The document outlines the fundamentals of scientific research, emphasizing systematic inquiry to enhance knowledge through structured methods and empirical evidence. It distinguishes between quantitative and qualitative research approaches, as well as the differences between basic and applied research, each with its own methodologies and purposes. Additionally, it discusses the nursing research process and its significance in improving nursing practices and education.

1. A.M.T.B. ADIKARI
MSc, BSc, RN.
Principal
School of Nursing Kandy

2. 
WHAT IS RESEARCH?
Something that people undertake in order
to find out things in a systematic way,
thereby increasing their knowledge.
Research is a systematic inquiry that
uses orderly scientific methods to
answer question or solve problems (
Polit & Hungler, 1991).

3. 
Scientific Inquiry
A process in which observable,
verifiable data are systematically
collected using our senses to explore,
describe, explain, or predict events.

4. 
Characteristics of
Scientific Inquiry
Order. ( systematic approach)
Control (setting restriction)
Empiricism (evidence is gathered through
the human senses)
Generalization.
Operationalism ( define the term used in
the research process)

5. 
Replication ( data reproduced under
similar conditions.
Objectivity (agree on what observe
rather than on personal beliefs, values
& attitudes)
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Characteristics of
Scientific Inquiry ….

6. 
Purpose of Scientific
Research
Description- describe the characteristics
of people, situations, & frequency of
occurrence.
Exploration – discovery of relationships.
Explanation – formal explanation(
theories)
Prediction & control – predicts that how
variable will behave in new settings &
with different individuals.

7. 
Characteristics of Good
Research
Purpose clearly identified.
Research process detailed.
Research design thoroughly planned.
High ethical standards applied.
Limitation frankly revealed.
Adequate analysis for decision maker’s
needs.

8. 
Findings presented unambiguously.
Conclusions justified.
Researcher’s experience reflected
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Characteristics of Good
Research…

9. 
Approaches for research
1. Deductive approach
2. Inductive approach

10. 
Approaches for reach
Deductive approach
Developing a theory and then proceed
to gather data to test your theory.
Identify and verify the cause and effect
relationships between two or more
variables.
 it leads to findings that are capable of
generalization.

11. 
Approaches for research
Inductive approach
Carry out data collection and analysis
and then develop a theory on the basis
of the work you have done.
Theory follows the data
Deeper findings because the approach
gets closer to the people involved.

12. 
Broadly divided into two:
1. Quantitative
2. Qualitative
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Types of Research
Methods

13. 
describe and measure the level of
occurrences on the basis of numbers
and calculations.
“how many?” and “how often?” are
often asked in quantitative studies.
collection of numerical data
uses the quantitative data to analysis.
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Quantitative Research

14. 
based on words, feelings, emotions,
sounds and other non-numerical and
unquantifiable elements.
cannot be analysed by means of
mathematical techniques.
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Qualitative Research

15. 
Types of Research( Based
on purpose)
Basic Research(pure Research)
Research conducted to develop
theories.
Applied Research
Research conducted to find
solutions to clinical problems in
nursing practice.
Most of the research done in nursing
trends to be more applied than basic.

16. 
Applied Research used
to
Make decisions.
Evaluate new programs
Evaluate new methods
Evaluate new products.

17. 
Types Of Research (Based on Method)
Descriptive
Analytical
Causal

18. 
Aim to identify the facts
Mainly deals with the “description of
the state of affairs as it is at present”
No control over variables
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Descriptive research

19. 
Descriptive Research
Example
Woman about 40 years old
Household income of about Rs50,000
At least some college education
Trying to juggle children and a job

20. 
 Use facts or information already
available
Analyze these in order to make a
critical evaluation of the material
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Analytical research

21. 
Causal Research
Conducted to identify cause and effect
relationships

22. 
Research Process
Conceptual phase
Empirical phase
Interpretive phase

23. 
Conceptual Phase
The problem
The variables.
The literature review.
The research question & hypotheses.

24. 
Empirical Phase
Design.
Population & sample.
Validity.
Collection of data.
Data analysis.

25. 
Interpretive Phase
Discussion & conclusion.

26. 
Nursing Process & Research Process
Nursing process Research process
Assessment •Identify the research problem
•Formulate the summary of the proposed research
•Review of literature
•Define the concepts & variables to be studied
Diagnosis State the hypotheses
Determine the ethical implication
Identify assumptions & limitations
Planning Describe the research design & methods for data
collection.
Define study population & sample.
Determine how to process, analyze, & summarize
data.
Plan for communicating findings.
Implementation Collect data.
Evaluation oAnalyze & interpret data.
oCommunicate findings.

27. 
Why Do Nursing
Research?
To mould the attitudes & intellectual
competence & technical skill.
To fill the gaps in the knowledge &
practices.
To foster a commitment &
accountability.
To provide basis for professionalism.

28. 
To identify the role of nurse in
changing society.
To discover new measures for nursing
practice.
 To help to improve the standards in
nursing education.
To establish quality of nursing care.
To allow nurses to be accountable for
the care provided to the patient.
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Why Do Nursing
Research?...

29. 
Why Do Nursing
Research? …..
To determine the effectiveness of
nursing practices.
To modify or abandon those practices
shown to have no effect on the health
status of individuals.
To refining the existing theories &
discover new theories.

30. 
Major Categories of Nsg
Research
Nursing characteristics.
Eg: Why nurses decide to work in a ICU?
Patient characteristics.
Eg: Why some patients have post
operative infections?
Nursing administration.
Eg: What qualities are important for
nursing leaders?

31. 
Major Categories of Nsg
Research…..
Nursing education.
Eg: Needs of the nursing students
Nursing care of patients.
Eg: Does Bee honey improve the
healing of chronic diabetic wound?
Eg: Does exercise improve the
quality of life for over weight people?