Nursing Research 3 CH
Course Description:
This course focuses on developing understanding of scientific approach and methods of the
research process and critical appraisal of existing nursing and related health literature. The
contents will enable nurses to utilize research findings to promote relationship of research to
practice, education and administration.
Course Objectives:
On completion of Course, learners will be able to:
1. Recognize the research process as a systematic approach to thought and the generation of
nursing knowledge.
2. Understand the process of Evidence based health care.
3. Identify the role of nursing research in the development of a body of nursing knowledge that
promotes nursing as a profession.
4. Explain the ethical consideration used in nursing research for the safety of human subject and
the conduct of research.
5. Analyze/ critique research studies in nursing and other health sciences to evaluate the use of
research process, methodologies, validity, reliability, application & research findings to the
practice, and its significant to development of nursing.
6. Prepare a condensed research proposal (either quantitative or qualitative)
Teaching/Learning Strategies:
Preparatory reading assignments, lecture, discussion, guest speakers, panel discussion and small
group assignments & critique.
Assessment Criteria:
Class room Quizzes = 40%
Quantitative Critique = 20%
Qualitative critique = 20%
Final Exam = 20%
Day/Date Topic Faculty Comments Present Total
Students Students
Unit 1: Introduction: Overview,
Definition, ways of knowing:
Source of human knowledge
Purpose of scientific research
Limitation of scientific method
Research Terminology
Unit 2: Ethics in Research
Ethical issues in nursing
research
Unit 3 Selecting and identifying
the research problem/ purposes
Formulating Hypothesis
Literature Review The
conceptual frame work in
research studies
Unit 4 Quantitative Research
Design Experimental and quasi
experimental research Non
experimental research
.Epidemiological Design.
Action research/Multi-
disciplinary research
Unit 5
Methodology: Populations and
Samples. Measurement & Data
Collection. Interview and
Questionnaire Observational
Method Biophysical Data and
other Collection Method
Criteria for assessing and
selecting measuring tool.
Reliability and validity of the
tools and studies Quantitative
Analysis
Unit 6 Qualitative Designs:
Introduction to:
Phenomenological. Case study
Grounded
Theory/Ethnographic Historical
Research/Qualitative Research,
Methodologies & Triangulation
Unit 7 Critiquing Quantitative
Research Critiquing Qualitative
Research
Unit 8 Utilizing Nursing
Research/Evidence Based
Practice
Unit 9
Proposal writing
STUDY DESIGN: 1. The study design is appropriate to the problem
STUDY PARTICIPANTS 1. The target population is clearly described.
2. The sample size and major characteristics are appropriate (the sample
is representative). 3. The method for choosing the sample is stated
clearly
INSTRUMENTS
1. Each instrument is described as to purpose, content, strengths, and
weaknesses.
2. Rationale for choosing instruments are discussed.
3. Instrument validity is discussed.
4. Instrument reliability is discussed.
PROCEDURES
1. The data collection procedure is appropriate for the study.
2. Steps in the data collection procedure are described clearly and
concisely.
3. Protection of human rights is assured.
4. The study is replicable from the information provided.
5. Appropriate limitations of the study and significant assumptions are
stated.
DATA ANALYSIS
1. The choice of statistical procedures is appropriate.
2. Statistical procedures are correctly applied to the data.
3. Tables, charts, and graphs are clear & relevant to the findings
DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Generalize ability is warranted
2. Interpretations are based on the data.
3. Conclusions are based on the data.
4. Conclusions are clearly stated.
5. Recommendations are feasible and relevant.
NURSING RESEARCH
Guidelines for Critiquing a Research Report: Qualitative 20%
Statement of Phenomenon of Interest
Is the phenomenon of interest clearly identified?
Has the researcher identified why the phenomenon requires a qualitative format?
Are the philosophical underpinnings of the research described?
Review of the literature
1. The review is to the study.
2. Documentation of sources is current, clear and complete.
3. The relationship of the problem to previous research is clear.
4. There is a range of opinions and varying points of view about the problem.
5. The review concludes with a brief summary of the literature and its implications for the
problem.
Purpose
Is the purpose of conducting the research made explicit?
Does the researcher describe the projected significance of the work to nursing?
Study Design
Is the design appropriate and compatible with the purpose of the research?
Sampling report
Does the researcher describe the selection of participants? Is purposive sampling used?
Are the informants who were chosen appropriate to inform the research?
Data Collection
Is data collection focused on human experience?
Does the researcher describe data collection strategies? [ i.e. interview, observation, field
notes]
Is protection of human subjects addressed?
Is saturation of the data described?
Are the procedures for collecting data made explicit?
Data Analysis
Does the researcher describe the strategies used to analyze the data?
Does the reader understand the procedures used to analyze the data?
Does the researcher address the credibility, audibility, and fittingness of the data
Credibility
Do the participants recognize the experience as their own?
Audibility
Can the reader follow the thinking of the researcher?
Does the researcher document the researcher process?
Fittingness:
Can the findings be applicable outside the study situation?
Are the results meaningful to individual not involved in the research?
Data Analysis (Cont….)
Is the strategy used for analysis compatible with the purpose of the study?
Findings
Are the findings presented within a context
Is the reader able to understand the essence of the experience as reported in the findings?
Are the researcher’s interpretations true to the data?
Does the researcher place the report in the context of what is already known about the
phenomenon?
Conclusion, implications, and recommendations.
Do the conclusions, implications, and recommendations give the reader a context in which
to use the findings?
Do the conclusions reflect the findings of the study?
Are recommendations for future study offered?
Is the significance of the study to nursing made explicit
Note: Use Standard Writing Style for critiquing a research report.
References:
1. Burns, N., & Grove, S. S. (2006). Understanding nursing research. Philadelphia: W. B.
Saunders.