RESPONSE DISCUSSION

THE MAIN DISCUSSION TOPIC:

Quantitative and Qualitative Research in Clinical Settings

Some people consider the difference between the terms “quantitative” and “qualitative” to be similar to the difference between facts and feelings. These individuals might argue that quantitative approaches are better or more appropriate than qualitative approaches, particularly in health care. They might support this argument by saying that quantitative approaches are based on numbers and concrete evidence rather than on subjective observations and opinions.

Based on the information presented in this week’s Learning Resources and Media, do you think this an accurate way of distinguishing quantitative and qualitative methods of research? Is one method inherently superior to the other? How would you describe the difference between quantitative and qualitative research to someone who was completely unfamiliar with these concepts?

This Discussion explores the characteristics of quantitative and qualitative research methods as well as the application of each in the practice setting. You examine the suitability of each method to evidence-based practice. You are encouraged to make connections between general characteristics and abstract research concepts to realistic scenarios and actual experiences in your responses to this week’s Discussion prompts.

Review Dr. Shi’s comparison of the characteristics of quantitative and qualitative research presented in this week’s media presentation and in the “Overview of Qualitative Research Methods” tutorial.

Reflect on the Learning Resources focusing on the use of quantitative and qualitative research in health care.

With the two articles you reviewed in mind (one quantitative and one qualitative), think about how those types of research projects influence, or support, evidence-based nursing practice. Ask yourself: Which methodology is most appropriate for supporting evidence-based practice? What characteristics of that methodology support my conclusion?

Respond to two of your colleagues in your small group in one or more of the following ways:

Discussion

Method of Research DQ 1

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a clinical decision-making process in which health professionals apply theory-derived and research-based knowledge to inform their care delivery decisions (Koota et al., 2021). The EBP is vital in replacing policies and procedures based on other evidence sources such as tradition or authority. Both qualitative and quantitative evidence contributes significantly to EBP. In quantitative research, numbers are used in measuring variables such as concepts and characteristics of subjects (Rutberg & Bouikidis, 2018). It provides descriptive statistics about a population, allowing researchers to grasp objects' key characteristics concerning the study. In qualitative research, the findings' presentation is via participants' words and stories, which are effortlessly used in nursing care practices (Rutberg & Bouikidis, 2018). The research addresses queries that are distinct from those considered by clinical epidemiology. Moreover, qualitative research is important in investigating practitioners’ and patients’ beliefs, attitudes, preferences, and the whole query of how the evidence is turned into practice (Rutberg & Bouikidis, 2018). Therefore, the role of qualitative evidence is to support personal and experiential perceptions for practice.

Quantitative evidence utilizes statistical methods, which are suited to maximizing dependent variables based on independents. According to Bloomfield & Fisher (2019), a quantitative, evidence-based practice helps clinicians to understand and critique the research literature and integrate the findings and recommendations in their operations. In my opinion, quantitative research presents the most appropriate evidence because it improves nursing practice by recognizing and implementing interventions that help in maximizing the quality and quantity of life for a patient. Quantitative results can be replicated and used to prove or disprove hypotheses because they do not rely on participants' emotions, reactions, or responses. Moreover, quantitative research aims at understanding the causal or correlational relationship between variables through hypothesis testing. In contrast, qualitative research relates a phenomenon with the real-world context through interview and observation utilization. Therefore, the qualitative research's accuracy is measured by testing the presented hypotheses through quantitative research as it uses correct approaches for accumulating and analyzing measurable data. The fact that quantitative research is number-oriented; its accuracy is high, leading to clear conclusions during nursing practices.

References

Bloomfield, J., & Fisher, M. J. (2019). Quantitative research design. Journal of the Australasian Rehabilitation Nurses Association, 22(2), 27-30.

Koota, E., Kääriäinen, M., Kyngäs, H., Lääperi, M., & Melender, H. L. (2021). Effectiveness of Evidence‐Based Practice (EBP) Education on Emergency Nurses’ EBP Attitudes, Knowledge, Self‐Efficacy, Skills, and Behavior: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Worldviews on Evidence‐Based Nursing.

Rutberg, S., & Bouikidis, C. D. (2018). Focusing on the fundamentals: A simplistic differentiation between qualitative and quantitative research. Nephrology Nursing Journal, 45(2), 209-213.

RESPONSE TO ANSWER FROM THE DISCUSSION ABOVE

Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional background information, evidence, or research.

Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings, synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives.

Offer and support an alternative perspective using readings from the classroom or from your own research in the Walden Library.

Validate an idea with your own experience and additional research.

Make a suggestion based on additional evidence drawn from readings or after synthesizing multiple postings.

Expand on your colleagues’ postings by providing additional insights or contrasting perspectives based on readings and evidence.