NURSING RESEARCH

Presented by Mrs H.S. Salabee

NURSING RESEARCH
Total hours for this module is 165 hrs.
Self- directed learning-45 hrs.
Practice-105 hrs.
Face to face interaction-15 hrs.
One assignment A research proposal (15001800 words).
MUST BE ON A NURSING TOPIC e.g. Bed
sore, wound care.

AIM
To help

learners to develop and

enhance knowledge related to
evidence based nursing practice.

To contribute

in the improvement
of the standards of nursing care in
the clinical settings.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
Identify

role of research in nursing practice

Discuss

the nursing research process

Evaluate

the research reports critically and

assess their implications for practice.

Distinguish

between qualitative and

quantitative research.

Demonstrate

in research.

the importance of ethical issues

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Interpret

research study results and

application in nursing.

Write

a research proposal in
nursing.

Utilize

research findings in
practice.

INTRODUCTION TO NURSING
RESEARCH
1) DEFINITION OF RESEARCH
2)

EVOLUTION OF RESEARCH IN
NURSING

3)

IMPORTANCE OF NURSING RESEARCH

4)

BASIC RESEARCH TERMINOLOGIES

5)

METHODOLOGIES
--QUALITATIVE
--QUANTITATIVE

DEFINITION OF NURSING
RESEARCH
NURSING RESEARCH IS A TERM USED FOR
ALL RESEARCH INTO NURSING PRACTICE
AND ISSUES RELATED TO IT.
IT CAN

BE DEFINED AS THE SYSTEMATIC

COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA ON
THE ORGANISATION (MOH), DELIVERY,
USES AND OUTCOMES OF NURSING CARE
FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENHANCING
PATIENTS HEALTH.

 IT IS

NOT ONLY ABOUT WHAT

NURSES DO, BUT ALSO ABOUT
PATIENTS BEHAVIOUR,
KNOWLEDGE, BELIEFS, ATTITUDES,
PERCEPTIONS AND OTHER FACTORS
INFLUENCING HOW THEY MAKE USE
OF, AND EXPERIENCE, CARE AND
TREATMENT.

DEFINITION
Nursing research is a systematic inquiry
designed to develop knowledge about the
issues of importance to the nursing
profession, including nursing practice,
education, administration and informatics.

RESEARCH FOR A BETTER

NURSING PRACTICE MUST:
1)PROVIDE

INSIGHTS (HIDDEN TRUTH)

INTO OUR PRACTICE.

2)

DEEPEN OUR UNDERSTANDING ON

CARE PROVIDED TO PATIENTS.

3)

FOR DEVELOPMENT OF NEW AND

IMPROVED METHODS OF CARING.

4)

TO TEST EFFECTIVENESS OF CARE

GIVEN.

NEEDS FOR NURSING

RESEARCH

Decision

making to provide best clinical evidence in making

patient care decision.

Scientific

basis for practice to produce the desired outcome.

Improve

quality of client care by providing up-to-date

information.

Professional

development to create a body of knowledge to

progress towards excellence.

Fill

the gap between knowledge and practice. Research acts as

a bridge between education and practice. Nurses need to
continually question their practice and seek answers.

 Fosters

accountability, commitment and

professionalism. Allows the nurses to plan
nursing care within the scope of professional
nursing practice.

Generates,

refines or enlarges nursing

knowledge. Generated knowledge can be
applied to practical setting where the actual
problem exist.

Improves

quality of nursing education. It

improves intellectual development and standard
of teacher and teaching.

EVOLUTION OF RESEARCH IN
NURSING
Started with Florence Nightingale during the Crimean
war.
Most nursing research conducted between 1900-1940
concerned nursing education.
Staffing patterns of hospitals changed, fewer standards
were available to staff the hospitals throughout 24 hrs
period. Researchers focused on supply and demand of
nurses and amount of time required to perform certain
nursing activities.
1950, established nursing research journal and
availability of federal funding for research

 1970s-

3 additional journals focus on nursing research.

Research in areas such as teaching, administration, curriculum,
recruitment and nurses for the improvement of clients care. The
need for knowledge to improve nursing practice.

