Week 5: Discussion Question – Quantitative and Qualitative Nursing Research

Discussion Prompt
Compare and contrast the differences in purpose and data analysis methods between quantitative and qualitative nursing research. Provide two examples of a research question, one question for each type of research, that you might wish to investigate in your future advanced nursing role.

Quantitative and Qualitative Nursing Research

Quantitative and Qualitative Nursing Research

Expectations
Initial Post:
• Length: A minimum of 250 words, not including references
• Citations: At least one high-level scholarly reference in APA format from within the last 5 years

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Quantitative and Qualitative Nursing Research

Both quantitative and qualitative nursing research contribute significantly to the advancement of evidence-based practice in the field. They serve different purposes, use different data collection methods, and employ different data analysis approaches. Quantitative research usually tests hypotheses, investigates outcomes, and comprehends causal linkages. It primarily relies on numerical data, often gathered through structured approaches such as surveys, experiments, and standardized questionnaires (Kotronoulas et al., 2023). To derive conclusions, data analysis is based on variable-by-variable calculations and statistical or mathematical methodologies. Qualitative research, on the other hand, is concerned with investigating and comprehending phenomena, beliefs, and lived experiences. It is based on non-numerical data and collects data through semi-structured approaches such as in-depth interviews, focus groups, and participant observation (Renjith et al., 2021). Identifying meaning units, grouping codes into main categories, and clustering primary categories into secondary categories are all part of data analysis.

A study topic that could be utilized in quantitative nursing research is “What is the influence of patient education on medication adherence in patients with hypertension?” This research issue is suited for quantitative study since it tries to analyze the influence of an intervention (patient education) on an outcome (medication adherence) using numerical data. Conversely, an example of a topic for qualitative nursing research would be, “What are the challenges to medication adherence that patients with hypertension face?” This research question tries to learn about patients’ real-world experiences and can be examined with information other than numbers; therefore, this type of study question lends itself to qualitative inquiry.

In conclusion, to achieve varied research objectives, quantitative and qualitative nursing research employ distinct data gathering and analysis methods. In comparison, qualitative research attempts to analyze and comprehend phenomena, beliefs, and lived experiences, whereas quantitative research seeks to test hypotheses, investigate outcomes, and learn about the relationships between causes and effects. To advance evidence-based nursing practice, employing a method appropriate for the investigation is critical, as each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

References

Kotronoulas, G., Miguel, S., Dowling, M., Fernández-Ortega, P., Colomer-Lahiguera, S., Bağçivan, G., Pape, E., Drury, A., Semple, C., Dieperink, K. B., & Papadopoulou, C. (2023). An Overview of the Fundamentals of Data Management, Analysis, and Interpretation in Quantitative Research. Seminars in Oncology Nursing39(2), 151398. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soncn.2023.151398

Renjith, V., Yesodharan, R., Noronha, J., Ladd, E., & George, A. (2021). Qualitative methods in health care research. International Journal of Preventive Medicine12(1), 20. https://doi.org/10.4103/_321_19

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