1. Lecture Notes on Nursing Research
Prepared By: Mark Fredderick R Abejo R.N, MAN
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NURSING RESEARCH
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Lecturer: Mark Fredderick R. Abejo RN, MAN
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NATURE OF RESEARCH
Research Definition
 Derived from the old French word “CERCHIER”
meaning to seek or to search.
 The prefix “re” means again and signifies
replication of the search, implying that the person
has to find out or to take another more careful look.
 Is a scientific study or investigation that is pursued
to discover theories and concepts based on new facts
and information and its practical application.
 Systematic collection and analysis of data to
illuminate, describe or explain new facts and
relationship and for the purposes of prediction or
explanation.
 An attempt to gain solutions to the problem. (Treece,
1986)
 Refers to a problem solving process that utilizes
scientific and develop ideas and theories that give
meaningful answer to complex questions about
human beings and the environment.
 The Committee on Research of the Philippine
Nurses Association has come up with its own
definition of research: Research is an honest,
scientific investigation undertaken for the purpose
of discovering new facts or establishing new
relationship among facts already known which will
contribute to the present body of knowledge and
can lead to an effective solution of existing
problems.
Theory – systematic, abstract explanation of some
aspect of reality.
Concepts – building blocks of theories
Data – pieces of information obtained in the course of
investigation
Phenomenon – an event, happening, incident and
observable facts.
Nursing Research Definition
 It is defined as a formal, systematic, rigorous and
intensive process used for solutions to nursing
problems or to discover and interpret new facts and
trends in the clinical practice, nursing education and
nursing administration. (Waltz and Bausell, 2001)
Introduction to Nursing Research
Systematic study and assessment of nursing
problems or phenomena; finding ways to improve
nursing practice and patient care through creative
studies;initiating and evaluating change; and taking
action to make new knowledge useful in nursing.
(Vreeland, 1963 )
Includes the breadth and depth of the disciple of
nursing and the rehabilitative, therapeutic and
preventive aspects of nursing as well as the
preparation of practitioners and personnel involved
in the total nursing sphere.
According to NCNR, nursing research is the testing
of knowledge that can be used to guide nursing
practice. It is concerned with examining questions
and verifying interventions based on human
experiences.
The Goals of Nursing Research
 Efficiency and effectiveness in nursing care.
 Worthiness and value of the nursing
profession.
 Indentify, implementing and evaluating
effective health care modalities.
 Potential for providing quality care of
clients.
Sources of Knowledge in Nursing
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Faith, Habits and Traditions
Authority
Borrowing
Clinical / Personal Experience
Trial and Error
Intuition
Role Modeling
Logical Reasoning
Assembled Information
Disciplined Research
Reason for Conducting Research in Nursing
1.
Gather data or information on nursing situations or
conditions about which little knowledge is available.
2. Provides scientific knowledge base from which nursing
theories emerge and develop.
3. Helps correct, clarify and validate perceptions and
expands these.
4. Provides theoretical and scientific basis for nursing
practice.
5. Defines the parameters of nursing and identifies its
boundaries.
6. Documents the social relevance and efficacy of nursing
practice to people and health care providers.
7. Describes the characteristics of the nursing situation
about which little knowledge is known.
8. Predicts probable outcomes of nursing decisions in
relations to client care.
9. Provides knowledge for purposes of problem solving and
decision making.
10. Develops and evaluates nursing theories, concepts and
practices these for clarity and validity of nursing actions.
11. Prevents undesirable client reactions.
12. Develops a considerable degree of confidence.
Abejo

2. Lecture Notes on Nursing Research
Prepared By: Mark Fredderick R Abejo R.N, MAN
General and Specific Purposes of Research
Types of Research
General Purposes
Research in general, answer questions to solve problems.
Provide tools for observation in order to generate
knowledge as basis for predicting and controlling the
phenomenon. Thus, a nurse can apply this knowledge in
practice and prescribe accurately and professionally
without untoward client response or reactions to nursing
interventions. (Polit and Beck, 2004 )
1. General Classification
Specific Purposes
Specifically, research aims to do the following tasks:
 Description
 Exploration
 Explanation
 Prediction
 Control
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Basic / Pure Research
The researcher tries to find the truth about
something.
It is done for the intellectual pleasure of
learning to search for knowledge for its own
sake and eventually filter down the result into
real life situation.