1980s-

Increased in number of qualified nurse researchers,

widespread availability of computers for the collection and
analysis of information. Greater attention given to types of
questions to be asked, types of research methods that could be
learned, the protection of the rights of people who participate in
studies and the linking of research to theory.

1986s-

Established National center for Nursing

Research(NCNR). NCNR whose purpose was to promote and
financially support research training and clinical research
focused on patient care.

 1993s-

Birth of National Institute of Nursing

Research (NINR). Budget for NINR $55 million.
2 research journals inaugurated.
1) Qualitative Health Research in 1990
2) Clinical Nursing Research in 1991
Both journals emerged in response to the growth
in
clinically oriented and in depth research
among nurses.

1994s-

Researches done. LBW, HIV, Long term

care, symptom management, nursing informatics,
health promotion.

BASIC RESEARCH
TERMINOLOGIES

ABSTRACT
It is a brief summary of the research study.
ACTION RESEARCH
An experiment in an everyday setting where the researcher
introduces changes and assesses the outcomes.
AIM
Purpose for which the research was undertaken.
APPLIED RESEARCH
It is a form of research which concentrates on finding a solution to
an immediate practical problem.
APPROACH
The type of research to be conducted, i.e. survey, experimental or
interpretative.

BASIC RESEARCH
It is a form of research which is concerned with making empirical
observations that can be used to formulate or refine a theory,
thus extending the base of knowledge in a particular discipline.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lists of published material- example: books, articles, conference
papers.
CAUSATION
It is the process of determining what factors most probably
brought about or affected other factors.
CONCEPT
A word or term which represents an abstraction that is
observable, example: height.

 CONSTRUCT

A word used by researchers to describe unobservable concepts,

example: motivation.
CONTROLLED

VARIABLE

A variable which is held constant during research, so that it does

not interfere with the changes in other variables under study.
CORRELATION

It is the degree of relation between two or more factors.

CONTROL GROUP

A group of subjects in an experiment who are observed under

usual conditions to compare with the results of intervention
with an experimental group, i.e. received no treatment.

DATA
Information or facts systematically gathered
during research.
DATA ANALYSIS
Techniques which summarise data to identify
patterns and order.
DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS
These are methods used to describe or
summarize the characteristics of data in a
sample.
DEPENDENT VARIABLE
The variable which is examined for changes
brought about manipulating the independent
variable.

DEDUCTION
An approach to reasoning which involves
moving from the general assumption to the
specific application.
EXPERIMENT
It is a specific test carried out to see what
happens to something in particular
circumstances.
EXPERIMENTAL GROUP
The subjects in a research study who receive the
experimental treatment or intervention.
EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
Research which tests an hypothesis by means of
a controlled manipulation of variables.

FIELD EXPERIMENT/STUDY

It is one done in real surroundings and not in a laboratory.

HYPOTHESIS

A statement of the relationship between two or more variables.

INDEPENDENT VARIABLES

The variable that is manipulated during the research.

INSTRUMENT

Devices or techniques used to collect data, example: questionnaire.

INDUCTION

A form of reasoning which begins with observations and leads to a conclusion.

INFERENTIAL STATISTICS

Mathematical processes allowing researchers to test hypotheses about

population using data obtained from probability samples to generalize
findings.

INTERVAL SCALE

A scale that measures data that rank orders a variable with equal
measurement points(example: temperature)

LITERATURE REVIEW

It is the process of searching published work to find out what is know

about a research topic.

MAIN STUDY

The major enterprise of the research project, conducted after the pilot
study.

METHODOLOGY

The methods by which data is collected, example: interview, observation.

MEAN

The average value or measure of central tendency.

MEDIAN

The middle score.

MODE

The value that occurs most frequently.

NON-PARAMETRIC DATA

Measures in discrete categories and not in numerical order, example:

different professions, days of the weeks.

NON-PARAMETRIC TESTS

Statistical tests can be used to analyse nominal and original data that
are not normally distributed.

NOMINAL SCALE

A scale that measures data by assignment of characteristics into

categories, example : male=1 and female=2.

OBSERVATION

A method of collecting data by one or more researchers watching and

systematically recording the actions or behaviour of those being
studied

ORDINAL SCALE

A scale that rank order values according to importance.

