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NURS 7220-OL: Evidence-Based Practice/Informatics

Resources and information relevant to the topics discussed in NURS 7220-OL.

Types of Research Used for Evidence Based Practice

Using CINAHL Headings to Search for Qualitative Studies

Identifying Quantitative/Qualitative Research

Quantitative Research: the abstract has several indications that this is a quantitative study:

  • The goal of the study was to examine relationships between several variables
  • The researchers used statistical methods (logistic regression models)
  • Subjects completed questionnaires
  • The study included a large number of subjects
  • Quantitative study design examples: randomized (RCT), cohort, single-case, before and after, case-control, cross-sectional, or case study

Qualitative Research: the abstract has several indications that this is a qualitative study: 

  • The goal of the study was to explore the subjects' experiences. 
  • The researchers conducted open-ended interviews. 
  • The researchers used thematic analysis when reviewing the interviews. 
  • Quantitative study design examples: randomized (RCT), cohort, single-case, before and after, case-control, cross-sectional, or case study

What are Qualitative & Quantitative articles?

Qualitative research allows you to discover the why and how of people and activities. The abstract from this dissertation shows that the study: 

  • Asks open-ended questions
  • Examines people's activities
  • Gives a narrative conclusion 
  • Observations and Interviews 
  • Understanding and interpreting social interactions and behaviors 
  • Uses a small group of subjects 
  • Uses words 

"Introduction to Qualitative Nursing Research."  American Nurse. Jennifer Chicca

Quantitative research is based on things that can be accurately and precisely measured. The abstract shows that this dissertation:

  • Describes with statistics
  • Gives a statistical result 
  • Makes predictions 
  • Objective 
  • Studies a randomly selected group 
  • Tests a theory 
  • Uses numbers
  • Uses a survey 

"A Nurse's Guide to Quantitative Research."​ Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing. Rebecca Ingham-Broomfield.