Research study guide

Research Outline
Inductive reasoning- moves from specific to general
Deductive reasoning- moves from general to specific
Ways of acquiring knowledge:
Traditions-based on customs and trends (that’s the way it has always been done)
Authority-people with expertise (students look up to instructors)
Borrowing-using knowledge from other disciplines (using technology in nursing)
Trial and error-trying to see what will work without certainty, knowledge is gained from experience, time consuming, contains failures (trying multiple interventions until one works)
Personal experience
Role modeling
Intuition
reasoning
Problem Statements:
INCLUDES VARIABLES, POPULATION, AND SETTING
Goal of the study
Must be clear and concise
Outcomes Research:
Refine relevant knowledge for nursing practice
Usually evidence based
Research Types:
Basic-for the sake of knowledge
Applied- to solve a problem
Theoretical Framework:
Foundation for research design
Has to relate to topic
Theory is an attempt to explain the world
Critical Appraising:
Basic elements of problem statement (variables, population, setting)
Clear and concise
IS IT ETHICAL?
Is study feasible?
Are the problem and purpose able to generate knowledge?
TYPES OF HYPOTHESES:
Associative vs casual
Associative- relationship between variables
Casual- cause and effect relationship between variables
Nondirectional vs directional
Nondirectional- relationship exists between variables, BUT hypothesis does NOT predict nature of relationship (ex: social support is related to dietary intake)
Directional- nature (positive or negative) of interaction between 2+ variables (ex: social support improves dietary intake)
Null vs research
Null/statistical-states there is NO difference or relationship between variables (want to reject)
Research/scientific- states what researcher thinks is true; there is a relationship between variables
Simple study:
1 independent variable to 1 dependent variable
Complex study:
Atleast 2+ independent AND/OR dependent variables
Extraneous variables-uncontrolled variable relating to the setting (environmental variable)
Literature Review:
Data based vs. conceptual literature
Conceptual- theoretical literature (book chapters, text book, journal articles)
Primary vs. secondary sources
Peer reviewed
Theoretical or Empirical literature
Seminal works-classic works
Quantitative Research Designs:
Once the design is created it cannot be changed unless there is an ETHICAL issue
Design SHOULD:
Minimize bias
Achieve precision/consistency
Have control
Decrease extraneous variables
Maximize power
Be feasible
Have objectivity
Control Extraneous Variables by:
Using a homogeneous sample
Consistent data collection procedures
Manipulation of independent variable
Randomization
Design Types:
Experimental (true experiment)
All look at cause and effect
MUST HAVE RANDOMIZATION
Pre/post test
Control group
Manipulation of IV
After only-no pre test
Solomon 4 group
Rarely done
Experimental with after only designs
Quasiexperimental
Still has cause and effect
Non equivilant control group
USUALLY GIVES UP RANDOMIZATION
After only
Time series-measured at increments
Pre-experimental
No control group
One group pre/post test
Non-experimental
No cause and effect
Survey
Interrelationship study
Correlational
Ex post facto-after the fact (signs of FTT, after they have deceased)
Prediction- weather
Developmental-timed series
KEY TERMS:
Attrition-mortality
Cohort-intact group that we are following
Cross section-pre/post test
Meta analysis-multiple studies and looking at the data
Hawthorne- effect happens because the group knows they are being watched
Naturalistic- qualitative
Positivistic-quantitative (predictable reality)