PARAMETRIC STATISTICS

Statistical tests that are used to analyse interval level data and data
that is normally distributed.

PILOT STUDY

A small preparatory study usually conducted to test data collection

methods.

POPULATION

The total number of people or things in a particular category of

interest for study.

PROBABILITY
The principle behind statistical procedures which help to assess
whether the results of a study show a pattern or occur by
chance only.
PROBABILITY SAMPLING
A sample method in which the selection of elements from the
population is at random.
PRINCIPLE
A general statement confirmed by observations.
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
Research in which the data is in the form of words and the
analysis aims at identifying underlying concepts and
commonly held themes.

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Research in which the data collected is in the form of numbers, and

which seeks to test the hypothesis by statistical analysis of data.

QUESTIONNAIRE

A written list of questions which is put to respondents on attitudes,

opinions or experiences. They may be administered by the respondent,
or by the researcher.

RATIO SCALE

A scale that has a zero point and equal distances between scores,
example: weight, height.

RANDOM SAMPLE

A sample selected in a way that ensures that every subject has an equal
chance of being included.

RANDOMISATION
It is the process of selecting subjects from a population by
chance.
RELIABILITY
The extent to which research findings can be generalized to
other settings. Can relate to time and place.
RESEARCH
It is a quest for new knowledge pertinent to an identified field of
interest through application of scientific method.
RESEARCH CRITIQUE
The critical examination of published research.
RESEARCH DESIGN
It is the plan or strategy of the investigations for answering the
research questions, the overall plan the researcher select to
carry out his study.

 RESEARCH

PROPOSAL
A paper, sometimes formal in structure, which sets out
research question to be examined, the intended design
of the study, and the expected benefits of the research.
RESPONDENT
The person under study in a survey.
RESPONSE RATE
Proportion of respondents invited to participate in a
study who eventually provide data.
SAMPLE
The subjects chosen from a population who are actually
studied, a subset of the population of interest.

 STATISTICS

The mathematical methods used to analyse data.

THEORY
A set of concepts or constructs proposed to
explain observable phenomena.
TECHNOLOGY
Scientific knowledge applied for practical
purpose in a particular area.
TREATMENT
Any test, experiment or action used on a group of
subjects in order to study the resultant effects

 VALIDITY

The ability of a data collecting method or

instrument to measure what it is supposed to
measure.
VARIABLE

Any characteristic, quality or attribute which

varies, can be observed and can be measured.

METHODOLOGIES
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
Involves looking in-depth at non-numerical
data.
Gathers

information that is not in numerical

form.
Descriptive
Data

data.

collection methods vary using

unstructured or semi-structured techniques.

METHODOLOGIES
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
Is used to quantify the problem by way of
generating numerical data or data that can be
transformed into useable statistics.
Uses

measurable data to formulate facts and

uncover patterns in research.

Data

collection are structured.

DIPLOMA IN GENERAL NURSING

Nursing Research
Module II
The Research Process Unit II

Presented by Mrs S.H.Salabee

General Objectives
The

aim of this unit is to enable learners

to develop competencies in formulating
steps of the research process.

Specific Objectives:At the end of this unit, learners should be able

to: Define

a research process.

Identify
Obtain

a research problem and purposes.

information for the research proposal.

Analyse

and interpret the collected information.

Appraise

and critique a research proposal.

Definition of a Research Process

As

defined by HeK (1994): it is a systematic

and logical way of trying to seek an answer
to a problem.

The

various tasks, decisions and actions

carried out by the researcher to find answers
to the research question.

Example of a research article

Title of article
Abstract
Introduction
Literature review
Subjects / population
Pilot study
Data collection
Results / findings
Discussion
Interpretation
Conclusion.

Steps of the research process

1.

Identify the general problem or topic of

interest.

2.

Critically review the relevant literature.

3.

Develop a theoretical framework.

4.

Refine the topic into a research question, aim or

hypothesis.

5.

Plan the research design, research approach,

population and sample selection, access to
sample, ethical considerations.

Steps of the research process (cont)

Methods of data collection tool and methods

of data analysis.

6.

Pilot study.

7.

Collect data for the main study.

8.

Process and analyse the data.

9.

Interpret the results.

10.

Identify the implications and limitations of

the study.

