Nursing Research: theoretical foundations of qualitative and quantitative methods

Nursing Research Student Name: School Name: Nursing Research Introduction The essence of conducting research is evolving and has become a significant skill in modern world today. A major importance of nursing is to provide patients with high-quality service and care. It is concluded therefore that the absence of research in clinical practice is simply a practice without validation. Research is vital element used in evaluating the effectiveness of modalities in nursing treatments or to examining the effect of nursing care on a patient’s health. According to Lanuza (1999), challenges and transformations occur in nursing practices thus research needs to be conducted so as to address these social needs or challenges. Qualitative research involves a detailed and complete description of circumstances or events whereas quantitative approach attempts to describe these events using statistical models. These two approaches highlight merits and demerits in regards to the area of focus and the aims of the researcher when conducting a study. Qualitative methods in a nursing study Qualitative research is a method which puts more emphasis on the variables found in a particular setting or environment. According to Brockopp and Hastings-Tolsma (2003), the quantification of observations is independent to the interpretation and analysis in a quantitative research. In this case investigations are based on the interviewer’s interactions with the participants. Advantages When a researcher is not sure of what he needs to study on during the early stages of research, he uses qualitative research as an option. The latter, does not require a design plan that is strict hence a researcher has the audacity to allow his study flow naturally. Qualitative study is best suited to bring out the description of a natural setting or context because it involves participants who give out first hand information. Since subjective information is used it means that clear understanding of the medical environment is evident due to prior interactions amongst the participants. Thus in primary healthcare where researchers want to find out the behavioral interactions between patients and healthcare professions or their feelings and...