Inquiry and Evidence Based Practice

Inquiry and Evidence Based Practice

Quantitative research is systematic empirical investigation of different phenomena using mathematical, statistical and computational techniques (Diriwachter & Valsiner, 2006). This kind of research uses numerical analysis in reducing the information into numerical such as percentages. The aspects of the study are usually designed before the process of data collection takes place. It is conducted using scientific methods and includes various steps including development of theories, models, hypothesis, development of instruments and methods of measuring data, manipulation and environmental control variables, data collection, modeling and analyzing and evaluating results.

Examples of quantitative designs are surveys and secondary data. Surveys involve collection of information from various groups of people to find out the distribution, prevalence and interrelationships. Data is collected through personal interviews, telephone and questionnaires. Secondary data is collected from previous studies or through the use of already existing databases.

An important research study that is potential to nursing is on how education and level of experiences affects the quality of health services rendered (Hoe & Hoare, 2012). The design that would be used for such a study is survey. This is because; it allows information to be gathered from the respondents which helps the researcher to reach a tangible conclusion. Furthermore, the information is credible and illustrates the situation at the ground. It can therefore be relied upon to make recommendations in nursing practice (Schneider, Nicholas & Kurrus, 2013). The information will help to determine whether the nurses poses requisite skills or not and therefore, appropriated measures will be put in place to ensure that only qualified and competent nurses are selected to provide services.

Quantitative research is important in the sense that it allows researcher to test specific hypothesis about various issues. It is also essential in science, knowledge and practice of nursing in various ways. In practice of nursing, it allows the nurse to find out about various issues that affects their nursing practices and in the process helping to improve the services provided. It also helps to increase knowledge on various aspects of nursing.

References

Diriwachter, R., & Valsiner, J. (2006). Qualitative Developmental Research Methods in Their Historical and Epistemological Contexts. FQS, 7(1): 1-23.

Hoe, J., & Hoare, Z. (2012). Understanding quantitative research: part 1. Nursing Standard, 27(15-17): 52-57.

Schneider, B., Nicholas, J., & Kurrus, J. (2013). Comparison of Methodologie Quality and Study/Report Characteristics Between Quantitative Clinical Nursing and Nursing Education Research Articles, Nursing Education Perspectives, 34(5): 292-297.