Module 6 Flashcards
What are the five aspects that should be considered when interpreting findings of a study?
- credibility and accuracy
- meaning of results
- importance of results
- extent to which results can be generalized
- implications for practice, theory, or research
External evidence
Comes primarily from prior research data. If results vary much from prior research, possible reasons for this must be found.
Internal evidence
Comes from an evaluation of the methods used.
Research critique
Involves appraising the decisions the researcher has made in terms of the research problem itself, the theoretical context, methodological strategies, handling of ethical concerns, and the manner in which the study is described in the report.
Aspects that should be considered in a critical evaluation of the study’s value
Substantive and theoretical dimensions Methodological dimensions Ethical dimensions Interpretive dimensions Presentation and stylistic dimensions
What should be considered in the substantive and theoretical dimension?
Significance of the problem studied
Relevance to some aspect of the nursing profession studied
Congruence between the study question and the methods used to address it
Soundness of the conceptualizations
Creativity and insightfulness of the analysis
Focus of methodological dimensions
Rigour of methods used to conduct the study and the extent to which they yield believable evidence
What to consider in the ethical dimension
Look for evidence that the rights of human subjects were violated during the course of the investigation
If there were ethical problems, consider their impact on the scientific value of the study and on the subjects well-being
Criteria to be met in terms of the interpretive dimension
The discussion section includes interpretations of all the important results
Interpretations are consistent with the results
Types of evidence support the interpretations
Limitations of the study are identified
Conclusions and recommendations for practice are included in the report
What should be considered in a critical appraisal of presentation and writing style
Writing is clear, concise, and grammatically correct.
Unnecessary jargon is minimized.
Quantitative research reports are formal and impersonal
Qualitative reports are written in a literary style
Reviewer must be alert to indications of overt biases
Critical components to consider when evaluating research reports
Abstract and title Introduction Problem statement/purpose Conceptual/theoretical framework Literature review Research questions/hypothesis Research design Method Sample Data collection procedures Data collection instruments Data analysis Results Conclusions/Discussion Implications and recommendations Completeness of study
Major components of study findings
Results, conclusions, interpretations, recommendations, generalizations, and implications for future research and nursing practice
What should be included in the results section of a quantitative study?
The statistical analysis
Indication of whether the hypotheses were supported or unsupported
Describe the differences between results presented in quantitative and qualitative studies
Quantitative: includes statistical analysis and reference to hypotheses.
Qualitative: results are usually presented as identified themes, with support presented as direct quotes from research participants. Linkages among the themes are often presented in the form of a model or theory.
Research utilization (RU)
The use of the findings from studies in a practical application that is unrelated to the original research.
Knowledge transfer (KT)
The exchange, synthesis, and application of knowledge by relevant stakeholders within complex systems to accelerate the beneficial effects of research aimed at improving health care.
Evidence-based practice (EBP)
Means that clinical decisions are based on the best possible evidence. Attempts to integrate research findings with other factors.
Conceptual utilization
The use of research findings in a general, conceptual way to broaden one’s thinking about an issue, without putting the knowledge to any specific, documentable use.
Instrumental utilization
Refers to the direct application of knowledge gained from research.
Two major ways in which research utilization is of value
To facilitate an innovative change that will lead to improved client outcomes
To validate existing nursing procedures and interventions