Nerissa Nelsonre Discussion Prompttop Of Formin Simple Terms A Resea ✓ Solved

Nerissa Nelson RE: Discussion Prompt Top of Form In simple terms, a research design can be described as the overall strategy that is used to conduct a research study. Quantitative research is a "formal, objective, systematic process used to describe variables, test relationships between them, and examine cause and effect associations between variables†(Burns, 2015). Quantitative research generates numerical data, is predominantly informed by positivist or post-positivist paradigms, and is underpinned by a number of assumptions (Davies & Fisher, 2018). This refers to any research based on something that can be accurately and precisely measured. There are four main types of quantitative designs: descriptive which is used to examine variables in a single sample and to systematically measure, describe and interpret the; correlational which aims to determine whether two or more variables are related and, if so, to discover the nature of the relationship; quasi-experimental which aim to test the effectiveness of interventions, and therefore involve the manipulation of an independent variable, and experimental which determines a cause-and-effect relationship between an intervention (the cause) and the study outcome (the effect). (Bloomfield and Fisher, 2019).

One quantitative type design that stands out and can possibly be used in nursing is the correlational research design. One major advantage of this design is that correlational research is used frequently in healthcare research because it can be used in any study that does not wish (or is unable) to manipulate the independent variable(s) being investigated. (Curtis, Comiskey and Dempsey, 2014). One major disadvantage of this design is that correlational analysis may indicate there is a relationship between two variables; however, it is not always possible to make inferences about the general population based on a correlation. (Curtis, Comiskey and Dempsey, 2014). While correlation implies that an independent variable and a dependent variable may be related, it does not imply that a change in one variable leads to a change in the other.

Many healthcare studies arise from the need to quantify the numbers of clients using a particular service in a specific time period or to measure the absence or presence of a particular characteristic in a population or client group. In such cases, the primary objective is to ascertain how many clients are using or in need of the service. However, to provide an appropriate and targeted service, planners need to know if there are any additional characteristics in the client group that may be related to prevalence. If it is suspected that another characteristic is important, the secondary objective of the study will be to measure the strength and direction of any possible relationships between prevalence and this characteristic.

Correlational research is used to address this secondary objective ( McLaren 2013 ). References: McLaren S ( 2013 ) Planning and conducting surveys. In Curtis EA, Drennan J (Eds) Quantitative Health Research: Issues and Methods. Open University Press, Maidenhead. Davies, C., & Fisher, M. (2018).

Understanding research paradigms. Journal of the Australasian Rehabilitation Nurses’ Association, 21(3), 21–25 Burns, N., Grove, S. K., & Gray, J. (2015). Understanding nursing research: Building on evidence-based practice (6th ed.). St Louis, MI: Elseiver Saunders Fisher, M., & Bloomfield, J. (2019).

Understanding the research process. Journal of the Australasian Rehabilitation Nurses’ Association, 22(1), 22–27. Curtis, E. A., Comiskey, C., & Dempsey, O. (2016). Importance and use of correlational research.

Nurse Researcher, 23 (6), 20-25. doi:10.7748/nr.2016.e1382 Ashley Madu RE: Discussion Prompt Top of Form There are four main types of Quantitative research. These include Descriptive/Exploratory, Correlational, Causal-Comparative/Quasi-Experimental, and Experimental Research/Clinical trial. The numerical representation and manipulation of observations for the purpose of defining and explaining the phenomenon that those observations constitute is known as a quantitative study. There are various data collection methods that can be applied to each of these designs, such as questionnaires, scales, and biophysiological methods (Schmidt & Brown, 2018). Descriptive analysis aims to explain the current state of a variable that has been described.

Descriptive studies are used to find incidents that are linked to the occurrence of a specific response. Prior to performing an experimental functional analysis, descriptive analysis is often used as part of a systematic functional evaluation of problem behaviour (Sloman, 2010). These studies are intended to provide detailed knowledge about a phenomenon. In this type of research, the researcher typically does not start with a hypothesis, but will most likely establish one after gathering data. The hypothesis is tested by analyzing and synthesizing the data.

A major advantage of descriptive research is that it involves direct observation of behavior in the natural environment, therefore providing a means to gather baseline rates of problem behavior (Sloman, 2010). When an intervention has been formulated and implemented, these rates can be useful in determining treatment effectiveness. A disadvantage of descriptive research include the amount of time and complex data analysis necessary for a complete assessment, the correlational nature of the data, and poor validity outcomes reported in the literature (Sloman, 2010). Descriptive research can be used in nursing practice to solve a clinical problem by linking certain symtpoms that a patient has to determine when the symptoms started, and what their overall health problem is.

References Bloomfield, J., & Fisher, M. J. (2019, September). Quantitative research design. Journal of the Australasian Rehabilitation Nurses Association . Cambridge Publishing.

Schmidt, N. A., & Brown, J. M. (2018). Evidence-based practice for nurses: Appraisal and application of research . Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Sloman, K. N. (2010). Research trends in descriptive analysis. The Behavior Analyst Today, 11 (1), 20-35. Bottom of Form Bottom of Form

Paper for above instructions

Understanding Quantitative Research Design in Nursing

Introduction

Quantitative research design is critical for systematic inquiry in various fields, particularly in healthcare and nursing practice. This assignment addresses the nuances of quantitative research designs, focusing on descriptive, correlational, quasi-experimental, and experimental designs. Additionally, it will discuss how these designs influence nursing practice and research.

