Chapter 3

An Overview of Quantitative Research

Learning Objective 1

List the steps in conducting quantitative research

Quantitative vs Qualitative

Quantitative research: is concerned with objectivity, tight controls over the research situation, and the ability to generalize findings.

Qualitative research: is concerned with the subjective meaning of an experience to an individual.

Quantitative Research Steps

Number varies from author to author Macnee (2004)= uses 5 steps Stommel &Wills (2004)= identified 9 steps Burns & Grove(2005)= listed 17 steps Polit and Beck (2004)= identified 18 steps

Authors combine several steps into one step

Scientific Research Process

Occurs always in an orderly fashion Consists of a number of steps

Quantitative

Qualitative

Steps for Quantitative Research

Identify the problem Determine the purpose of the study Review the literature Develop a theoretical/conceptual framework Identify the study assumptions Acknowledge the limitations of the study Formulate the hypothesis or research

question Define study variables/terms

Steps for Quantitative Research

Select the research design Identify the population Select the sample Conduct a pilot study Collect the data Organize the data for analysis Analyze the data

Steps for Quantitative Research

Interpret the findings Communicate the findings Utilize the findings

Learning Objective 2

Discuss the steps in quantitative research

Identify the Problem

Start with broad topic area Narrow to specific problem statement

Identify the Problem

Get study problem from Personal experiences Literature sources Prior research Theory testing

Identify the Problem

State problem as a question Include population and variables

Concepts and Constructs

Concepts are abstractions of particular aspects of human behavior or characteristics (e.g., pain, weight).

Constructs are slightly more complex abstractions (e.g., self-care).

Theories and conceptual models knit concepts into a coherent system that purports to explain phenomena.

Variable

A characteristic or quality that takes on different values, i.e., that varies from one person to the next

Examples: Blood type Weight Length of stay in hospital

Term “variable” is used almost exclusively in quantitative research

Types of Variables

Continuous (e.g. height, weight) vs. categorical (e.g., marital status, gender)

Attribute variable vs. created variable Independent variable—the presumed cause (of

a dependent variable) Dependent variable—the presumed effect (of an

independent variable) Often referred to as the outcome variable or

outcome Example: Smoking (IV) Lung cancer (DV)

Determine the Purpose

Difference between purpose and problem Problem tells what is studied Purpose tells why study is done

Studies may have one or both

Review the Literature

Finds out what exists on the topic Helps look at theory/framework Helps address the study methods

Review the Literature

Search a variety of sources Indexes Abstracts Dissertations Computer searches

Continue until time to collect data

Develop a Theoretical/Conceptual Framework

Research helps test, develop, refine theories Process assists in selection of study variables Directs the hypothesis and interprets findings Answers the “so what” question(s) Adds to our nursing body of knowledge

Identify the Study Assumptions

Assumptions are beliefs held to be true but not proven

Each research study is based upon assumptions

Identify the Study Assumptions

Assumptions are necessary because Influence the questions asked Affect the data gathered Help with methods of data collection Assist in the interpretation of the data

Three Types of Study Assumptions

Universal assumption Theory or research assumptions Assumptions needed to do the study Common sense assumptions

Acknowledge the Limitations of the Study

Limitations are uncontrolled variables Affect study results Limit generalization of the findings

Extraneous variables Explain limitations at end of study

Formulate Hypothesis or Research Question

Hypothesis predicts relationships between variables

Hypothesis provides predicted answer to question

Hypothesis contains two types of variables Independent variable Dependent variable

Formulate Hypothesis or Research Question

Hypothesis is testable empirically Types of hypothesis vary Hypothesis mostly in quantitative studies

Directional Nondirectional The Null hypothesis

Define the Study Variables/Terms

They must be clear to researcher and reader The definitions may be

Dictionary Theoretical Operational

The operational definition: indicates how a variable will be observed and measured.

It includes the instrument will be used to measure the variables.

Select the Research Design

Helps determine how study is planned Varies with the type of study conducted

Quantitative vs. qualitative Experimental vs. non-experimental Experimental may be divided

True experimental Quasi-experimental Pre-experimental

Non-experimental designs: Survey studies Correlational studies Comparative studies Methodological studies

Identify the Population

Is a complete set of individuals or objects that have some common characteristic of interest to the researcher.

Target or the universe: is made up of the group of people or objects to which the researcher wishes to generalize the findings of a study.

Accessible: group that actually available for study.

Select the Sample

A subgroup of the population It represents the population It helps with generalization

Select the Sample

Types of samples Probability samples: chosen by random

selection process in which each member of the population has a chance of being in the sample.

Nonprobability samples Voluntary aspect of participation Permission secured and rights protected

Conduct a Pilot Study

Similar in all aspects of the study It helps examine issues

Design Sample size Data collection procedures Data analysis approaches

Conduct a Pilot Study

It helps tests/evaluates instruments Revisions made after pilot is completed

Collect the Data

Data are the pieces of information or facts Data collection procedures are followed

Collect the Data

Questions asked are What data? How is it collected? Who collects the data? Where is it collected? When will it be collected?

Organize the Data for Analysis

This step is planned from the beginning It uses the help of a statistician Decisions are made about missing data

Analyze the Data

The process is easier now Data is placed into computerized statistical

packages Results are analyzed

Interpret the Findings

Do the data support the research hypothesis?

Do the data not support the research hypothesis?

Problems encountered are discussed Limitations of the study are presented Results are compared with other studies Implications are identified Recommendations are proposed

Communicate the Findings

A very critical component of the process A variety of ways are used

Journals Presentations Posters

Utilize the Findings

Recommendations need considerations Integration into practice are critical

components Researcher may act as a consultant for

using findings Researcher must disseminate findings in

many ways