FINAL 2 Flashcards
A critical component of the research process that provides an in-depth analysis of recently published research findings in specifically identified areas of interest. The review informs the research question and guides development of the research plan.
Literature review
A traditional approach to research in which variables are identified and measured in a reliable and valid way.
Quantitative research
A naturalistic approach to research in which the focus is on understanding the meaning of an experience from the individual’s perspective.
Qualitative research
Study conducted by examining a single phenomenon across multiple populations at a single point in time w/ no intent for follow-up in the design.
Cross-sectional design
Strengths of cross-sectional designs
- practical and economical
- no waiting for the outcome of interest to occur
- enable the exploration of health conditions that are affected by human development
- procedures are reasonably simple to design and carry out
- data are collected at one point in time so results can be timely and relevant
- large samples are relatively inexpensive to obtain
- there is not loss of subjects due to attrition
Limitations of cross-sectional designs
- transitory nature of data collection makes causal association difficult
- don’t capture changes that occur as a result of environmental factors or other events that occur over time
- may be difficult to locate individuals at varying stages of a disease or condition
- impractical for the study of rare diseases or uncommon conditions
Study conducted by following subject’s over a period of time, with data collection occurring at prescribed intervals.
Longitudinal designs
Strengths of longitudinal designs
- can capture historical trends and explore causal associations
- cost-effective and cost-efficient
- can document that a causal factor precedes an outcome, strengthening hypotheses about causality
- provide the opportunity to measure characteristics and events accurately and do not rely on recall
Limitations of longitudinal designs
- attrition rates and potential loss of subjects over time are common
- dependent on accurate, complete secondary data or the subject’s ability to recall past events
- once begun, it cannot be changed w/out affecting the overall validity of the conclusions
- expensive to conduct and require time and commitment from both parties
- conclusions may be based on a limited number of observations
- large sample sizes are expensive to access
- systematic attrition of subjects is possible due to long-term commitment requirements
A design that involves the analysis of two variables to describe the strength and direction of the relationship between them.
Correlation study
Strengths of a correlation study
- relatively uncomplicated to plan and implement
- researcher flexibility in exploring relationships among 2 or more variables
- outcomes of correlation studies often have practical application in nursing practice
- provide a framework for examining relationships between variables that cannot be manipulated for practical/ethical reasons
Limitations of a correlation study
- researcher cannot manipulate variables of interest, so causality cannot be established
- correlation designs lack control and randomization between variables
- correlation measured may be the result of a suppressor value
- demonstration of a correlation is not evidence of anything other than a linear association btw 2 variables
A bell-shaped distribution in which the mean is set at 0 and a standard deviation of 1.
Standard normal distribution
The average; a measure of central tendency.
Mean
A measure of central tendency that is the exact midpoint of the numbers of a data set.
Median
