9.1 Findings and Discussion

Question 1

Findings

Answer 1

• Includes results, conclusions, interpretations, recommendations, and implications for future research and nursing practice.

Question 2

Results

Answer 2

• “Data-Bound” section
• Includes data analysis, statistical analysis
• Reflects the analysis of each research question using descriptive or inferential statistics.
• Often begins with the statistical software used (SPSS or SAS)
• After it is a presentation of data for each research question
• The word “support” is used NOT “proven”

Question 3

Limitations

Answer 3

• Presents limitations such as study validity and bias/weakness

Question 4

Tables and Figures

Answer 4

• Used to economize text
• Intended to extend article’s text by providing supplemental information
• Should have precise titles and headings
• Does not repeat text
• Allows readers to quickly visualize results

Question 5

Discussion

Answer 5

• Researchers interpret and discuss their findings
• Contains study findings, limitations, and recommendations
• Uses literature review, theoretical framework, research question, hypothesis and variables to discuss the context of the findings.
• Both supported and unsupported data is discussed and offers strengths/weaknesses of the study.
• Statistical significance of data and generalizability is also discussed

Question 6

Generalizablilty

Answer 6

• Applying findings to a wider population
• When applying research evidence, you must consider if the sample characteristics are the same as our patient population.
• Some articles over generalize results. Conclusions should only make inferences for a specific group within a particular situation and a particular time.

Question 7

Recommendations for Practice

Answer 7

• Talks about how nurses can use findings in their own practice
• Should support prior research and offer new findings
• Should include limitations and strength of evidence such as issues collecting data only at one point in time or uniqueness of a facility making data hard to generalize.
• Evidence should suggest a need for practice change and offer specific recommendations for both practice and future research.

Question 8

Findings/Results

Answer 8

• Explanation of data findings
• Identification of statistical procedure used to analyze data
• Tables/Figures

Question 9

Discussion

Answer 9

• Recommendations for practice
• Generalization of results
• Limitations of the study
• Recommendations for practice

Question 10

Stylistic Considerations

Answer 10

• Recognize the type of journal when doing research (research, methodology, clinical, specialty)
• Guidelines can be found under “Author Guidelines”

Question 11

Research Article

Answer 11

Abstract
Introduction
Background and Significance
Literature review
Theoretical framework
Methodology
Results
Discussion
Conclusion