Walden University – NURS 350 DQ Quantitative versus Qualitative Research Designs

Walden University – NURS 350 DQ Quantitative versus Qualitative Research Designs

Walden University – NURS 350 DQ Quantitative versus Qualitative Research Designs

NURS 350 Assignment quantitative versus qualitative research designs

Quantitative vs. qualitative research: what’s the difference?
Quantitative and qualitative research collect and evaluate data using distinct research methodologies, and they allow you to answer different types of research questions.

What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative research?
Quantitative analysis
Qualitative Analysis
It focuses on putting theories and hypotheses to the test.
according to NURS 350 DQ Quantitative versus Qualitative Research Designs, Exploration of concepts and formulation of a theory or hypothesis are the main goals of this course.
Math and statistical analysis were used to examine the situation.
Summarizing, categorizing, and analyzing data were used to conduct the analysis.
Numbers, graphs, and tables are the most common forms of expression.
Mostly represented through words
It necessitates the participation of a large number of people.
Only a few people are required to answer.
Closed questions (multiple choice)
open-ended inquiries
Testing, measurement, objectivity, and replicability are key words.
Understanding, context, complexity, and subjectivity are key terms.
Methods of data collection
Various methods can be used to acquire quantitative and qualitative data. It’s critical to select a data collection approach that will assist you in answering your research topic (s).

NURS 350 DQ Quantitative versus Qualitative Research Designs states that Many data collection methods are available in both qualitative and quantitative formats. Your data can be represented as numbers (e.g., using rating scales or counting frequencies) or as words in surveys, observations, or case studies (e.g. with open-ended questions or descriptions of what you observe).

Some approaches, however, are more typically used in one category than the other.

Methods for collecting quantitative data
A list of closed or multiple choice questions is delivered to a sample of people in a survey (online, in person, or over the phone).
Variables are controlled and altered in experiments to determine cause-and-effect correlations.
Observations: observing persons in a natural setting with no influence over variables.
Methods for gathering qualitative data
Interviews entail asking respondents open-ended questions verbally.
Focus groups: A discussion among a group of people on a topic in order to gain opinions for future research.
Ethnography is the study of culture and behavior through immersing oneself in a community or organization for an extended period of time.
A survey of other authors’ published works is referred to as a literature review.
When should you conduct qualitative versus quantitative research?
When selecting whether to employ qualitative or quantitative data, a good rule of thumb is:

If you want to confirm or test something, use quantitative research (a theory or hypothesis)
If you want to learn more about anything, conduct qualitative research (concepts, thoughts, experiences)
You can use a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed techniques approach to most research topics. Which type you use depends on a variety of factors, including whether you’re conducting inductive or deductive research, your research question(s), whether you’re conducting experimental, correlational, or descriptive research, and practical considerations like time, money, data availability, and respondent access.

Question for investigation
What percentage of students are happy with their studies?
Methodology for quantitative research
according to NURS 350 DQ Quantitative versus Qualitative Research Designs You conduct a survey of 300 students at your university, asking them questions like, “How happy are you with your instructors on a scale of 1 to 5?”

You can use statistical analysis to make conclusions from the data, such as “on average, students rated their instructors 4.4.”

Approach to qualitative research
You interview 15 students in depth and give them open-ended questions like “How pleased are you with your studies?” and “What is the most beneficial feature of your study program?” “What can be done to improve the study program?” and “What can be done to improve the study program?”

You can ask follow-up questions to clarify topics based on the answers you receive. You use transcription software to transcribe all of the interviews and look for commonalities and trends.

A mixed-methods approach was used.
You conduct interviews with students to determine how happy they are with their academics. You learn topics you never thought about before and gain fresh insights by asking open-ended inquiries. You then utilize a survey to put these ideas to the test on a broader scale.

It’s also feasible to start with a survey to learn about the broad trends, then move on to interviews to learn more about the causes for the trends.

