Unit 2: The

Research
Process and
Ways of
Knowing
Unit 2: The Research Process
and Ways of Knowing
Introduction to the Topic:
This unit focuses on all the elements that
influence the choice of a research design.
The steps involved in the research process
lead to a description of classifications of
research studies.
Figure 2.1 The Research Process: Building a Study
 Paradigms in Research
An overall belief system or way of
viewing the nature of reality and
the basis of knowledge
Considerations in Design Selection
• Philosophical orientation of the researcher
• Nature of the research question or
problem
• Skills, abilities, and preferences of the
researcher
• Resources available
• Access to samples
 Research Paradigms
• Quantitative
Qualitative Study
Study
A natural approach to research where the
A traditional
focus is understanding the meaning of an
approach tofrom the individual’s
experience
research where
perspective
variables are
identified and
measured in a
reliable and valid
way
 Element Quantitative Qualitative

View of reality Objective and Constructed by

measurable individuals
View of time Reality is constant Reality is
continuous
Context Reality separate Reality embedded
from context in context
Researcher Objective, Personally
detached involved
Populations Samples Cases

Quantitative Versus Qualitative Characteristics

 Element Quantitative Qualitative

Measures Observable Meanings created

phenomena by individuals
Observations Definable Holistic
variables observations
Design Preconceived; Emergent;
highly controlled adaptable
Analysis Statistics Analytic induction

Generalization To defined Transfer

populations knowledge

Quantitative Versus Qualitative Characteristics

 Mixed Methods
Research approach that combines
quantitative and qualitative
elements; involves the
measurable state of a
phenomenon and the individual’s
subjective response to it
Steps in the Research Process
• Define a research problem
• Scan the literature
– Determine basic knowledge
– Identify existing evidence
• Write a research question
Steps in the Research Process
• Determine an appropriate design
– Appropriate for philosophical assumptions
– Fits the nature of the question
– Aligned with the intent of the researcher
– Identifies the appropriate time dimension
Steps in the Research Process
• Define a sampling strategy
– How subjects will be recruited
– How many subjects are needed
 Steps in the Research Process
• Collect data
• Analyze the data and describe results
• Communicate the findings
– Publication
– Professional conferences
• Use findings to support practice
Research Classifications
Basic Research
Theoretical, pure, fundamental, or
bench research done to advance
knowledge in a given subject area
Research Classifications
Applied Research
Research to gain knowledge that
has a practical application and
contributes in some way to a
modification of practice
Research Classifications
Retrospective Study
Studies that use secondary
data that have already been
collected about events that
have already happened
Research Classifications
Prospective Study
Studies planned by the researcher
for collection of primary data
for the specific research study;
implemented in the future
Research Classifications
Longitudinal Study
Studies conducted by following
subjects over a period of time with
data collection occurring at
prescribed intervals
Research Classifications
Cross-sectional Study
Studies conducted by looking at
a single phenomenon across
multiple populations at a
single point in time
 Quantitative Studies
Use as evidence for the
effectiveness, efficiency, and
value of interventions; influences
whether a given action results
in a desired outcome
 Qualitative Studies
Use as evidence in determining
the preferences and values of the
patient and practitioner; influences
compliance and acceptability of a
treatment
 Mixed Methods
Enable incorporation of a variety
of approaches so the holistic
needs of the patient can be
addressed, including both
physical and psychological
responses to treatments
 Conclusions
• A variety of philosophical orientations
influence the design of a research study
• Both qualitative and quantitative research
inform nursing practice
• In either case, research design is
systematic and rigorous
• Research can be classified based on
intent, type, and time