SLIDES PREPARED BY Dr.

Shobana Gangadharan

PRESENTER Dr.Shobana Gangadharan Associate Professor

COLLEGE / CENTRE College of Health Sciences

PROGRAM Bachelor of Science in Nursing

SEMESTER Semester 6

Introduction to the course Nursing Research 1

1
Introduction to Nursing
Research
Course Outcome

• A1 – Discuss the concepts, principles and terminologies related to nursing

research
Topics covered

• Definitions of research and nursing research

• Importance of nursing research
• Goals of nursing research
• Paradigms of nursing research
• Evidence based nursing practice
• Levels of evidence based nursing practice
• Roles of nurses in research
Nursing Research
• Why is a course in research necessary?

• What are your feelings about taking this course??? Are you…
• excited? Full of dread? Angry?
• Fearful? Curious ?
• waiting for this whole thing to be over?!
 Why is research exciting ?

• How can…?
• “The essence of all
research originates in • Why is…?

curiosity - a desire to • What is the best way to…?

find out how and why
• What causes…?
things happen”
• What are the effects of…?
The Research Language - Some
Terminologies

• Research

• Variable

• Data

• Rigor

• Control

• Sampling

• Setting
Terminologies

Research - It means “ to search again ” or “ to

examine carefully ”
Variable- Measurable characteristic that varies
among subjects.
Data- Pieces of information obtained in a
study. Are the actual “values” of the study
variables.
• Rigor- Striving for excellence in research.
Involves Discipline, adherence to detail strict
accuracy, uses precise measurement tools
• Control- Using “rules” to decrease error and
increase probability that study findings are an
accurate reflection of reality
• Sampling- Choosing subjects who are
“representative” of the

study population

• Setting- Location of the study which can

affect results
 What is Research?

Research is the systematic inquiry that uses

disciplined methods to answer questions or solve
problems. The ultimate goal of research is to
develop, refine and expand a body of knowledge.
Scientific Inquiry

• Observable, verifiable data collected to:

• Describe
• Explain
• Predict events
 What is Nursing Research?

Nursing research is the systematic inquiry

designed to develop knowledge about issues of
importance to the nursing profession, including
nursing practice, education, administration and
informatics.
 Nursing Research

Develops new knowledge relevant to nursing

profession:

Nursing practice Education

Administration Informatics
Burns & Grove, 2003
14
Nursing
Nursing Research
Research
Bringing together all aspects of Nursing
Research and Nursing

• Science produces knowledge

• This knowledge provides society with more

choices…or does it control our choices?
• Can be used to manipulate

• Can imply info which isn’t necessarily

“fact”
Continuum of participation

•Consumers of research – read and

evaluate

•Participate in the research process,

utilize findings

•Conduct research
GOALS OF NURSING RESEARCH
1. To generate an empirical
knowledge base to guide nursing
practice, through observation or
experiment.
2. To synthesize guidelines, standards,
protocols or policies to direct the
implementation of nursing
interventions.
Burns & Grove, 2003

A depiction of Nightingale at Scutari, Istanbul, 1854.

Importance of Research in Nursing
 Purposes of Nursing Research

• Identification and description

• Exploration

• Explanation

• Prediction and control

EVIDENCE-BASED NURSING PRACTICE

EBNP is the process by which nurses make

clinical decisions based on the best available
research evidence, clinical practice and
patient preferences, in the context of
available resources.

Budin, 2008
 For EBP , what do I believe???

• One study “says” to do one thing; another study

says that I should do the opposite!
• What is a person to do?
 Read the study?

• Do you simply accept • How do you know

the findings because which studies are
they are “scientific?” credible?

This course will help!

LEVELS OF EBP
Level I
Level II
Level III
Level IV
Level V
Level VI Level I

Level II
Level III

Level IV

Level V

Level VI
Steps of a Scientific Method
• Select/define a problem

• Formulate research question

• Formulate research hypothesis
• Collect data
• Analyze data
• Report results
Characteristics of a
Scientific Method

• Objectivity – distance research from

personal beliefs, values, attitudes Why???
• Empirical Data – documenting objective
data through direct observation = reality
 Quantitative Research

• Formal, objective, systematic process using

• measurement
• hypothesis testing
• data analysis

• Traditional approaches such as experiments,

questionnaires, surveys
 Qualitative Research

• Evaluate subjective life experiences and give

meaning to them

• Focuses on understanding phenomena from an

individual’s perspective

• Approaches: observation, in-depth interviews, case

studies, narrative analyses
 Some Myths About Research

• The purpose of research is to “prove” or “confirm”

a theory.
• Research findings are presented as complete and
conclusive answers.
• There is a hierarchy of research methodology that
places true “experimental” research at the top.
Future directions for Nursing Research

• Increased focus on outcomes research

• Increased focus on bio-physiologic research

• Promotion Evidence based practice

• Development of a strong knowledge base

• Strengthening of multidisciplinary collaboration

• Expanded dissemination of research findings

• Increasing the visibility of nursing research

Think about this…

• A Philanthropist puts a notice on the bulletin board at your school or

work setting. She wrote that she is willing to fund Rs 200,000 for a
nursing study in the name of her deceased mother who was cared for
by “wonderful nurses.” She is asking for suggestions. What one
study would you suggest?
 Strategies to unlock your research
potential

• Objectives

• Realize your research potential

• Begin to think of some research topics

• Conduct some research in your field

• Guide your students in the conduct of research

• Publish your research

 References
• Burns, N. and Grove, S K. (2007). Under standing the theoretical
frameworks ed.4. Philadelphia : Saunders

• Polit, DF Beck, CT. (2004). Developing a conceptual context ed.7.

Philadelphia: Mosby.

• Wood GL, Haber, J., (2002) Nursing research – methods, critical

appraisal and utilization. Philadelphia: Mosby
Thank You

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