What is Quantitative Research Design?

Quantitative research can be defined as a formal, objective, and systematic process that seeks to describe variables, examine relationships between them, and explore cause-and-effect associations (Burns et al., 2015). Quantitative studies prioritize numerical data collection, often rooted in positivist or post-positivist paradigms. This type of research is underpinned by specific assumptions regarding objectivity and the nature of human knowledge (Davies & Fisher, 2018).

Types of Quantitative Designs

There are four main types of quantitative research designs:
1. Descriptive Research Design
Descriptive research focuses on measuring and describing characteristics of a population or phenomenon. For instance, in nursing, descriptive designs can help determine the demographic features of patients with a specific health issue. Benefits of descriptive research include the ability to gather firsthand observational data and identify patterns (Sloman, 2010). However, this type of research can be time-consuming and may produce vague correlations not suited for wider application.
2. Correlational Research Design
Correlational designs investigate the relationships between two or more variables without manipulating them (Curtis et al., 2016). For instance, a nurse researcher might examine the link between exercise frequency and depression levels among post-operative patients. One of the significant advantages of correlational research is its ability to study naturally occurring events, which may not be practical or ethical to manipulate. However, a key limitation is that correlation does not imply causation, which can lead to misinterpretations related to the relationship between independent and dependent variables (Curtis et al., 2016).
3. Quasi-Experimental Design
Quasi-experimental designs are applied when the researcher seeks to assess the effect of an intervention but cannot randomly assign subjects to control and experimental groups (Burns et al., 2015). This design allows for the investigation of causal relationships without the stringent controls of true experimental designs. Although it offers a practical alternative, the inherent lack of randomization limits the validity of the conclusions that can be drawn (Curtis et al., 2014).
4. Experimental Design
Experimental designs, often referred to as clinical trials, involve the manipulation of one or more independent variables to observe the effect on a dependent variable while controlling for other variables (Burns et al., 2015). This design is often considered the gold standard in research, particularly in clinical settings. The main strength of experimental designs is their ability to establish cause-and-effect relationships; however, ethical considerations can arise when manipulating certain variables in healthcare settings (Fisher & Bloomfield, 2019).

Application in Nursing

Quantitative research methods are increasingly relevant in nursing practice. For instance, nurses can utilize correlational research to identify patterns in patient care outcomes and service utilization across different settings. Research based on descriptive statistics can aid planners in understanding patient populations' demographics, leading to better-targeted care strategies (McLaren, 2013).

Example: Using Correlational Research in Nursing

Imagine a hospital's interest in understanding the relationship between postoperative physical activity and recovery rates among surgical patients. A correlational study could help identify the extent of this relationship. If increased physical activity is correlated with improved recovery times, this insight could inform nursing practices aimed at enhancing postoperative outcomes. However, the limitation remains that while correlation can suggest a relationship, it doesn’t establish that increased activity causes faster recovery (Curtis et al., 2016). Thus, nurses should exercise caution and consider other potential confounding variables.

Conclusion

Understanding different quantitative research designs is crucial for nurses and healthcare practitioners. Each design has its unique strengths and limitations that are essential for effective research implementation. Descriptive designs help understand populations, correlational designs identify relationships without manipulation, quasi-experimental designs allow for intervention assessment without randomization, and experimental designs establish causal relationships. Integrating these designs into nursing research can promote evidence-based practice that ultimately enhances patient care outcomes.

References

1. Burns, N., Grove, S. K., & Gray, J. (2015). Understanding nursing research: Building on evidence-based practice (6th ed.). St Louis, MI: Elsevier Saunders.
2. Curtis, E. A., Comiskey, C., & Dempsey, O. (2016). Importance and use of correlational research. Nurse Researcher, 23(6), 20-25. doi:10.7748/nr.2016.e1382.
3. Davies, C., & Fisher, M. (2018). Understanding research paradigms. Journal of the Australasian Rehabilitation Nurses’ Association, 21(3), 21-25.
4. Fisher, M., & Bloomfield, J. (2019). Understanding the research process. Journal of the Australasian Rehabilitation Nurses’ Association, 22(1), 22-27.
5. McLaren, S. (2013). Planning and conducting surveys. In Curtis E. A., Drennan J. (Eds.) Quantitative Health Research: Issues and Methods. Open University Press, Maidenhead.
6. Schmidt, N. A., & Brown, J. M. (2018). Evidence-based practice for nurses: Appraisal and application of research. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
7. Sloman, K. N. (2010). Research trends in descriptive analysis. The Behavior Analyst Today, 11(1), 20-35.
8. Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2017). Nursing Research: Generating and Assessing Evidence for Nursing Practice (10th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
9. Holloway, I., & Wheeler, S. (2018). Qualitative Research in Nursing and Healthcare (4th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Blackwell.
10. Morse, J. M., & Richards, L. (2013). Readme First for a User's Guide to Qualitative Methods. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.