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Applied Research
Applied research seeks for practical application
of theoretical or abstract knowledge. The truth
is adapted to every situation.
It results from present problems or from
socially disorganized situations. It frequently
raises theoretical questions that must be
answered by basic/ pure research.
Research Purpose Related to Evidence- Based Practice
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Treatment, Therapy or Intervention
Diagnosis and Assessment
Prognosis
Prevention of harm
Etiology or causation
Meaning and Process
Purpose of Conducting Applied Research
 To solve a problem
 To make a decision
 To develop a new program, product,
methods and procedure
 To evaluate program and methods.
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Action Research
The process involves the study of certain
problem and from that experience, decisions,
actions and conclusion are drawn.
Findings are limited to settings
actually
studied.
2.
According to Level of Investigation
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Exploratory Research
Allows one to study the variables pertinent to a
specific situation.
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Descriptive Research
The exploration and description of phenomena
in real life situation.
Provides an accurate account of characteristics
of particular individuals, situations or groups.
3.
According to Time Element
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Historical Research
Describes what was?
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Descriptive Research
Describes what is?
4.
According to Duration
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Longitudinal Study
Follows the subjects for a long period of time
in order to observe change.
Paradigms for Nursing
Paradigms – an overall belief system, a view of the world that
strives to make sense of the nature of reality and the basis of
knowledge.
MAJOR ASSUMPTIONS OF THE POSITIVIST AND
NATURALISTIC PARADIGMS
Positivist
Paradigm
Nature of
reality
Relationship
bet.
Researcher
and those
being
researched
The role of
values
in
inquiry
Best method
for obtaining
evidence
Reality exist
Naturalistic
Paradigm
Reality is multiple and
subjective
Inquirer is independent
from
those
being
researched
Inquirer interacts with
those being research
Values and biases are
to be held in check
Subjectivity and value
are inevitable
Deductive processes
Emphasis on discrete,
specific concept
Focus on objectives
Verification of
researchers predictions
Fixed designed
Outsider knowledge as
external
Measured
Seek generalization
Focus on the product
Inductive processes
Emphasize on whole
Focus on the subjective
Flexible
Insider knowledge as
internal
Narrative information
Seek in depth
understanding
Focus on the product and
process
Introduction to Nursing Research
Abejo

3. Lecture Notes on Nursing Research
Prepared By: Mark Fredderick R Abejo R.N, MAN
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Cross – sectional Study
Takes information one at a time and may
require subjects to recall past events or feelings.
It may contribute to a loss of accuracy and
support bias. It is more often done than the
longitudinal studies
5.
According to Research Design
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Correlational Research
Involves the systematic investigation of
relationship between or among variables.
This design is used to quantify the strength of
the relationships in the real world.
This design is used to quantify the strength of
the relationship between variables or in testing
a hypothesis about a specific relationship.
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Non Experimental
The researcher collects data without
introducing any treatment or making any
changes.
Non experimental research usually includes
studies where the researcher’s primary interest
is understanding some human behavior in
naturalistic contexts.
Qualitative Research
A systematic, interactive, subjective approach used
to describe life experiences and give them meaning.
A type of research conducted to describe and
promote understanding of human experiences.
Evolved from the behavioral and social sciences as a
method of understanding unique, dynamic, holistic
nature of human beings.
Approaches in Qualitative Research
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Phenomenological Research
Used to answer questions of meaning
Begin with accumulation of evidence
when little topic is known or when
studying new topic it involves gathering of
fresh perspective.
The goal of phenomenological inquiry is
to understand fully lived experience and
perceptions.
Aspects of Lived Experience involves:
a. Lived Space (spatiality)
b. Live Body (corporeality)
c. Lived Time (temporality)
d. Live Human Relation (relationality)
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Grounded Theory Research
Method designed to inductively develop a
theory based observations of selected
people.
The primary purpose of grounded theory
research is to develop a theory. The
concepts and theories discovered through
this research approach are derived directly
from the data.
The following are the major premises of
grounded theory:

Humans act toward objects on the
basis of the meaning those objects
have for them.
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Social meaning arise from social
interaction
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People use interpretive processes to
handle and change meanings in
dealing with their situations.
Fundamental characteristic of grounded
theory research is that data collection, data
analysis and sampling of participants
occur at the same time.
In depth interview and observation are the
most common data source.