Steps of the research process (cont)

11. Produce a recommendations based

on the results.
12. Write a report.
13. Disseminate the results.

Steps of the Research Process

(1) Identification of research problem and
purposes.
Research

starts with a problem, which is often

broad and multifaceted.

State

the problem in a concrete, specific and

workable questions.

Survey

and examine all available literature on

the problem before a definition on the research
problem.

Steps of the Research Process (contd)

Example: Poor wound healing in a surgical ward.
Is

there a relationship between sterility and poor

healing of wound ?

Is

there a guideline for the sterilisation of

equipment in the ward ?

Is

sterilisation of equipment done according to

the norms ?

Do

nurses have the necessary knowledge and

skills on sterilisation and wound healing ?

Steps of the Research Process (contd)

Researcher focus on 1 or 2 of these issues.

Choice

will depend on a number of factors:-

Researchers skills,
Lack

interest and knowledge.

of research on this topic.

Available

resources and time.

Steps of the Research Process (contd)

Purpose

of the study in nursing

To improve

practice )

practice ( evidence-based

Steps of the Research Process (contd)

(2) Review of relevant literature

A literature review provides: With essential, relevant information to put the
current study into the context of present
knowledge.
Research available on the topic for comparison
and analysis.
The researcher with information so as to
formulate clear and concise objectives.

Steps of the Research Process (contd)

(3) Formulation of research objectives / questions /
hypothesis.
Objectives of research - objectives must be clear,
complete and specific.
For
For

evidence-based practice.
increase in the total body of knowledge

To address
To solve
Need

issues of importance.

a particular problem.

to develop theories.

Personal

interest of the researcher.

Research Questions
The research question or hypothesis must be
clearly formulated before data are collected.
A research question must be specific.
A research question must focus on the clarity of
what needs to be done.
Is the research question specific ?
Is the research question researchable ?
What are the objectives to be attained by doing
the research ?
Is the research question on issue, a situation or a
need ?

Research Questions
S

- SPECIFIC

- MEASURABLE (evaluated/concluded at the

end)

- ACHIEVABLE (researchable)

- REALISTIC

- TIME

Framing a hypothesis
A hypothesis

is a tentative statement.

Researchers

propose what the answer to their

main research question might be and then set out
to look for evidence to support or reject them.

Hypothesis

can be influenced by researchers

beliefs and experience read or heard.

(4) Selection of research approach and

design
Definition of research design.
An

overall plan an investigator uses to

obtain valid answers to research
questions.

The

term Research Design simply means

a plan that describes how, when and
where data are to be collected and
analysed.

(4) Selection of research approach and

design (contd)
Reason for a research design.
To attain

the objectives of the study.

Provides

a guideline for the researcher to

progress in the right direction.

To save

time and resources.

The design or methodology of a

study comprises of:
The

approach ( qualitative, quantitative or

both)

The

method(s) of data collection.

The

time, place and source of the data.

Methods

of the data analysis.

Selection of subject/ population

A population / subject is define as totality of all
individuals with the specified characteristics on
which the sample seeks to draw inferences.
e.g- total number of patients with poor wound healing
in a surgical ward.
- total number of diabetic patients in a ward.
Sample data collection.
In nursing research, data sources are human beings.

(5)Ethical Consideration
Ethic is that which is normally justifiable; the
philosophy of what is right or wrong.
A research process has to adhere to professional,
legal and social obligations to the study participants.
Ethical implications at every stage of the research
process.
e.g- In the choice of topic to research.
In the selection of design.
In the publication of the findings.

Ethical consideration (contd)

In

nursing research, it is the responsibility

of the researcher to protect the rights of the
participants.

Participants

need to be protected from

physical and psychological harm.

(6)Pilot study
It

is defined as a smaller version of a proposed

study conducted to refine the methodology
-Nancy Burns.

Objectives: It

is to identify problems that may be encountered

during large research projects and so to minimise
possible errors.

Reasons: To avoid

unnecessary wastage of resources.

Pilot study (cont)

To refine

the study

To foresee

strengths, weaknesses and

problems that may be encountered during
the actual project.

To determine

whether the sample is

representative of the population.

To examine

the reliability and validity of

the research instruments.

