NURSING RESEARCH FITNESS FOR PURPOSE

TYPES OF RESEARCH 1. Aim of research study: To measure how effective foam swabs are at removing dental plaque when compared with using a toothbrush and to quantify any difference in ability.

EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH Cause & effect relationships Randomisation Variables Control Manipulation Ref: Pearson L.S. & Hutton J.L. (2002) A controlled trial to compare the ability of foam swabs and toothbrushes to remove dental plaque. Journal of Advanced Nursing 39 (5),

TYPES OF RESEARCH 2. Aim of research study: To determine the effect of a self rostering off-duty system on staff satisfaction with their off-duty and on patients’ satisfaction with their care.

ACTION RESEARCH Problem solving Identification of problem Agreed action plan Trial period Evaluation Ref: Weeks et al (2000)

TYPES OF RESEARCH 3. Aim of research study: To explore secondary school students’ heath knowledge, attitudes and behaviours.

SURVEY Descriptive Can generate large quantities of data Most common research approach

TYPES OF RESEARCH 4. Aim of research study: To examine how the representation of gender in the British Nursing press has changed since the 1980’s.

HISTORICAL Use of secondary source data Tends to look at trends and patterns

TYPES OF RESEARCH 5. Aim of research study: To examine patient adjustments in decision making following admission to an acute mental heath ward.

ETHNOGRAPHIC RESEARCH Examines the culture of communities and groups Often leads to further investigations Offers insights into cultural behaviours E.g. Goffman (Institutionalisation); Becker (Medical students).

TYPES OF RESEARCH Experimental Action Survey Historical Ethnographic