Research Design

Quantitative and Quantitative

Dr Sabiha
Associate professor
KMU-INS
Learning Objectives

By the end of the lecture the students will be able to:

1. Explain Quantitative And Qualitative Research.
2. Describe Key Differences Between Qualitative and
Quantitative
3. Describe Sampling techniques used in quantitative and
qualitative research.
Introduction
Research is the foundation of evidence-based practice, enabling
professionals to make informed decisions and advance knowledge.
In this lecture, we will explore the essential components of research
methods, focusing on:
Research designs,
Sampling techniques,
Data collection tools, and
Data analysis.
For both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Research Designs

Nursing research can be broadly categorized into:

 Qualitative

Quantitative

each approaches serving different purposes in understanding patient

care, healthcare systems, and nursing education.
Qualitative research
Purpose: To explore and understand
complex phenomena, uncovering
underlying meanings, perspectives,
behaviors, and experiences.

Data Collection: Methods include

interviews, observations, focus
groups, and open-ended surveys.
Types of Qualitative Research in Nursing
 1. Grounded Theory Research
In this research, researchers first collect real-life data,
like individuals’ experiences, thoughts, and ideas. After
that, they study the collected data to create a theory that
explains a particular behavior pattern or situation.

Example:

In China, a few researchers conducted a study on 19

patients who recovered from Crohn’s disease to study
how they felt more positive about life after recovery.
Grounded theory
Description: Grounded theory is an approach used to develop theories grounded in empirical data,
emphasizing the generation of new insights and conceptual frameworks from the data itself.

Approach: Researchers collect data through interviews, observations, or document analysis.

Data analysis involves coding, categorizing, and constant comparison to identify patterns and
develop theoretical concepts. The process includes iterative cycles of data collection and analysis,
refining the emerging theory based on new insights.

Goal: The goal of grounded theory research is to develop a substantive theory that explains a
phenomenon based on observed data, contributing new knowledge and understanding to the field
2. Case Study Research

Definition: This approach involves an in-depth investigation of a single

case, individual, or healthcare institution over time.

Example: Studying a patient undergoing a rare medical treatment to

understand the impact on their physical and mental well-being.
3. Ethnographic Research
Definition: Studies cultural practices, behaviors, and social nteractions
in healthcare settings.
Purpose: Helps in understanding how culture influences healthcare
practices.
Example:
Examining the nursing culture in an ICU to understand teamwork and
decision-making during emergencies.
Studying how different ethnic communities perceive end-of-life care
and their cultural beliefs about death and dying.
Ethnographic research
Description: Ethnographic research involves in in-depth exploration of a cultural group,
community, or social setting to understand their beliefs, practices, and social dynamics.

Approach: Researchers engage in prolonged fieldwork, often living among the participants
and participating in their activities to gain an insider's perspective. Data collection methods
include participant observation, interviews. Analysis focuses on identifying cultural
patterns, social norms, within the context studied.

Goal: The goal of ethnographic research is to provide a holistic understanding of a cultural

group or community, uncovering their worldview, social interactions, and cultural practices
within their natural environment.
4. Phenomenological Research
 Phenomenology literally means the study of phenomena. It is a way of describing
something that exists as part of the world in which we live. Phenomena may be
events, situations, experiences or concepts.
 We are surrounded by many phenomena, which we are aware of but not fully
understand. So this approach explores individuals' lived experiences regarding a
specific phenomenon.
 It aims to understand how people perceive and experience certain health-related
conditions..
 Example: A study exploring the experiences of patients diagnosed with chronic
pain to understand how they cope with daily activities and treatment.
Phenomenological research
Description: Phenomenological research aims to explore and describe the core of human
experiences, perceptions, and phenomena from the perspective of the individuals involved.

Approach: Researchers use in-depth interviews, focus groups, or written narratives to gather rich,
detailed descriptions of participants' lived experiences. Data analysis involves identifying common
themes, patterns, and structures that capture the essence of the phenomenon being studied.

Goal: The goal of phenomenological research is to uncover the fundamental aspects of a

phenomenon as experienced by individuals, focusing on understanding the subjective meanings and
perspectives attached to those experiences.
Quantitative Research
Purpose: To quantify variables, test hypotheses, establish cause-and-effect
relationships, and make generalizations about a population.
Data Collection:
 Uses structured instruments such as surveys, experiments, questionnaires,
and standardized tests.
 Data collection is systematic and follows a predetermined plan to ensure
reliability and validity.
 Researchers may appoint random sampling techniques to ensure
representativeness of the sample.
 Quantitative Research Designs
Correlational- Examine relationships

Descriptive- Describe situations.