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Ethnographic Research
A tool for studying cultures
It has been associated with studies of
primitive, foreign or remote cultures
which allows the researcher to acquire
new perspectives beyond his/her own
ethnocentric perspective.
Experimental
An objective, systematic, highly controlled
investigation for the purpose of predicting and
controlling phenomena in nursing practice.
The researcher actively introduces some form
of treatment and has greater control over
extraneous variables.
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Quasi – Experimental
Is like experimental research because it actively
introduces some form of treatment or
manipulation of an independent variable.
Unlike experimental research, however, it does
not utilize randomization or control group.
Nursing Research Methodologies
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Quantitative Research
A formal, objective, systematic process in which
numerical data are used to obtain information about
the world.
This method is used to describe variables, examine
relationships among variables and determine cause
and effect interactions between variables.
Rigor in Quantitative
Rigor is the striving for excellence in research
and it requires discipline, adherence to detail
and strict accuracy.
Control in Quantitative
Involves the imposing of rules by the
researcher to decrease the possibility of error.
Introduction to Nursing Research
Abejo

4. Lecture Notes on Nursing Research
Prepared By: Mark Fredderick R Abejo R.N, MAN
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Narrative Research
Focus on story as the object of inquiry, to
determine how individuals make sense of
events in their lives.
The data can be collected as a story or
filed notes.
It may be used for comparison among
groups, to learn about a social
phenomenon or historical period or to
explore a personality
COMPARISON OF QUANTITATIVE AND
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
Quantitative
Design /
Planning
Phase
Empirical
Analytical
Phase
Dissemination
Phase
Selecting research
design
Develop protocol for
intervention
Design sampling
plan
Develop methods to
safeguard rights
Collecting data
Preparing data
analysis
Analyze the data
Interpreting the
results
Communicating
findings
Utilizing findings in
practice
Introduction to Nursing Research
Qualitative
Topic identification
Situation appraisal
Develop
hypotheses
Framework
development
Objective
formulation
Research plan
formulation
Analytical
Objectives
Data analysis and
interpretation
Conclusion
Communicating
and utilizing the
findings
Instrument use more
flexible, repetitious
style of eliciting and
categorizing
responses to
questions
To quantify
variation
To predict causal
relationship
To describe
characteristics of a
population
Question
Format
Data Format
Flexibility in
Design
Data gathering and
collection
Seek to explore
phenomena
Use highly
structured methods
such as
questionnaires,
survey and
structured
observation
COMPARISON ON PHASES OF COMPARISON OF
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
Quantitative
Formulating problem
Review related lit.
Defining framework
Formulating
hypotheses
Seek to confirm
hypotheses about
phenomenon
Instrument use more
rigid style of
eliciting and
categorizing
response to question
General
Framework
Case Study
Involves an in-depth description of
essential dimension and processes of the
phenomenon being studied.
Are means of providing in depth, evidence
base discussion of clinical topics along
with practical information
Conceptual
Phase
Qualitative
Close - ended
Use semi structured
methods such as in
depth interviews,
focus groups and
participant
observation
To describe variation
To describe and
explain relationship
To describe
individual
experiences
To describe group
norms
Open – ended
Numerical
Study design is
stable from
beginning to end
Textual
Some aspects of the
study are flexible.
Participant
responses do not
influence or
determine how and
which questions
researchers ask next
Participant responses
affect how and which
questions researchers
ask next
Study design is
subject to statistical
assumptions and
conditions.
Study design is
repetitious, that is,
data collection and
research question are
adjusted according to
what is learned.
Abejo

5. Lecture Notes on Nursing Research
Prepared By: Mark Fredderick R Abejo R.N, MAN
CONTRAST OF QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH APPROACHES
Element
View of reality
View of time
Context
Researcher
Approach
Population
Studied
Measures
Observations
Quantitative
Reality is
objective and can
be seen and
measured
Reality is
relatively constant
Reality can be
separated from
context
Objective,
detached
Samples that
represent overall
populations, as
subjects
Human behavior
or other
observable
phenomena
Analyze reality as
definable variables
Design
Preconceived and
highly controlled
Analysis
Descriptive and
inferential
statistics
Use inference to
generalize from a
sample to a
defined population
Objective,
impersonal reports
in which
researcher’s
opinions are
undetectable
Generalization
Reports
Qualitative
Reality is constructed
by the individual
Reality is
continuously
constructed
Reality is embedded
in its context
Links
between
concepts
Logical
reasoning
processes
Quality of
evidence
Parts/phases
of research
output
Personally involved
Individual cases,
represented as
informants.
