Module 1 - Introduction to Research & Evaluation

Question 1

Research Paradigm

Answer 1

Philosophical model/framework that the research is based on, which guides the aim, research questions, measurements, data collection and analysis methods

Question 2

Components of a research paradigm

Answer 2

Ontology: study of existence, provides world view that guides study
Epistemiology: theoretical study of knowledge, provides focus (relationship between researcher and area of study)
Methodology: framework for conducting the study

Question 3

3 philosophical paradigms

Answer 3

Positivism
Interpretivism
Critical approach

Question 4

Positivism

Answer 4

• Quantitative
• Provides explanation by traditional scientific method = observation, prediction, tetsing causal relationships using procedure to prepare for analysis
• Characterised by determinism/reductionism (caused by predisposing factors), objectivity, and deductive reasoning (start from theory to focus)

Examples: cross sectional, propective cohort, longitudinal, non-random, randomised control, single or double blind

Question 5

Interpretivism

Answer 5

• Qualitative
• Description by describing and exploring meanings within a social or practical context
• Characterised by the idea that reality is obtained through social contructs, meaning is contructed through researcher-participant dialogue, and by inductive reasoning (concept derived by observation)

Example: phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography

Question 6

Critical approach

Answer 6

• Qualitative
• Focus on society and culture to explore and critique power structures and dynamics
• Goal to empower participant to challenge and change social structures
• Uses obervation & interviewing

Examples: emancipatory (benefit to disadvantaged), action, feminist

Question 7

Data triangulation

Answer 7

Application of several research methods/researchers to cross check and validate results

Question 8

Advantages and disadvantages of qualitative

Answer 8

Advantages
* Low cost
* account for behavioural complexity and provide context
* Able to clarify responses

Disadvantages
* Researcher bias esp when present
* Subjects may lack credibility & share characteristics
* Not always representative of wider population
* Not always clear what is being looked for
* Take time to disclose

Question 9

Advantages and disadvantages of quantitative

Answer 9

Advantages
* clear outcomes
* quick analysis
* Application to other populations
* High reliability and validity
* Anonymity

Disadvantages
* Researcher bias
* Limited ability to probe
* High cost

Question 10

Non-experimental design

Answer 10

No researcher manipulation
Adv:Used if relationships between variables are unknown (measure of disease prevalence
Dis: shallow, doesnt allow probe or focusing

Types:
* correlational (compare indicators of health across populations)
* cross sectional (surveys to provide snapshot of time - prevalence)
* case report (analyse factors associated with outcome) - retrospective
* case control (relationship of exposure with outcome) - retrospective
* cohort (longitudinal over time) - prospective

Question 11

Experimental design

Answer 11

Researcher manipulation of variable, condition or treatment to isolate and better observe dependent variable
Adv: more control, less confounding factors, builds on causal knowledge
Dis: more prep and lit review requires, requires review of variable influence, costly

Types: randomised control and community trials

Question 12

Importance of research to nursing

Answer 12

• Use evidence based knowledge to make better clinical decisions
• Improve delivery of patient care
• Generated knowledge builds credibility
• Maximise profits
• Provide accountability

Question 13

Emic vs etic aproach

Answer 13

In qualitative methods
Emic: insiders POV
Etic: outsiders POV