Quasi-experimental- Examine Effectiveness of intervention.

Experimental- Producing positive outcomes against controls

Correlational Research
Definition: Examines the relationship between two or more variables,
In correlational studies the researcher examines the strength of
relationships between variables by determining how change in one
variable is correlated with change in the other variable.
Example:
1. Investigating the relationship between nurse staffing levels and
patient mortality rates.
2. Studying the correlation between nurses’ work hours and their level
of job satisfaction.
Correlational Research
Description: Correlational research examines the relationship
between two or more variables to determine if they are associated
or related in some way.
Approach: Researchers collect data on two or more variables and
use statistical techniques such as correlation coefficients to assess
the strength and direction of relationships.
Goal: The goal of correlational research is to identify and quantify
the degree of relationship between variables, providing insights into
potential connections or predictive patterns.
Descriptive Design
Description: Descriptive research aims to describe and summarize
characteristics, behaviors, or phenomena without manipulating
variables or establishing causal relationships.
Approach: Researchers collect data through surveys, observations,
or existing databases to describe variables of interest.
Data analysis involves summarizing data using measures such as
means, frequencies, percentages, and standard deviations.
Goal: The goal of descriptive research is to provide a comprehensive
and accurate picture of a situation, population, or phenomenon.
Quasi-Experimental Design
Description: Quasi-experimental research investigates cause-and-effect
relationships between variables, but unlike experimental research, it lacks random
assignment to control groups.
Approach: Researchers manipulate an independent variable and measure its
effects on a dependent variable, but participants are not randomly assigned to
groups. Data analysis involves comparing outcomes between experimental and
control groups.
Goal: The goal of quasi-experimental research is to assess the impact of an
intervention or treatment while considering practical constraints and ethical
considerations that may limit randomization.
Experimental Design
Description: Experimental research involves manipulating variables to establish cause-and-
effect relationships between an independent variable (cause) and a dependent variable
(effect).
Approach: Researchers randomly assign participants to experimental and control groups,
manipulate the independent variable in the experimental group, and measure the effects
on the dependent variable. Data analysis involves comparing outcomes between groups,
using statistical tests such as t-tests or ANOVA to assess differences and infer causation.
Goal: The goal of experimental research is to determine if changes in the independent
variable lead to changes in the dependent variable, allowing researchers to draw
conclusions about causality.
 Key Differences Between Qualitative and Quantitative
Research in Nursing
Feature Qualitative Research Quantitative Research
Purpose Understand experiences, Measure variables, test hypotheses,
emotions, meanings establish cause-effect relationships
Data Type Words, narratives, themes Numbers, statistics
Data Interviews, focus groups, Surveys, experiments, clinical trials
Collection observations
Analysis Thematic or narrative analysis Statistical analysis (e.g., t-tests,
regression)
Sample Size Small, purposive sampling Large, representative sampling
Outcome Rich, in-depth understanding Generalizable, measurable results
 Sample size in Qualitative Research
The sample size in research refers to the number of participants, cases, or units
included in a study. The determination of sample size depends on the research design,
objectives, and methodology.
Sample Size in Qualitative Research
Qualitative research focuses on in-depth understanding rather than generalizability, so
sample sizes are typically small and flexible.
Key Principles for Qualitative Sample Size
Saturation → When no new themes or patterns emerge, data collection stops.
Purposeful Selection → Participants are chosen based on their relevance to the study.
Context-Specific → The sample size depends on the depth of data needed.
 Sample Size Guidelines for Different Qualitative
Methods
Qualitative Design Typical Sample Size Explanation
Phenomenology 5–25 participants Focuses on lived experiences of
individuals
Grounded Theory 20–60 participants Seeks to develop a new theory from
data
Ethnography 30+ participants Studies an entire culture or community

Case Study 1–10 cases Analyzes specific cases in detail

 Sampling Techniques in
Qualitative and Quantitative Design
 Sampling Techniques used in Qualitative and
Quantitative Research
1. Probability Sampling (used in quantitative research)

