1. Introduction to the Quantitative Research Process
Chapter 2
Introduction to the Quantitative Research Process

2. Quantitative Research
Formal, objective, rigorous, systematic process for generating information
Describes new situations, events, or concepts
Examines relationships among variables
Determines the effectiveness of treatments

3. Quantitative Research (cont’d)
Descriptive
Correlational
Quasi-experimental
Experimental
Increased
control
with type
of study

4. Descriptive Research
Exploration and description of phenomena in real-life situations
New meaning is discovered and the description of concepts is accomplished
Helps to identify relationships

5. Correlational Research
Looks at the relationship between two or more variables
Determines the strength and type of relationships
Explains what is seen
No cause and effect

6. Quasi-experimental Research
Examines cause-and-effect relationships
Less control by researcher than true experimental designs
Samples are not randomly selected.
All variables in the study cannot be controlled by the researcher.

7. Experimental Research
Looks at cause-and-effect relationships
Highly controlled, objective, systematic studies
Involves the measurement of independent and dependent variables

8. Experimental Research (cont’d)
Main characteristics:
Controlled manipulation of at least one independent variable
Uses experimental and control groups
Random assignment of the sample to the experimental and control groups

9. Concepts Relevant to Quantitative Research
Basic research
Applied research
Rigor
Control
Extraneous variables
Sampling

10. Basic Research Research for the sake of research
Research to find out the truth
Investigating “what is”

11. Applied Research Attempts to solve real problems in clinical practice
Concerns what effects the intervention may have on patients
Applies findings in the real world on real patients

12. Rigor in Quantitative Research
Striving for excellence in research and adherence to detail
Precise measurement tools, a representative sample, and a tightly controlled study design
Logical reasoning is essential.
Precision, accuracy, detail, and order required

13. Control in Quantitative Research
Rules are followed to decrease the possibility of error, and are the design of the study.
Different levels of control depending on study
Quasi-experimental studies partially controlled regarding selection of subjects
Experimental studies highly controlled because of precision of sample selection

14. Extraneous Variables in Quantitative Research
These occur in all research studies.
They may interfere with the hypothesized relationships between variables.
The influence of extraneous variables can be decreased through sample selection and the use of defined research settings.

15. Sampling in Quantitative Research
Process of selecting subjects who are representative of the population
Random sampling
Each member has an equal chance of being selected.
Has the most control
Convenience sampling
Whoever is available

16. Settings in Quantitative Research
The location where studies take place
Must be defined in advance
Involved in the rigor and control of the study
Types of research settings:
Natural or field settings
Partially controlled settings
Highly controlled or laboratory settings

17. Control in Quantitative Research
Type of
Quantitative Research
Researcher
Control
Research
Setting
Descriptive
Uncontrolled
Natural or partially
controlled
Correlational
Uncontrolled or partially controlled
Natural or partially controlled
Quasi-experimental
Partially controlled
Experimental
Highly controlled
Laboratory

18. Problem-Solving Process
Data collection
Problem definition
Plan
Setting goals
Identifying solutions
Implementation
Evaluation and revision

19. Steps of the Quantitative Research Process
Research problem and purpose
Literature review
Study framework
Objectives, questions, or hypotheses
Study variables

20. Steps of the Quantitative Research Process (cont’d)
Assumptions
Limitations
Methodological
Theoretical
Research design
Population and sample
Methods of measurement

21. Steps of the Quantitative Research Process (cont’d)
Data collection and analysis
Research outcomes
Communication of findings

22. Research Problem and Purpose
Research problem is an area of concern needing research for nursing practice.
The problem identifies, describes, or predicts the research situation.
Research purpose comes from the problem and identifies the specific goal or aim of the study.
The purpose includes variables, population, and setting for the study.