Patterns
Deductive
reasoning
Inductive reasoning
Reliability,
validity,
generalization
Statement of the
problems
Results
Literature review
Sampling
Study framework
Main problem
Specific problem
Interview guide
Data analysis
Method
Trustworthiness
Aim of the study
Findings
Reconnaissance
Selection
Study simulacrum
Central question
Issues
Aide memoir
Mode of analysis
Design
Study the meaning
that individuals create
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Outcome Research
This method examines the results of care and
measures the change in health status of clients.
The following are areas that require investigation
through outcome research:
 Clinical client response to medical and nursing
interventions.
 Functional maintenance or improvement of
physical functioning
 Financial outcomes achieved with most
efficient use of resources.
 Perceptual client’s satisfaction with outcomes,
care received and providers.
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Intervention Research
Involves the investigation of the effectiveness of a
nursing intervention in achieving the desired
outcome or outcomes in natural setting.
Intervention research should be theory driven, which
means that the theory determines the nature of the
intervention, the health professionals to deliver the
intervention, the setting where the intervention is to
be provided, the type of client to receive the
intervention and the selection and measurement of
outcome variables.
Make holistic
observations of the
total context
Emergent and fluid,
adaptable to
informant’s views
Analytic induction to
determine meaning
Transfer knowledge
from case analysis to
similar cases
Interpretative reports
that reflect the
researcher’s
reconstruction of the
meaning of the data
JARGONS QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE
RESEARCH APPROACHES
Concepts
Person
contributing
information
Quantitative
Study participant
Qualitative
Study participant
Respondents
Person
undertaking
the study
That which is
being studied
Researcher,
investigator
Informant, Key
informant
Researcher,
investigator
Concepts
Variables
Phenomena
Concepts
Variables
Information
gathered
Data (numeric
value)
Data (narrative
descriptions)
Introduction to Nursing Research
Relationships
(causal,functional)
Components of Scientific Research
 Order and system
 Control
 Empiricism
 Generalization
Characteristics of Research
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It involves the gathering of new data from new sources or
first-hand information.
It is directed towards the solution of a problem
It is characterized by carefully designed procedures
applying rigorous analysis
Abejo

6. Lecture Notes on Nursing Research
Prepared By: Mark Fredderick R Abejo R.N, MAN
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It emphasizes the development of generalizations,
principles hypotheses and theories that may be helpful in
predicting future occurrences.
It requires expertise
It demands accurate observation and description of what
is being studied.
It strives to be logical, applying every possible test to
validate the procedures being employed.
It is characterized by patient and unhurried activities.
It requires innovative approaches and determination to
succeed.
It is carefully and accurately recorded and reported.
Qualities of a Good
Researcher
R - Research Oriented
E - Efficient
S - Scientific
E - Effective
A - Active
R - Resourceful
C - Creative
H - Honest
E - Economical
R - Religous
Limitations of Research
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Result of faulty planning and implementation of the
project.
The individual researcher
The scope of knowledge or information available about
the topic and the problem under study also must be
considered.
Sources of data
The tools of measurement may be inadequate or entirely
lacking.
The Consumer-Producer Continuum in Nursing Research
Consumer of
Research
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Producer of
Research
The consumers of research are nurses at one end of the
continuum whose involvement in research is indirect.
These nurses:
Reasons for Lack of Clinical Research
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Identify clinical problems in nursing practice
Use library and information technology resources.
Read research reports to develop new skills and
search for relevant findings that affect practice.
Participates in journal clubs
Use research to solve clinical problems
Use research in clinical decisions
Collaborate in developing an idea for a research
project.
Reviews a research proposal for feasibility and offer
suggestion to improve the plan.
Assist in data collection
Participate in research study or survey
Lead a journal club or ground discussion.
Participate in unit or service based research councils.
Nurses tend to feel that they are “too busy to care for
patients”.
Unless the nurse has had academic training in theoretical
conceptualizations, research may not seem important.
Unless the importance of research is felt and recognized,
nurses may not be able to identify researchable problems.
Many nurse do not have the academic training needed to
feel confident in doing clinical research.
The ethics or research tends to researchers. Fear of
harming a patient is also a hindrance to some researchers.
