Nursing Research Methodology

Research methodology refers to the principles, procedures, and practices that govern research. In nursing, research methodology is crucial for conducting high-quality studies that advance knowledge and improve patient care.

Types of Research Methodologies Used in Nursing

Quantitative Research Methodology:

Experimental Designs

Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs): Participants are randomly assigned to different treatment groups (e.g., a new medication vs. placebo) to evaluate the effectiveness of an intervention

Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) Example
A study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a new pain management technique using virtual reality (VR) for post-operative patients. Patients who underwent abdominal surgery were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (received standard pain medication and VR therapy) or the control group (received standard pain medication only).

Researchers measured and compared pain levels, medication usage, and recovery times between the two groups. The study found that patients in the intervention group experienced significantly lower pain levels and required less pain medication compared to the control group.

Descriptive Designs

Survey Research: Data is collected through questionnaires or surveys to describe characteristics, attitudes, or behaviors of a population.

Survey Research Example
A large-scale survey was conducted to assess nurses’ knowledge and attitudes towards infection control practices in a nationwide healthcare system. The survey included questions about hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, isolation precautions, and perceived barriers to compliance.

The results showed that while most nurses had good knowledge of infection control practices, there were significant gaps in PPE use and adherence to isolation precautions. The study identified common barriers, such as time constraints and lack of resources, which could inform targeted interventions to improve compliance.

Correlational Designs

These designs examine relationships between variables without manipulating them.

Correlational Designs Example
A study explored the relationship between nurse staffing levels and patient satisfaction scores in a hospital setting. Researchers collected data on nurse-to-patient ratios and patient satisfaction survey results from multiple hospital units over a six-month period. Statistical analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between higher nurse staffing levels and higher patient satisfaction scores, suggesting that adequate nurse staffing may contribute to better patient experiences.

Qualitative Research Methodology

This approach involves exploring and understanding phenomena from the perspectives of individuals or groups. It aims to provide in-depth insights into people’s experiences, behaviors, and beliefs.

Phenomenological Studies

These studies describe the lived experiences of individuals about a particular phenomenon.

Phenomenological Study Example

A study aimed to understand the lived experiences of nurses caring for terminally ill patients in a hospice setting. Researchers conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of hospice nurses. Through thematic analysis of the interview transcripts, several common themes emerged, such as the emotional challenges of forming close bonds with patients, the importance of providing compassionate care, and the coping strategies used by nurses to manage their grief and stress.

Grounded Theory Studies

These studies aim to develop a theory grounded in the data collected from participants

Grounded Theory Study Example
A study sought to develop a theory to explain the factors influencing medication adherence in patients with chronic conditions. Researchers conducted focus group discussions with patients and individual interviews with healthcare providers. Through constant comparative analysis of the qualitative data, a grounded theory emerged, suggesting that medication adherence is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including patient beliefs and attitudes, social support, healthcare system factors, and the perceived burden of the treatment regimen.

Ethnographic Studies

These studies involve immersing oneself in a cultural group to observe and understand their behaviors, beliefs, and interactions.

Ethnographic Study Example:
A study aimed to understand the nursing subculture in a specific hospital unit by immersing a researcher in the setting for an extended period. The researcher observed nurses’ interactions, behaviors, and communication patterns during their daily work routines. Field notes and informal interviews were used to gather data. The study revealed unique rituals, hierarchies, and communication norms within the nursing subculture, which could inform strategies for improving teamwork, communication, and patient care in that particular unit.

Mixed Methods Research Methodology

This approach combines both quantitative and qualitative approaches within a single study, allowing researchers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues.

Mixed Methods Research Methodology Example:
A study aimed to comprehensively assess nurses’ job satisfaction and explore the factors contributing to it. The quantitative phase involved administering a job satisfaction survey to a large sample of nurses across multiple healthcare facilities. The qualitative phase involved conducting focus group discussions with a subset of nurses to gain deeper insights into their experiences, perceptions, and factors influencing their job satisfaction or dissatisfaction. The combined quantitative and qualitative data provided a comprehensive understanding of nurses’ job satisfaction levels and the complex factors shaping their experiences, which could inform strategies for improving nurse retention and well-being.

Related Articles:

Understanding Qualitative Research

Tips for Writing an Observation Paper: A Guide for Nursing Students

Nursing Research Methodology and Steps

Ethical Considerations

Regardless of the methodology used, nursing research must adhere to ethical principles, such as:

• Obtaining informed consent from participants
• Protecting participants’ privacy and confidentiality
• Minimizing potential risks and ensuring beneficence (doing good)
• Maintaining objectivity and integrity in data collection and analysis

Sampling Techniques

Researchers must carefully select appropriate sampling techniques to ensure representativeness and generalizability of their findings.

• Probability Sampling (e.g., simple random sampling, stratified sampling)
• Non-probability Sampling (e.g., convenience sampling, purposive sampling)

Data Collection Methods

Various methods can be used to collect data, depending on the research methodology and design.

• Quantitative: Questionnaires, surveys, structured observations, physiological measurements
• Qualitative: Interviews (structured, semi-structured, unstructured), focus groups, participant observations, document analysis

Data Analysis Techniques

Appropriate statistical tests (e.g., t-tests, ANOVA, regression) or qualitative analysis methods (e.g., thematic analysis, content analysis) are used to analyze the data and draw conclusions.

FAQs

What are the four types of research methodology?
Some common types of research methodology include quantitative research, Qualitative Research Methodology, mixed-method research, experimental research, and case study research.

What is the best research method for nursing?
Quantitative instruments may include self‑reporting tools, questionnaires, observation, and biophysical measures. Commonly used methods in nursing research also include focus groups and interviews that are qualitative in nature

What are the 5 purposes of nursing research?

To study the effectiveness of a nursing interventions. To discover general principles of human behavior to solve problems in nursing practice. To achieve varying levels of explanation. To identify, describe, explore, explain and predict and to exert control over the existing health problem situation.

What type of data do nurses collect?
It typically includes two categories of data – subjective and objective. Subjective data are the patient’s verbal description of their health, such as pain perception. In contrast, objective data includes observations or measurements of the patient’s health conducted by the nurse.