concepts and statements that present a view of a phenomenon and can be
used to describe, explain, predict, or control phenomena
Variables (abstract vs concrete) - Answers concepts that are measured, manipulated, or controlled in a
study
Abstract- creativity, empathy
Concrete- temperature, weight
conceptual - Answers gives meaning to a concept
operational - Answers variable can be measure using this description
Theoretical limitation - Answers restricts generalization of the findings and are reelected in the
framework and definitions
methodological limitations - Answers restrict the population to which the findings can be generalized
population - Answers all elements that meet certain criteria for inclusion in study
Ex: all children with cystic fibrosis
sample - Answers a subset of the population that is selected for study
Ex: children with CF in central PA
reliability - Answers consistency of the tool
validity - Answers accuracy
content of research report - Answers abstract, intro, methods, results, discussion, reference list
PICOT question - Answers P- Patient population
I- Intervention