Research methods used frequently in nursing can be classified into several categories, each with its own unique approach and purpose: Quantitative Research: Experimental Research: Involves manipulating one or more variables to observe the effect on another variable. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are a common example.  Non-Experimental Research: Focuses on observing and analyzing phenomena without manipulation. Examples include cross-sectional studies, longitudinal studies, and case-control studies. Qualitative Research: Phenomenology: Aims to understand and describe experiences from the perspective of those who have lived them. Grounded Theory: Seeks to develop a theory grounded in the data collected during the research process. Ethnography: Involves the study of cultures and communities to understand the behaviors, rituals, and practices within a specific group. Case Study: Examines a particular instance or case in-depth to gain insights into complex phenomena. Mixed-Methods Research: Convergent Design: Collects and analyzes both quantitative and qualitative data separately and then compares the results. Explanatory Sequential Design: Begins with quantitative data collection and analysis, followed by qualitative data collection to provide a more in-depth understanding. Exploratory Sequential Design: Involves qualitative data collection and analysis first, followed by quantitative data collection to test or confirm findings. Action Research: Practical Participatory Action Research (PAR): Involves collaboration between researchers and practitioners to solve specific problems within a clinical setting. Critical Participatory Action Research (CPAR): Focuses on addressing broader social issues and promoting social change. Descriptive Research: Survey Research: Involves the collection of data from a sample population through interviews, questionnaires, or observations. Observational Research: The researcher observes and systematically records behaviors, events, or situations without manipulating variables. Meta-Analysis: Systematic Review: Involves a comprehensive and systematic analysis of existing research studies on a specific topic to provide an overview of the available evidence. Longitudinal Studies: Cohort Studies: Follow a group of individuals over an extended period, observing the development of specific outcomes. Panel Studies: Involve repeated observations or measurements on the same individuals over time. Cross-Sectional Studies: Snapshot of a Population: Examines a population at a specific point in time to identify associations or trends. Qualitative Research: This method is often used in nursing to investigate culture, feelings, beliefs, and values. Examples of qualitative research include focus groups, interviews, and narratives. It is typically descriptive and inductive in nature and often results in either a grounded theory or a theory-generating approach. Quantitative Research: This involves the use of numerical data to describe patterns or relationships between variables. Common quantitative approaches used by nurses include surveys, experiments, and quasi-experiments. Quantitative research tends to be deductive in nature as it tests existing theories through hypothesis testing. Mixed Methods: This involves combining both qualitative and quantitative techniques into one project. This type of study allows for greater flexibility when assessing complex phenomena such as health beliefs and behaviors. Mixed methods studies provide an opportunity to triangulate data sources, compare qualitative and quantitative findings, and identify discrepancies. Action Research: This approach involves actively engaging in the change process with a goal of improving patient care or the nursing profession. Action research typically involves planning, implementing, evaluating, and reflecting on actions taken to improve practice. These methodologies offer unique opportunities for exploring important topics related to health care delivery and patient outcomes. The choice of research methodology depends on the research question and the type of data that needs to be collected to answer it. These classifications provide a framework for researchers to choose the most appropriate methodology based on the research question, objectives, and available resources in the field of nursing. Researchers often combine and adapt these methodologies to suit the complexity of healthcare and the diverse nature of nursing phenomena.

Reference:

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Educational Research Design | School of Nursing | University of Pittsburgh. https://www.nursing.pitt.edu/research/center-scholarship-teaching-and-learning-nursing/educational-research-design.