Introduction This essay critically analyses the utilization of different research approaches when answering a clinical question. The assigned clinical issue discussed in this essay is the mandated nurse-to-patient ratios in Queensland hospitals will improve patient outcomes. Comparison between quantitative and qualitative approaches to research Seeking evidence for interventions and for a variety of activities are processes which health professionals go through on a regular basis. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches to research play a vital role in evidence-based practice (Hoffmann, Bennett, & Del Mar, 2017). Similarities between the quantitative and qualitative approach to research according to Trafimow (2014) is that both are seeking an answer to a clinical question, both analyse data, and findings from the research are reflected upon for their implication towards science, technology, and society. Watson (2015) states that quantitative researches are composed of a range of methods which focus on the systematic investigation of a clinical question through the use of statistics or numerical data. Quantitative researches are comprised of objective data, measurable results, and the findings from the research are generalised to similar groups (Claydon, 2015). Cumming (2013) further elaborates that quantitative researches also require large sample sizes as this eliminates errors and improves the precision of the research. On the contrary, qualitative researches are
This paper primarily concerns qualitative research, but we were asked to compare both qualitative and quantitative methods. During comparison, there are many noted differences in both study designs, but not many similarities. Qualitative research uses a subjective approach with a large sample population. It collects non-statistical data, using an unstructured or semi-structured technique (Nieswiadomy & Bailey, 2018). Quantitative research uses an objective approach and large, random, sampling to ask opinions in a structured way. The findings of quantitative studies are conclusive and used to recommend a final course of action (Nieswiadomy & Bailey, 2018). While it is hard to see similarities between the two, both methods aim to find a solution to a problem or question, the researcher doing the study may affect the outcome and an analysis of the collected data must be done (Souza, 2017). What many don’t realize is the connection amongst the two. You can say, both types of research build upon one another, meaning quantitative studies can quantify results found in qualitative research (Souza, 2017).
Case study was research strategy adopted for this study. It is one of the types of qualitative research study (Creswell, 1998). According to Rubin and Babbie (2013) which view case study as a particular examination of phenomenon. In this study case study explore the influence e-resources has on the professional development and classroom practices of beginner teachers and providing a detailed information through multiple source of data collection methods such as semi-structured interview, observation, data analysis and research journal.However,Creswell,2007 highlighted that case study is a qualitative approach that explore bounded system of phenomenon over time. More so, Yin (2009) validates that case study is an empirical
In an article published by Applied Nursing Research the authors point out that nurse staffing is related to patient outcomes, “lower levels of RN staffing are associated with higher rates of OPSN (Outcomes Potentially Sensitive to Nursing) in both medical and surgical patients treated in hospitals, U.S. Medicare, and other publically available administrative data” (Duffield et al., 2011, p. 245). The writer of this paper researched 5 relevant articles regarding the relationship between nurse to patient ratio, morbidity, and mortality, every article related similar information. “A systematic review of 102 studies concluded that increased RN staffing levels are associated with lower rates of morbidity and mortality” (Ball, Murrells, Rafferty, Morrow, & Griffiths, 2013, p. 2).
All literature was organized by the subject and argued that there was a definite need for change in policy regarding nurse staffing. While some literature argued for a mandated nurse-patient ratio, others explained that looking at ratio in terms of just numbers was unrealistic in that much more goes in to determining a safe nurse-patient ratio, such as the acuity of the patients
There has probably been more energy spent on debating the difference, advantages and limitations between qualitative and quantitative research methods, it can be said that this issue has been debated to death with many spending years proving which methods is the best.
Quantitative and qualitative research generates from two different perspectives, and it provide different types of crucial information from the research subject. Qualitative research corresponds more with comprehensive and thorough descriptions of events, whereas quantitative research creates statistical models to explain events. Several advantages and disadvantages in qualitative and quantitative research, depends upon the researcher's purpose and area of focus and information that will answer those research questions (Creswell, (2013).
Understanding of evidence based practice is key for making clinical decisions. Every day clinicians use pain scales and depression scales. Quantitative research brings understanding to topics such as: primary care outcomes of nurse practitioners, modifiable health risks effect on health care costs, pain management, blood pressure monitoring. Quantitative research is made up of different types of research. Descriptive research is used to describe concepts, identify relationships among variables, or compare and contrast groups. Correlational research examines the strength of relationships among variables. Quasi-experimental studies determine the effect of an independent variable (treatment) on designated dependent variables (outcomes). Experimental studies are done in controlled settings to determine the effect of an independent variable on a dependent variable (Gray, Grove, & Sutherland, 2017).
Compare and contrast quantitative and qualitative methods on each of the elements listed. Please use scholarly, academic literature to support your response.
Quantitative research methods are objective as it uses measurements and analysis of statistical data to answer the study question. The researchers’ opinions do not affect the outcome of the study, ensuring that the study is unbiased. Another advantage is quantitative research uses numbers and statistics which is understood universally (Houser,2008).
Quantitative research deals with numbers and is measurable. Some examples of quantitative data are cost, number of participants and time. This type of research is systematic and uses the more traditional scientific method of data collection and presentation. Qualitative research has data that is nonnumeric in nature and it is difficult to measure. As the root of the same suggests, it gives a quality description of the data being viewed. It can include descriptions or verbal responses. Qualitative data is subjective in the sense that the answer can be different amongst various people.
My Research Project focused on the ways in which the Australian South Sea Islander (ASSI) community reflect the historical events of blackbirding; a topic which I was inspired to investigate this due to my Pacific Islander heritage. Between 1863 and 1904, people were brought to Australia from throughout the Pacific, often through unscrupulous methods like kidnapping, to be used as a source of cheap labour. I investigated the history surrounding the labour trade in Queensland as well as current and past issues faced by ASSI people. Interviews and government publications revealed that the issues of educational attainment and health are prominent issues for the ASSI community. These sources also highlighted
There are many benefits of utilizing quantitative methods in research. The benefits are precise numerical data, previously constructed theories can be tested and validated, results can be generated from sufficient random samples sizes, and less time is needed for data analysis. The weaknesses of quantitative methods are that due to the focus of the theory used the researcher may miss phenomena occurring, or the information gained may be too general to be applied to the individuals. The other weaknesses are colleagues may not understand the categories used, and colleagues may not understand the theories used by the researchers. (Zikmund et al, 2010) Qualitative Methods
Share your approach to synthesizing the evidence. What were the variables of interest you identified?
Quantitative research involves collecting data, which can be expressed numerically. The design is well structured with pre-determined outcomes. It frequently involves testing a hypothesis, which then can be analysed from the data deductively using statistical methods. Using numerical data is easier to analysis mathematical, so larger sample sizes can be utilised compared to qualitative research, therefore giving a better representative of the population; along with simplifying the process of making a generalisation. Another advantage is that studies can easily compare to similar findings (Kruger, 2003). The disadvantages are the results are limited and might not provide a proper understanding of the topic. Also, statistics and leading questions can be used to give a false representation of the data when summarising.
Quantitative studies are primarily numbers based. They deal with large cohort groups as well as analyze large amounts of data. “A quantitative