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Walden University – NURS 350 DQ Quantitative versus Qualitative Research Designs Sample Paper:

In research studies that generalize findings to a larger population, quantitative research uses the collection and analysis of numerical data, whereas qualitative research uses the collection and analysis of non-numerical data, such as interviews and questionnaires, and generalizes findings for a smaller or localized population. 2020 (Bhandari). Experiments, observations that are quantified, surveys/questionnaires with closed-ended questions, and other techniques are used in quantitative research to obtain data.

As an alternative, open-ended interview questions are used in qualitative research. Other techniques for gathering data include verbally describing observations, doing concept-focused literature research, and conducting reviews (Bhandari, 2020). In quantitative research, many participants must respond to closed-ended questions while the emphasis is on testing hypotheses and developing the hypothesis. Data is statistically analyzed in numerical and graphical formats.

Comparatively, qualitative research concentrates on the development of theories or hypotheses and the investigation of concepts. It is summarized, classified, and interpreted during analysis, and is primarily expressed in words. For qualitative research, a small sample size and open-ended questions are necessary (Streefkerk, 2019).

Quantitative research will have a significant influence on my proposed DPI project since I think it will help to enhance patient outcomes, reduce treatment costs, and provide evidence-based practice for the facility and perhaps even for our sister hospitals.

Compare and contrast Quantitative versus Qualitative Research Designs. Provide an example of each and explain why your examples meet the criteria for these designs.

According to NURS 350 DQ Quantitative versus Qualitative Research Designs Qualitative research involves the use of procedures that rely on findings based on human reasoning and behavior. It engages research designs that emphasize the collection of data that is related to naturally occurring phenomena. The assessment of collected data does not involve any form of enumeration but rather seek to understand the phenomena from which they are obtained. Quantitative research on the other hand entails the use of numbers, statistics, control and structure. Methods used in quantitative research involve systematic prediction, determination and generalization of findings to describe the data collected. The phenomena studied are compared with their quantitative properties and the same can be extended to various aspects of education (Johnson & Larry, 2007).

When comparing the two forms of research it is apparent that quantitative research uses deductive mathematical models to analyze the hypotheses formed in the study of natural phenomena while qualitative research involves the use of prior knowledge to form interpretations that are more subjective. according to NURS 350 DQ Quantitative versus Qualitative Research DesignsAnother difference between the two forms of study is the nature of quantitative research being replicable as data collected in a quantitative survey can be analyzed and used in the comparison of a repeated study at a later time. Qualitative research is not easily repeatable as it deals with inductive data that cannot be directly used in comparison with data obtained with qualitative studies covered at a later time.

I do not agree with this assertion. Critics of this form of research describe it as being subjective due to the fact that it deals with studies of phenomena in the perspective of the researcher. Thus it becomes hard to duplicate findings obtained from such forms of research as the interpretation depends wholly on the analysis of individual studies. The reliability of qualitative research comes into question in comparison to quantitative research which is considered more objective. However, qualitative research may not be as reliable when it comes to comparison with repeated studies but is more valid as the direct interpretation of data collected by the qualitative researcher has a closer relation to the objectives of the research

2. Why is it important to consider the elements of APA when writing a research report?

APA is the standard format used in writing reports in most scientific fields. Thus when it comes to research reports, it is considered the ideal format to use. The importances of the elements of APA include the simplicity in which information can be communicated to all interested parties who require the research. The general APA guidelines regarding the format of the report therefore make it easy for researchers to locate particular data in the report that they may be looking for. APA guidelines also make it simpler for the researchers to follow the process of research in a chronological manner. This is facilitated by the order of the report which thus enables future researchers into the same field of topic to easily compare their findings with those of previous studies. This provides a form of replication which is essential especially in quantitative research and is facilitated by the APA format.