23. Literature Review
Collecting pertinent literature to give in-depth knowledge about the problem
Understanding what knowledge exists to make changes in practice

24. Study Framework
Framework is the abstract, theoretical basis for a study that enables the researcher to link the findings to nursing’s body of knowledge.
Theory is an integrated set of defined concepts and relational statements that present a view of a phenomenon and can be used to describe, explain, predict, or control phenomena.

25. Research Objectives, Questions, and Hypotheses
All identify relationship between variables and indicate population to be studied
Narrower in focus than the purpose and often specify only one or two research variables

26. Study Variables
Variables are concepts that are measured, manipulated, or controlled in a study.
Concrete variables: temperature, weight
Abstract variables: creativity, empathy
Conceptual definition: gives meaning to a concept
Operational definition: variable can be measured using this description

27. Example of Definitions: Physical Symptoms
Conceptual definition
Physical symptoms are “behavioral manifestations that result directly from the traumagenic dynamics of child sexual abuse.”
(Hulme & Grove, 1994, p. 522)
Operational definition
ASI questionnaire was used to measure physical symptoms

28. Assumptions Statements are taken for granted or are considered true.
Assumptions are often unrecognized in thinking and behavior.
Sources of assumptions are universally accepted truths.
They are often embedded in the philosophical base of the study’s framework.

29. Limitations
Restrictions in a study that may decrease the credibility and generalizability of the findings
Theoretical limitations
Restrict the generalization of the findings
Reflected in the framework and definitions
Methodological limitations
Restrict the population to which the findings can be generalized
May result from an unrepresentative sample or weak design

30. Research Design Blueprint for conducting the study
Maximizes control over factors that could interfere with the study’s desired outcome
Directs the selection of the population, sampling, methods of measure, plans for data collection, and analysis

31. Population and Sample Population Sample
All elements that meet certain criteria for inclusion in study
Example: all women students in higher education
Sample
A subset of the population that is selected for study
Example: women students in three state universities in the Southwest
(Hulme & Grove, 1994)

32. Methods of Measurement
Assigning numbers to objects
Application of rules to development of a measurement device or instrument
Data are gathered at the nominal, ordinal, interval, or ratio level of measurement.
Must examine reliability and validity of measurement tool
Reliability: consistency of the tool
Validity: does it measure what it is supposed to measure?

33. Data Collection
Precise, systematic gathering of information for the study
Consent must be obtained from the sample.
Researchers use observation, interviews, questionnaires, or scales to gather information.
Described under the “procedures” section of a research article

34. Data Analysis Reduce, organize, and give meaning to data
Descriptive and inferential analysis of data

35. Results Descriptions of findings after data were analyzed
Usually organized by research objectives, questions, or hypotheses

36. Research Outcomes Interprets data findings in meaningful manner
Involves forming conclusions and considering implications for nursing
Suggests future studies
Generalizes the findings

37. Research Reports and Communication of Findings
Summarizes major elements of a study and identifies contributions of study to nursing knowledge
Presented at professional meetings and conferences and published in journals and books

38. Content of Research Reports
Abstract—summary of study in 100 to 250 words
Introduction—problem, purpose, literature, framework, and hypothesis
Methods—design, sample, setting, tool
Results—data analysis procedures
Discussion—findings, conclusions, implications
Reference list—all sources cited

39. Skimming a Research Report
Quickly review source for broad overview.
Read title, author’s name, abstract, introduction, and discussion.
Examine conclusions and implications.
Give preliminary judgment of study.

40. Comprehending a Research Report
Type of study conducted—highlight key points
Knowledge available on topic
Expertise of researcher
Replication versus original research
Funding resources of researcher
Amount of funding
Sources of funding

41. Analyzing a Research Report
Examine parts of report in depth for accuracy, completeness, uniqueness of information, and organization.
Was research process logically presented?
Examine discussion section for critical arguments.

42. Initial Research Report Critique
What type of study was conducted?
What was the setting for the study?
Were steps for the research process clearly identified?
Were any of steps missing?
Did the steps logically link together?