Nursing research Is a systematic inquiry into a subject that uses various approach quantitative and qualitative methods) to answer questions and solve problem.

The goal of research is to discover new knowledge and relationships and find solutions to problems and questions.

Is research referred to as synonymous with problem solving? This is incorrect because research deals with discovering or generating new knowledge, whereas problem solving refers to using current knowledge. Previous research generates knowledge used in problem solving.

Knowledge: is information acquired in a variety of ways. Scientific inquiry: is a process in which observable, verifiable data are systematically collected from our surroundings through our senses to describe, explain, or predict events.

The scientific method involves selecting and defining a problem, formulating research questions) or hypotheses or both, collecting data, analyzing data, and reporting results. Two characteristics that are unique to the scientific method and not associated with other ways of knowing are objectivity and the use of empirical data. The term empirical data refers to documenting objective data through direct observation or by other senses.

Replication is the ability of researchers to repeat a study using the same variables and methods or slight variation of them. Repeating a study increases the extent to which the research findings can be generalized, providing additional evidence of validity.

Quantitative research: An approach for generating knowledge based on determining how much of a given behavior, characteristics, or phenomena is present. Quantitative research methods emphasize measurements, testing hypothesis, and statistical analysis of data. It uses a traditional quantitative approaches such as experiments, questionnaires, and surveys to advance nursing science.

Qualitative research : An approach for generating knowledge using methods of inquiry that emphasize subjectivity and the meaning of an experience for the individual. Qualititative research methods emphasize understanding of phenomena from the individuals perspective. Participants observation, in-depth interview, case studies, ethnographies, and narrative analysis are the tools to gain new knowledge in qualitative research.

Regardless of the methods used, researchers have the responsibility of conducting a study with rigor and skill. Rigor is the striving for excellence in research that involve discipline, adherence to detail, and strict accuracy.

Triangulation: refers to the use of both quantitative and qualititative methods to collect data about a particular phenomenon. the term can also refer to various combinations of research designs or instruments used in the same study.

The importance of nursing research: Nurses participate in nursing research activities to develop, refine, and extend nursing science, which is a unique body of nursing knowledge. Nursing encompasses systematic inquiry into each nursing area (clinical, educating, administration) improving nurses understanding research process and fostering research designs that provide the information needed to explain, change, and expand nursing practice.

Evidence based practice: Means that the nurse action or clinical decision based on research findings. the effort to integrate research findings into clinical practice or and clinical decision.

Types of research 1. Basic versus Applied research Basic : referred to as pure or fundamental research. The major purpose of basic research is to obtain empirical data that can be used to develop, refine, or test a theory without immediate concern for direct application to clinical practice. E.g. Lab studies Applied: is conducted to gain knowledge that can be used in a practical setting. This type of research is usually performed in actual practice conditions on subjects who represent the group to which the results will be applied.

Experimental versus non- experimental 2. Experimental: refers to a study in which the researcher manipulates and controls one or more variables and observe the effect of manipulation on other variables. Non experimental research: refers to studies that are more descriptive or exploratory in nature. The researcher is interested in describing what already exists. Non experimental studies is sometimes classified as descriptive and / or correlation.

Descriptive: describe situation or event that already exists systematically. Correlation: examines the relationship between and among variables. The research collects data on at least two variables for the same group individuals and calculates a correlation coefficient between the measure. A high number of research studies in nursing care classified as descriptive correlation designs.

Classification of research by time dimension: Retrospective versus prospective research Retrospective: examines data collected in the past, typified by review of medical records. Prospective: examines data collected in the present. Prospective studies are more reliable than retrospective studies because of the potential for greater control of data collection.

Cross-sectional versus longitudinal research Cross-sectional: Collects data at one point in time with no follow-up. The result is a measurement of what exist today, with no attempt to document changes over time in either the past or the future. Longitudinal research: follows a cohort of subjects and collects data at different intervals overtime. An advantage of longitudinal research is the ability to collect data on the same individuals overtime. Loss of subjects is the major problem in conducting this type of research.