APA is also provides a professional format of crediting the work done by authors from which parts of their work may be sourced when writing the research report. This is done using in-text citations, also referred to as parenthetical citations, and the use of a reference or work cited page (Szuchman, 2002). This is a catalog of the various sources used by the researcher in writing the report. The importance of this is the credibility that the report obtains as any critics can easily see the professional authors whose works are sourced by the writer. It also reduces the chances of the researcher being accused of plagiarism as any works sourced from other writers are easily identifiable both in terms of the citations within the text and the complete source listed in the reference page

Another advantage of APA when writing a research report is the commonality that the framework has in many countries on a global scale.as stated in NURS 350 DQ Quantitative versus Qualitative Research Designs The format is also used by many students, researchers, scholars and instructors. It is also used in many forms of documents due to its professional aspect. Thus using this format makes it simple to dissect information contained in the research reports by all members of all other fields of learning and research. This also makes APA the generally accepted format thus it making it more economical and effective to use in writing research reports

3. Why is it important to conduct a review of the literature as part of a research project?

Literature review is an important investigative summary and fusion of the knowledge obtained from a research to the past works of other researchers in the scientific field being studied. It forms a comparison to the different theories presented through past findings as well as a relation focusing on the theme of the research (Kumar, 2005). It is important to analyze the literature during the actual research process so as to acquire a professional direction to the study that is provided through the ideas and thoughts of previous writers.

The literature review is also important in that it gives credibility to the research process as a whole. Thus any readers assessing the research material are presented with the concept in a way they consider significant. This is on the account that the concepts under the scope of study are backed up by the works of previous researchers through their literature. They also provide the current researcher with a venue of presenting his goals of expanding the range of knowledge provided by the previous research.

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The review of literature gives the researcher an absolute reflection into the actual process of research. Thus it is easier for the researcher to observe previous methodology and theses provided, the pragmatic processes of studying the theses, and the inference obtained. The researcher is then able to comprehend the literature not only to rewrite in the project but also for intent in the use during conducting the actual research. It also provides critics with proof of the originality of the research report and the additional research into the topic of study that the research has found as a worthy addition to previous works.

What are some ways to “narrow” a literature search?

In order to effectively search for appropriate literature it will be important to follow a few guidelines. These can be summarized by first deciding on the source of material, the nature of the material required, the professional authors whose materials are to be sourced, and eventually finding what is needed for the project. On obtaining a source of material, such as a library, it becomes important to locate the sections of the same dedicated to the topic of study. Search tools are available on the internet for users of electronic materials found online. Having located the source of material, it becomes imperative to determine the nature of material required whether it being books or journals, reports and conference materials, or any other type of reference materials.

The level of professionalism on choosing the authors can be determined by the recognition that they have acclaimed in their fields of expertise.NURS 350 DQ Quantitative versus Qualitative Research Designs states that  The authoritativeness and the level of motivation demonstrated by the writers should also be related to the field of topic into which the research is intended. Having selected specific writers, it is then up to the researcher to decide what literature is important for the laid out objectives of the project. To determine whether the literature under question is relevant, the researcher should first look at the topics in the index, and read through the introduction and concluding chapters. Having looked at the topics, the relevant content is checked for adequacy. If the book passes the initial checks, it is then important to summarize and assess it. In the case a book has an abstract section, the same becomes an added advantage in determining whether the book is relevant or not.

4. What have you learned in terms of what is a part of all research, even action research? How will this assignment help prepare you in your own action research project?

In order to carry out an efficient research into a specific field of study there are several factors and steps to consider. To begin with, an efficient researcher identifies a gap in the available knowledge about a particular topic or issue that previous researchers may have researched little on or overlooked completely (Mertler, 2006). It is then important to identify the form of research to be carried out, whether it is of a quantitative or a qualitative nature. This will be determined by whether the issues being addressed can be quantified or can be assessed by behavior and reasoning. The next step involves the review of previous literature by first selecting relevant materials and properly citing it in the works using a professional format. This format will also come in handy during the final stage which involves writing the actual report and will give it the required credibility.

These insights will become an essential part of conducting the action research project as they provide the necessary background into how to conduct a research effectively. Knowledge of the same will make it easy to complete a credible research project within a given period of time in a manner in which all pertinent issues are addressed completely.

5. Brief Summary of Questions and Readings

I believe all aspects of the questions and readings will be an essential aid in conducting future research. First, the ability to choose between the research methods is critical in setting objectives that aim at solving the research problem. Also helpful is the emphasis on use of relevant literature to back up the project and how to efficiently select and use the same. The use of proper formats in writing reports to give credibility to work is also stressed from these materials.