2. Non-Probability Sampling(used in qualitative research)

probability sampling involves random selection, while non-probability

sampling does not–it relies on the subjective judgement of the
researcher.
 Sampling Techniques used in Qualitative and
Quantitative Research
Probability Sampling (used in quantitative research)
Simple Random Sampling: Equal chance for all individuals.
Stratified Sampling: Divides population into strata, sampling each.
Cluster Sampling: Randomly selects groups instead of individuals.
Systematic Sampling: Selects every nth individual from a list.
Non-Probability Sampling (used in qualitative research)
Convenience Sampling: Uses easily accessible participants.
Purposive Sampling: Selects participants based on specific characteristics.
Snowball Sampling: Recruits participants through referrals.
 Non-Probability Sampling

Convenience Sampling: Uses easily accessible participants.

Purposive or Judgmental Sampling: Selects participants based on specific

characteristics.

Snowball Sampling: Recruits participants through referrals.

Quota sampling technique:

Convenience Sampling
 Here the samples are selected based on
the availability. This method is used when
the availability of sample is rare and also
costly.

 For example: Researchers prefer this

during the initial stages of survey research,
as it’s quick and easy to deliver results.
Purposive or Judgmental Sampling
This is based on the intention or the purpose of
study. Only those elements will be selected from
the population which suits the best for the
purpose of study.

For Example: If we want to understand the

thought process of the people who are interested
in pursuing MSN degree then the selection criteria
would be “Are you interested for Masters in..?”
 Snowball sampling/chain sampling
 This technique is used in the situations
where the population is completely
unknown and rare.
 Therefore we will take the help from the first
element which we select for the population
and ask him to recommend other elements
who will fit the description of the sample
needed.
 So this referral technique goes on, increasing
the size of population like a snowball.
 Quota sampling
 This type of sampling depends of some pre-set
standard. It selects the representative sample from
the population. Proportion of characteristics/ trait in
sample should be same as population. Elements are
selected until exact proportions of certain types of
data is obtained or sufficient data in different
categories is collected.
 For example: If our population has 45% females and
55% males then our sample should reflect the same
percentage of males and females.
 Probability Sampling (used in quantitative research)
Simple Random Sampling: Equal chance for all
individuals.
Stratified Sampling: Divides population into
strata, sampling each.
Cluster Sampling: Randomly selects groups
instead of individuals.
Systematic Sampling: Selects every nth
individual from a list.
1. Simple Random Sampling
 This method is as easy as assigning numbers to
the individuals and then randomly choosing
from those numbers through an automated
process.
 There are two ways in which the samples are
chosen in this method of sampling:
 Lottery system and using number generating
software/ random number table. This
sampling technique usually works around large
population and has its fair share of advantages
and disadvantages.
2. Stratified Sampling
 it involves a method where a larger
population can be divided into smaller
groups, that usually don’t overlap but
represent the entire population together.
While sampling these groups can be
organized and then draw a sample from each
group separately.
 A common method is to arrange or classify
by sex, age, ethnicity and similar ways.
Splitting subjects into mutually exclusive
groups and then using simple random
sampling to choose members from groups.
Stratified Random sampling
 3. Cluster Sampling
In this method, population is first divided into clusters, and then a random sample of
these clusters is selected. This method is often used for large, geographically
dispersed populations to reduce costs.
Stratified and cluster sampling may look similar, but groups created in cluster sampling are
heterogeneous.
In contrast, groups created in stratified sampling are homogeneous,.
4. Systematic Sampling
 when you choose every “nth” individual to
be a part of the sample.
 For example, you can choose every 2nd
person to be in the sample.
 There’s an equal opportunity for every
member of a population to be selected
using this sampling technique.
Conclusion

Both Qualitative and Quantitative research are essential in nursing.

Qualitative studies help understand patient experiences and improve
care delivery, while quantitative studies provide evidence-based
solutions for clinical practices and healthcare policies.

Many nursing studies use mixed-methods research, combining both

approaches to gain a comprehensive understanding of a problem.
References
1. Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods
Approaches (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.
2. Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2021). Nursing Research: Generating and Assessing Evidence for Nursing
Practice (11th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
3. Burns, N., & Grove, S. K. (2019). Understanding Nursing Research: Building an Evidence-Based
Practice (7th ed.). Elsevier.
4. Neuman, B. (2014). Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches (7th ed.).
Pearson.