Readings and Overview

Topic 1
Importance to Nursing

Topic 2
Defining the terms

Topic 3
The research setting

Topic 4
The research process

Topic 5
Pilot study

Topic 6
Research reports

Topic 7
Research critique

Topic 8
Critique phases

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TOPIC 1/ ACTIVITY:
Quantitative research and its importance to nursing

Objective 1: Define quantitative research and discuss its importance in generating nursing knowledge for nursing practice.

What is quantitative research?
The content from Week 1 addresses the differences between quantitative research and qualitative research and provides examples of each type of research (See Week 1, Topic 4).

The more simple and straightforward definition says that quantitative research generates new information about the world and does so by being:

• Formal - There are set rules and protocols to follow in conducting the research.
• Objective - The possibility that bias might influence the outcome has been kept to a minimum.
• Rigorous - The research meets the following criteria:
• Precision in the measurement of concepts
• Tight control
• Conducted with strict accuracy and adherence to detail.
• Systematic - The rules and protocols are strictly followed as specified in the research design

Scientific knowledge generated through quantitative research can be used to build nursing's basis for EBP with the ultimate goals of improving nursing care, patient outcomes, and delivery of care.

The purposes of quantitative research are to:

1. Describe new concepts, situations, or events
2. Examine the relationships among concepts or ideas
3. Determine the effectiveness of treatments

Activity
To achieve these purposes there are four types of quantitative research designs. See if you can match the design to the purpose above.