Pilot study (cont)

Refine

data collection and analysis plan.

Make

improvements in the resaerch

project.

Convince

the funding bodies that the

research team is competent,
knowledgeable and that the main study is
feasible.

(7) Data collection

Data collection means gathering information to

address research questions.

Methods
It is based on the nature of investigations,
resources available and characteristics of the
subjects to be studied.
1) Observation.
2) Questioning.
3) Interviews.
4) Others-e.g. Record analysis, histories.

(8) Data Processing and Analysis

Data

processing or information processing

is the process of editing, organising and
coding of data for analysis and
interpretation.

Types of data processing

Automatic

or electronic data processing:

computer.
Distributed

data processing: some or all of the

operation are performed in different locations
with computer facilities connected by
telecommunication sites.

Manual

data processing: Operations are

performed manually.

Steps
Editing
(scrutinizing
raw data)

Presentation
of data

Organization
(grouping the data)

Interpretation
(drawing conclusion)

Coding
(assigning
numerical values)

Analysis
(examination of
tabulated material)

Presentation of data
Can be presented in tables, charts and
diagrams. presentation must be concise,
accurate, complete ,simple and
meaningful.

(9)Results interpretation / Discussion

Is the data collected accurate?

Are results obtained have validity and

reliability?

Are discussion, explanation and interpretation

centred around the research problem being
investigated?

Are research question, objectives or hypothesis

all addressed?

Are positive or negative results all addressed.

Results interpretation / Discussion

(contd)
Are

results compared with finding from

other studies based on literature review ?

Is

the interpretation result logical and

based on the data ?

(10)Identifying implications and limitations

Implications:
Researchers

:- may suggest how their findings

can be used to improve nursing
practice.
:- may make recommendations
on how to gain additional knowledge
through further research.

Limitations
Researchers

are ethically obliged to report

on the limitations of research work.

E.g-

sample deficiencies, weakness in

data collection, design problems.

Constraints
A lack

of fund

A narrow

sampling due to lack of co-workers

Inability

to speak a regional language, so

lack of truthfulness from respondents.

Researcher

age, gender, race and interests.

(11)Recommendations

Recommendations must
Be

based on the research findings of the

present study.

Be

practical and well thought out.

Not

be in favour of certain policies or

practices.

(12) Summary points

Research report must meet the following
requirements
1) Technically correct.
2) Serve a useful function-contribute to the general
body of scientific knowledge.
3) A realistic finding and conclusion.
4) Legal requirements and promote human
welfare.
5) Accurate- supported by data collected.
6) Stimulates and directs further inquiry.

Example of a research article.

Title of article
Abstract
Introduction
Literature review
Subjects / population
Pilot study
Data collection
Results / findings
Discussion
Interpretation/ Recommendations
Conclusion.

Any Questions????

WRITING A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Presented by Mrs H.S.Salabee

RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Title
Abstract
Introduction/ Research Problem
Literature review
Research Design
Subjects/Population
Methodology
Analysis
Interpretation and Findings
Recommendations
References and Appendix

TITLE
Research question
Finding answer to a problem
E.g Knowledge of third year student nurses on
dialysis.

ABSTRACT
A summary of the research work

INTRODUCTION
Introduce the topic to the reader.
Include problem statement

LITERATURE REVIEW
Need for ideas
What is known already on the phenomenon
Stimulates researchers thinking
Books, Journals, Letters, Newspapers,
Pamphlets, Leaflets, Research reports.

Subjects/ Population
Elderly patients
Student Nurses
Diabetic patients
Family of relatives
Number and characteristics

Data Collection
Questionnaire, Interview, Observation, Mail,
Face-to-face interview, Open-ended or closedended question or both, Dichotomous, Check lists,
Ranking.

Results and Findings

According to the data collected and
research done.

Discussions
According to your collection of data, results
obtained. On your research problem. No
personal opinion to be included or else the
research is bias.

Interpretation
Interpretation using the statistical analysis or
descriptive methods.

Bar chart

Pie chart

Line graph

3-D Column Chart

Doughnut chart

Recommendations
Based on the research findings of the present
study.

References
Harvard Referencing Method.

Appendix
A sample of your questionnaire
Consent form