2. • Research can be classified based on different
situations:
A.Based on collected data: three types
– Quantitative
– Qualitative
– Mixed
• Quantitative Research Method:
Is a vigorous, systematic, & objective method.
Involves phenomenon that can be measured: pain,
wound healing, drug effectiveness, etc.
3. Data is numerical --- requires
Statistical analysis: T - tests or Chi-square to
compare two or more groups
Controls for bias.
• Types of Quantitative Research
Experimental Study
Tightly controlled variables
Characteristics of True Experiments
• Random selection – subjects are randomly
assigned to groups (experiment or control)
• May be done by computer or through a table of
random numbers
4. • Assigning subjects:
• Experimental - who gets new intervention
• Control - who does not get new
intervention, but receives current standard
of care
• Manipulation - researcher introduces intervention
• An experimental study may be Controlled or Non
controlled.
• A controlled experimental study may be randomized or
non-randomized
5. • Selection of experimental and control groups
• Randomization: random allocation of study subjects
to treatment & control groups
• Blinding:
– Single blinding: study subjects don’t know to
which group they belong
– Double blinding: Care givers also don’t know to
which group study subjects belong
– Advantage: Avoids observation bias
6. • Types of Experimental Studies
– Clinical trials: subjects are patients who already
have a disease
– Field trials: subjects are individuals without disease
(e.g., vaccine trial)
– Community intervention trials: field trial on a
community-wide basis (e.g., fluoridation of the
water supply)
7. NON EXPERIMENTAL
• Descriptive Research: Uses questionnaires, surveys,
interviews or observations to collect data
Survey Study
oUsed to obtain information regarding prevalence,
distribution, & interrelation of variables within the
study population
oStatistics used: mean, median, mode, & percent
oTools uses: questionnaires &/or interviews
(Pre-test research tool before using it.)
Evaluation Research
oDetermines how well a program, practice, procedure or policy
works
oSimple statistics - percent
8. Correlation Research:
• Relationships between and among variables
• Collection of data on at least two variables for the
same group of individuals
• Calculate - the correlation between the measurer
• Highest number of research studies in nursing are
classified as description correlation design
9. • Comparing experimental vs non experimental:
• Experimental: Researcher manipulates or controls
variable(s) and observes effect in other variable(s)
• Evaluates cause and effect relationship
• Ex: Does a pre-op intervention program to increase
self efficacy affect self care measures post-op?
• Non-experimental: Describes or looks at
relationships(s) or correlation between variables.
• Variables are not manipulated by the researcher
• Ex: Correlation between HRT use and breast CA
10. Qualitative Research: Used to explore little known
phenomenon that are not easily identifiable.
• Looks at the client’s perception of: health, disease, care
• Uses open ended interviews and case studies.
• Is subjective data.
Types of Qualitative Research
Ethnography
Phenomenology
Historical Research
Exploratory Research
Descriptive Research
11. B. Based on Utility : two types
– Basic or fundamental research
– Applied health research
• Basic or “Pure” Research:
– Pursuit of knowledge or finding truth
– Generates, refines or tests theory
– Often uses laboratory setting
– Findings may not be directly useful in practice
– May be used later in development of
treatment/drug/theory
12. • Applied or “Practical” Research
– Knowledge directly influence clinical practice
– Conducted in actual practice conditions
– Solve problems, make decisions, predict outcomes
– Evaluate interventions
– Test/validate theories
– Evaluate “Basic” research knowledge for
usefulness
• The research findings contribute to some
modifications of present practices: patient care,
education, administration
13. • Applied health research should:
– Focus on existing problems.
– Be action oriented
– Involve all concerned parties
– Be timely carried out
– Emphasis on comparatively simple and short
designs that yield practical results relatively
quickly
14. • C. Based on time dimension: two types - data related
and duration related
• Based on data related time dimension
• Retrospective:
• Examines data already collected in the past
• Ex: Review of medical records to examine previous
history in of cholesterol levels in s/p MI patients
• Prospective:
• Examines data being collected in the present
• Ex: Study describing social support and coping
mechanisms of women with ovarian CA
15. • Based on duration related time dimension
• Cross-sectional: Collects data at one point in time
• E.g. What exists today?
• Longitudinal: Studies examines variables of interest
over a period of time
• Advantages –ability to collect data on the same
individual over time
