Nursing research
Is a systematic inquiry into a
subject that uses various
approach quantitative and
qualitative methods) to answer
questions and solve problem.
• The goal of research is
to discover new
knowledge and
relationships and find
solutions to problems
and questions.
Is research referred to as synonymous
with problem solving?
• This is incorrect because research
deals with discovering or generating
new knowledge, whereas problem
solving refers to using current
knowledge. Previous research
generates knowledge used in
problem solving.
• Knowledge: is information
acquired in a variety of ways.
• Scientific inquiry: is a process
in which observable, verifiable
data are systematically
collected from our surroundings
through our senses to describe,
explain, or predict events.
• The scientific method involves
selecting and defining a problem,
formulating research questions) or
hypotheses or both, collecting data,
analyzing data, and reporting results.
• Two characteristics that are unique
to the scientific method and not
associated with other ways of
knowing are objectivity and the use
of empirical data. The term empirical
data refers to documenting objective
• Replication is the ability of
researchers to repeat a study
using the same variables and
methods or slight variation of
them. Repeating a study
increases the extent to which
the research findings can be
generalized, providing
additional evidence of validity.
• Quantitative research: An approach
for generating knowledge based on
determining how much of a given
behavior, characteristics, or
phenomena is present. Quantitative
research methods emphasize
measurements, testing hypothesis,
and statistical analysis of data. It
uses a traditional quantitative
approaches such as experiments,
questionnaires, and surveys to
• Qualitative research : An approach
for generating knowledge using
methods of inquiry that emphasize
subjectivity and the meaning of an
experience for the individual.
Qualititative research methods
emphasize understanding of
phenomena from the individuals
perspective. Participants
observation, in-depth interview, case
studies, ethnographies, and
• Regardless of the methods
used, researchers have the
responsibility of conducting a
study with rigor and skill. Rigor
is the striving for excellence in
research that involve discipline,
adherence to detail, and strict
accuracy.
• Triangulation: refers to the use
of both quantitative and
qualititative methods to collect
data about a particular
phenomenon . the term can also
refer to various combinations of
research designs or instruments
used in the same study.
• The importance of nursing research:
• Nurses participate in nursing
research activities to develop, refine
, and extend nursing science, which
is a unique body of nursing
knowledge.
• Nursing encompasses systematic
inquiry into each nursing area
(clinical, educating, administration)
• improving nurses understanding
research process and fostering
research designs that provide the
information needed to explain,
• Evidence based practice:
Means that the nurse action or
clinical decision based on
research findings. the effort to
integrate research findings into
clinical practice or and clinical
decision .
Types of research
• 1. Basic versus Applied research
• Basic : referred to as pure or fundamental
research. The major purpose of basic
research is to obtain empirical data that
can be used to develop, refine, or test a
theory without immediate concern for
direct application to clinical practice. E.g.
Lab studies
• Applied: is conducted to gain knowledge
that can be used in a practical setting.
This type of research is usually performed
in actual practice conditions on subjects
who represent the group to which the
Experimental versus non-
experimental
• 2. Experimental: refers to a study in
which the researcher manipulates
and controls one or more variables
and observe the effect of
manipulation on other variables.
• Non experimental research: refers to
studies that are more descriptive or
exploratory in nature. The
researcher is interested in
describing what already exists. Non
experimental studies is sometimes
• Descriptive: describe situation or
event that already exists
systematically.
• Correlation: examines the
relationship between and among
variables. The research collects data
on at least two variables for the
same group individuals and
calculates a correlation coefficient
between the measure. A high
number of research studies in
Classification of research by time
dimension:
• Retrospective versus
prospective research
• Retrospective: examines data
collected in the past, typified by
review of medical records.
• Prospective: examines data
collected in the present.
Prospective studies are more
reliable than retrospective
studies because of the potential
Cross-sectional versus longitudinal
research
• Cross-sectional: Collects data at one
point in time with no follow-up. The
result is a measurement of what
exist today, with no attempt to
document changes over time in
either the past or the future.
• Longitudinal research: follows a
cohort of subjects and collects data
at different intervals overtime. An
advantage of longitudinal research is
the ability to collect data on the
same individuals overtime. Loss of
subjects is the major problem in
conducting this type of research.