Module 3 Quantitative Research: Types and Key Elements
Objectives
1. Describe the purposes and various types of quantitative research including descriptive and experimental studies
2. Describe the key elements of a quantitative study and steps in designing a quantitative study
3. Compare and contrast two research articles on the elements of quantitative research studies
Before You Begin
After an idea or question is generated from your clinical practice setting and a search of the literature has been conducted to get an understanding of the available body of evidence, our next step is to select an appropriate research approach/ research design to answer this specific question. Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt’s chapter provides a general overview and specific steps in designing quantitative studies from descriptive studies to randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Marshall’s chapter also provides a practical guide for choosing a research method.
Required Reading
Melnyk, B. M. & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2019). Evidence-based practice in nursing & healthcare: A guide to best practice (4th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. – Chapter 21 pages 607-645.
Statistics Primer: Significance Difference
Module 3 Activities
Activity 1: Compare and Contrast Research Articles
In this activity, we will focus more on the elements of published research articles and quantitative research designs. Please select TWO QUANTITATIVE research articles which different research designs.
Look at the outlining of important elements of a quantitative study ( Box 21.1, page 610 in Melnyk & Fineout-Overholt, 2019). Compare, contrast, and tell the group about what you found to be more and less helpful as a reader. You need to break your discussion into 7 parts including
1. Significance of the problem and the “so what?” factor
2. Specific aim(s) of the study or research question(s) or hypotheses
3. Theoretical/conceptual framework
4. Study design
5. Subjects: Sampling design and sampling criteria
6. Variables
7. Statistical Issues: Sample size and Approach to analyses
Note: Be sure to cite where appropriate so your classmates can find your article.
