10 Jan Researchers have a responsibility

Week 1 discussion

DQ1

Discuss the differences between research, research utilization, and evidence-based practice. You may want to link this to the historical evolution of research in nursing.

DQ2

Identify and discuss two major ways in which qualitative research differs from quantitative research. Is one better than the other? Provide reference(s).

Week 2 discussion

DQ1

Discuss sources of bias for both quantitative and qualitative research. For quantitative research, be sure to address both random and systematic bias. You may use examples from the articles you selected as illustrations of bias and/or preventing bias.

DQ2

Researchers often identify the research problem and then go in search of a theory. Discuss the disadvantages of doing this. What does the textbook recommend that researchers do to assure a true fit between theory and designing the study?

Week 3 discussion

DQ1

Describe the quantitative design of the article you selected. Present the strengths and limitations of this type of design according to the textbook and how these are reflected in your study. In one of your responses, contrast the design you have selected with at least one design presented by a classmate in one of your responses.

DQ2

Describe the qualitative design (or methodology) of the article you selected. Present the strengths and limitations of this type of design according to the textbook, and explain how these strengths and limitations are reflected in your study. In one of your responses, contrast the design you have selected with at least one design presented by a classmate.

Week 4 discussion

DQ1

Read the section Questionnaires Versus Interviews in the textbook. How are these guidelines similar and different from data collected by nurses when giving care? What principles did you identify that are new to you but could be important in improving your collection of clinical data?

DQ2

You are interested in nurses’ attitudes toward EBP. Which method do you think would work best to obtain this information: a questionnaire, a face-to-face interview, or a group interview? Defend your answer.

Week 5 discussion

DQ1

Demographic data are collected for every study. What is the purpose of describing the demographic data?

DQ2

There is a tendency for novice researchers to develop their own instrument if they cannot readily find one. How might you respond to a peer or manager who asks you to help develop a new tool to collect patient data on anxiety prior to cardiac catheterization?

Week 6 discussion

DQ1

State in your own words what is meant by Type I and Type II errors. Why are these important? Name one thing that can be done to improve internal validity of a study.

DQ2

An example of a multivariate procedure is analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Explain what is meant by the following statement: ANCOVA offers post hoc statistical control. Provide an example.

Week 7 discussion

DQ1

In the final section of study reports, there is a section on implications and recommendations. Describe the difference between these terms. Provide examples from one of the studies that you critiqued.

DQ2

Researchers have a responsibility to identify the limitations of a study. What is meant by limitation? Provide examples from one of the studies that you critiqued.

Week 8 discussion

DQ1

Post your group’s CLC EBP Project. Critically read two CLC EBP Projects (other than your own). Name one barrier for each that could impact the implementation of the guideline in practice, and explain how you would work through this issue.

DQ2

Discuss what is meant by mixed-methods designs. What are the limitations of mixed-methods designs.