Unless administrators are research-oriented, the nursing
staff feels the futility of support for nursing research,
hence, there is no motivation to pursue this.
Research takes time, time costs money which must be
budgeted.
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Characteristics of the Good Nurse Researcher
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Honest and Credible
Intellectual Curiosity
Accurate in his/her data
Organized and Systematic
Prudence
Logic
Self- Awareness
Healthy Criticism
Intellectual Honestly
Good Relationship with his/her respondents
Designing and implementing studies
Conducting studies
Disseminating research findings
Appraising the clinical relevance of research
findings.
Provides leadership for integrating findings in
clinical practice.
Nursing Research
Function of Nurses
1.
Introduction to Nursing Research
The producers of research at the other end of the
continuum are the nurses who actively participate in:
Guidelines
for
the
Investigative
Associate Degree in Nursing
Demonstrates awareness of the value or relevance of
research in nursing
Assists in identifying problem areas in nursing
practice.
Assists in collection of data within an established
structured format.
Abejo

7. Lecture Notes on Nursing Research
Prepared By: Mark Fredderick R Abejo R.N, MAN
2.
Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing
Reads, interprets and evaluates research for
applicability to nursing practice.
Identifies nursing problems that need to be
investigated and participates in the implementation
of scientific studies.
Uses nursing practice as a means of gathering data
and refining and extending practice.
Applies established findings of nursing and other
health related research to nursing practice.
Shares research findings with colleagues.
3.
Master’s Degree in Nursing
Analyzes and reformulates nursing practice
problems so that scientific knowledge and scientific
methods can be used to find solutions.
Provides expertise in clinical problems by providing
knowledge about the way clinical services are
delivered which enhances quality and clinical
relevance of nursing.
Facilitates investigation of problems in clinical
settings by contributing to a climate of supportive
investigative activities, collaborating with others in
investigations and enhancing nurse’s access to
clients and data.
Investigates for the purpose of monitoring the
quality of nursing practice in a clinical setting.
Assists others in applying scientific knowledge in
nursing practice.
4.
Ethics in research requires honesty and accuracy of
data. The researcher must guarantee factual and
evidenced based data. There should be no
“plagiarism” such as presenting the ideas or words of
another as one’s own, nor distort or fabricate data for
purposes of completing the research on time.
The Philippine Copyright Law (R.A No. 8293 )
protects the intellectual property rights of authors and
artist .
Doctorate Degree in Nursing or Related Discipline
Provides leadership for the integration of scientific
knowledge with others types of knowledge for the
advancement of practice.
Conducts investigations to evaluate the contributions
of nursing activities to the well-being of clients.
Develops methods to monitor the quality of nursing
practice in a clinical setting and to evaluate
contributions of nursing activities to the well-being
of clients.
Role of Nurses in Research
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As Principal Investigators
As Member of a Research Team
As Evaluator of Research Findings
As Consumers of Research Findings
As Client Advocate in a Research Study
As Subject of Research
_________________________________________
References:
1.
2.
Ethics in Research
3.
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4.
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Informed Consent
Beneficence and Non-maleficence
Freedom from any Physical and Psychological Harm
Freedom from Exploitation
Respect for Human Dignity
The right to self determination
The right to full disclosure
Anonymity and Confidentiality
Justice and Fairness
Introduction to Nursing Research
5.
6.
7.
Venzon. 2004. Introduction to Nursing Research: Quest for Quality
Nursing, 1st ed. Philippines: C&E Publishing Inc.
Barrientos-Tan. 2006. A Research Guide in Nursing Education, 3rd
ed. Philippines: Visual Print Enterprises.
Reyes & Layug. 2009. Comprehensive Reviewer for the Nurse
Licensure Exam, Philippines: East West Educational Specialists,
C&E Publishing Inc.
Brink & Wood. 2001. Basic Steps in Planning Nursing Research,
5th ed. Philippines: Jones and Bartlett Publisher Inc.
Burns & Grove. 2007. Understanding Nursing Research : Building
an Evidence-Based Practice, 4th ed. China; Elsevier, Health
Sciences.
LoBiondo-Wood & Haber. 2006. Nursing Research: Methods and
Critical Appraisal for Evidence-Based Practice, 6th ed. USA: Mosby
Inc.
Polit & Beck. 2008. Nursing Research: Generating and Assessing
Evidence for Nursing Practice, 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott
Williams & Wilkins.
Abejo