Classification of Research Methodology in Nursing Research

Research techniques are essential tools that scientists employ to gather data and information to respond to questions and derive insights from their findings. Applying research methodologies in nursing is critical to ensuring the validity and reliability of research findings and their accuracy. Nursing research has progressed, and the research methodologies have become increasingly sophisticated. As nursing research advances, new approaches have been developed to answer novel questions and deepen our understanding of existing knowledge. The two main categories of research approaches utilized in nursing research are qualitative and quantitative (Edison, 2019). The kind of data that is gathered and examined is where these two strategies diverge most. Numerical data must be collected and analyzed as part of data-driven quantitative research. This study uses survey or experimental techniques, including randomized controlled trials, to gather data. These techniques can examine various subjects, including patient care, healthcare results, and the efficiency of multiple therapies or treatments.

Research that uses non-numerical data to obtain understanding and insights into a particular issue is known as qualitative research. It is frequently used to investigate intricate and complex subjects that may be easier to measure using quantitative techniques. To collect data, this research methodology usually uses focus groups, interviews, and observation techniques (Charbonneau-Dahlen, 2020). Qualitative research helps investigate intricate phenomena, such as how patients interact with healthcare professionals, how they experience treatment, or how culture affects healthcare services. Interventions or therapies might be developed using the data acquired from qualitative research to enhance the standard of care or the patient experience. Nursing research frequently uses several other ways besides quantitative and qualitative research procedures. By integrating many data types into a single study, mixed methods research integrates quantitative and qualitative methodologies to understand a phenomenon comprehensively. Using more than one approach might provide you with a different perspective on the problem. In healthcare settings or organizations, action research is utilized to identify answers to particular issues so that outcomes can be implemented immediately in clinical settings. Lastly, data from several investigations are summarized using meta-analytic techniques called systematic reviews. An enhanced comprehension of the state of knowledge on a specific topic or issue may be obtained from this review (Bell et al., 2022).

In summary, it is critical to comprehend the many research approaches utilized in nursing research to choose the strategy that best meets the study’s objectives. The methodologies of action research, mixed methods, quantitative, qualitative, and systematic reviews have advantages and disadvantages. They may be used to study various subjects about nursing care and healthcare outcomes. Depending on the research subject’s complexity, various methodologies may be needed. Each strategy can offer insightful information on the study topic. Before beginning any analysis, researchers must evaluate the data’s quality and applicability to the study question (Bell et al., 2022). Researchers may guarantee the validity and reliability of their findings by being aware of  and applying the proper research procedures for the topic of study.

References

Bell, E., Bryman, A., & Harley, B. (2022). Mixed methods research: Combining quantitative and qualitative research. 
Business Research Methods. 

https://doi.org/10.1093/hebz/9780198869443.003.0040

Charbonneau-Dahlen, B. (2020). Symbiotic allegory as innovative Indigenous research methodology. 
Advances in Nursing Science, 
43(1), E25-E35. 

https://doi.org/10.1097/ans.0000000000000257

Edison, J. (2019). Research methodology in nursing. 

https://doi.org/10.5005/jp/books/11361