3.0 - Research Fundamentals Flashcards
What is a concept?
A term that abstractly describes and names an object a phenomenon, or idea, thus providing it with a separate identity or meaning
What is a phenomena?
Something that exists and is observable
What is a theory?
A theory consists of an interrelated set of defined concepts, existence statements, and relational statements that can be used to describe, explain or control that phenomenon
What is a model?
A set of relatively abstract and general concepts that address the phenomena of central interest to a discipline, the propositions that broadly describe those concepts, and the propositions that state relatively abstract and general associations between two or more of the concepts.
–> Descriptive, not testable, abtract
What is a framework.
A framework is an abstract, logical structure of meaning.
More abstract than a model.
Are post-positivist approaches top down or bottom up? What kind of reasoning do they use?
Top down - general to specific
Deductive reasoning - hypothesis testing
Is a constructivist model top down or bottom up? What kind of reasoning does it use?
Bottom up - specific to general
Uses inductive reasoning - descriptive
What is a research problem?
A situation involving an enigmatic, perplexing or conflicting situation that can be investigated in a disciplined way. Critical to develop a well-formulated research problem as a basis to any research endeavor.
What is a problem statement?
Expresses the problem to be addressed and the need for a study
Research problems must be:
–> Researchable
–> Ethical
–> Significant
–> Feasible
Results to nursing research should:
–> Contribute to nursing knowledge
–> Contribute to methodological or theoretical advancement
–> Have implications for society, healthcare, the profession, and individuals
What is a research objective?
More specific statements of the researcher’s intentions. Researchers include specific objectives if there are several within the study aims. May be used instead of research questions.
What is a research hypothesis?
Expresses a predicted relationship between independent variables and the dependent variables
What is a null or statistical hypothesis?
Expresses the absence of a relationship (used in statistical testing)
What is a non-directional hypothesis?
Predicts the existence of a relationship, not its direction e.g., Sense of dignity in pt undegoing radiotherapy will be realted to qualit of life