As regards my education career, I believe that the questions help in teaching on how to identify on problems in any field of study and how to properly form action research methods to provide solutions to the same. The analysis of previous writers and the use of their works in aiding though the actual process will be added values in the education sector in which action research methods are critical in providing effective services in the teaching industry.

Research Designs and Reading Research Reports presents the different types of research methods, that are qualitative, quantitative and mixed, and the various forms of these categories. It presents the various design terms and concepts that are used in the process of carrying out research as well as publishing research reports.

according to NURS 350 DQ Quantitative versus Qualitative Research Designs, Research Problems: Statements, Questions, and Hypotheses, provides insights into how to formulate research problems that are accurate and relevant to the field of study. It also gives a variety of examples as to identifying the sources of such research problems and the principles of determining their importance in terms of the educational context as well as the structure of reports on the same.

References

Kumar, R, (2005). Research Methodology: A Step-by-step Guide for Beginners, Sage Publishers

Johnson, B., & Larry, B, (2007). Christensen Educational Research: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Approaches, Sage Publications.

McMillan, J. H., & Schumacher, S, (2006). Research in Education: Evidence-Based Inquiry, 6^th Ed, Allyn & Bacon, Pearson Education.

Mertler, C, (2006). Action Research: Teachers as Researchers in the Classroom, Sage Publishers

Szuchman, L. T, (2002). Writing with Style: APA Style Made Easy, Virginia: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning

Compare and contrast quantitative versus qualitative research designs. Provide an example of each and explain why your examples meet the criteria for these designs.

The differences between Quantitative versus Qualitative Research Designs

Quantitative and qualitative research use different research methods to collect and analyze data, and they allow you to answer different kinds of research questions.

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Data collection methods

Quantitative and qualitative data can be collected using various methods. It is important to use a data collection method that will help answer your research question(s).

Many data collection methods can be either qualitative or quantitative. For example, in surveys, observations or case studies, your data can be represented as numbers (e.g. using rating scales or counting frequencies) or as words (e.g. with open-ended questions or descriptions of what you observe).

However, some methods are more commonly used in one type or the other.

Quantitative data collection methods

• Surveys: List of closed or multiple choice questions that is distributed to a sample (online, in person, or over the phone).
• Experiments: Situation in which variables are controlled and manipulated to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
• Observations: Observing subjects in a natural environment where variables can’t be controlled.

Qualitative data collection methods

• Interviews: Asking open-ended questions verbally to respondents.
• Focus groups: Discussion among a group of people about a topic to gather opinions that can be used for further research.
• Ethnography: Participating in a community or organization for an extended period of time to closely observe culture and behavior.
• Literature review: Survey of published works by other authors.

When to use Quantitative versus Qualitative Research Designs

A rule of thumb for deciding whether to use qualitative or quantitative data is:

• Use quantitative research if you want to confirm or test something (a theory or hypothesis)
• Use qualitative research if you want to understand something (concepts, thoughts, experiences)

For most research topics you can choose a qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods approach. Which type you choose depends on, among other things, whether you’re taking an inductive vs. deductive research approach; your research question(s); whether you’re doing experimental, correlational, or descriptive research; and practical considerations such as time, money, availability of data, and access to respondents.

How satisfied are students with their studies?

Quantitative research approach

You survey 300 students at your university and ask them questions such as: “on a scale from 1-5, how satisfied are your with your professors?”

You can perform statistical analysis on the data and draw conclusions such as: “on average students rated their professors 4.4”.

Qualitative research approach

You conduct in-depth interviews with 15 students and ask them open-ended questions such as: “How satisfied are you with your studies?”, “What is the most positive aspect of your study program?” and “What can be done to improve the study program?”

Based on the answers you get you can ask follow-up questions to clarify things. You transcribe all interviews using transcription software and try to find commonalities and patterns.

Mixed methods approach

You conduct interviews to find out how satisfied students are with their studies. Through open-ended questions you learn things you never thought about before and gain new insights. Later, you use a survey to test these insights on a larger scale.

It’s also possible to start with a survey to find out the overall trends, followed by interviews to better understand the reasons behind the trends.