Theoretical Foundations Of Qualitative And Quantitative
The Theoretical Foundations Of Qualitative And Quantitative Methods Ar
The theoretical foundations of qualitative and quantitative methods are very different, but many researchers believe both methods should be used in research studies to increase validity and reliability. What advantages or disadvantages do you see in using both types of methods in a nursing study? Provide an example of a nursing practice problem that could be studied using a mixed methods approach. Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be words and include one reference. Refer to "RN-BSN Discussion Question Rubric" and "RN-BSN Participation Rubric," located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.
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The integration of qualitative and quantitative research methods in nursing studies, often referred to as mixed methods research, offers significant advantages by harnessing the strengths of both approaches. Quantitative methods provide measurable, numerical data that can establish patterns, correlations, and generalizable outcomes, contributing to the validity and reliability of findings. Conversely, qualitative methods offer in-depth insights into patient experiences, attitudes, and contextual factors that influence health outcomes, thus adding richness and contextual understanding that numerical data alone cannot capture (Creswell & Plano Clark, 2018).
One major advantage of combining these methods in nursing research is the comprehensive understanding it provides. For example, a study investigating patient adherence to a new medication regimen could benefit from quantitative data measuring adherence rates, alongside qualitative interviews exploring patient perceptions of medication side effects and barriers to compliance. This comprehensive approach enables researchers to develop more effective interventions tailored to patient needs, ultimately improving health outcomes (Fetters, Curry, & Creswell, 2013).
However, utilizing both methods also entails certain disadvantages. Conducting mixed methods research can be resource-intensive, requiring more time, funding, and expertise to design, implement, and analyze data from two different approaches. Additionally, integrating qualitative and quantitative data can present methodological challenges, particularly in ensuring consistency and coherence across different data types (Bryman, 2006). Researchers must be skilled in both qualitative and quantitative techniques to avoid potential biases and misinterpretations.
In nursing practice, a suitable problem for a mixed methods approach could be exploring factors influencing the successful implementation of a patient safety protocol in a hospital setting. Quantitative data could quantify adherence levels to safety procedures, while qualitative data could explore staff perceptions, organizational barriers, and facilitators impacting protocol adoption. This approach would facilitate a nuanced understanding of the challenges and effective strategies for improving patient safety (Johnson et al., 2019).
In conclusion, combining qualitative and quantitative methods can greatly enhance the depth and breadth of nursing research. While it requires additional resources and methodological rigor, the potential for comprehensive insights makes it a valuable approach in addressing complex healthcare issues.
References
Bryman, A. (2006). Integrating quantitative and qualitative research: How is it done? Qualitative Research, 6(1), 97-113. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468794106058877
Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2018). Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.
Fetters, M. D., Curry, L. A., & Creswell, J. W. (2013). Achieving integration in mixed methods publications. Health Services Research, 48(6pt2), 2134–2156. https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-6773.12117
Johnson, R. B., Onwuegbuzie, A. J., & Turner, L. A. (2019). Toward a definition of mixed methods research. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 1(2), 112-133. https://doi.org/10.1177/1558689806298034