NURSING RESEARCH

FITNESS FOR PURPOSE

TYPES OF RESEARCH

1. Aim of research study:

To measure how effective foam swabs are at removing dental plaque when compared with using a toothbrush and to quantify any difference in ability.

EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH

• Cause & effect relationships

• Randomisation

• Variables

• Control

• Manipulation

Ref: Pearson L.S. & Hutton J.L. (2002) A controlled trial to compare the ability of foam swabs and toothbrushes to remove dental plaque. Journal of Advanced Nursing 39 (5), 480-489

TYPES OF RESEARCH

2. Aim of research study:

To determine the effect of a self rostering off-duty system on staff satisfaction with their off-duty and on patients’ satisfaction with their care.

ACTION RESEARCH

• Problem solving

• Identification of problem

• Agreed action plan

• Trial period

• Evaluation

Ref: Weeks et al (2000)

TYPES OF RESEARCH

3. Aim of research study:

To explore secondary school students’ heath knowledge, attitudes and behaviours.

SURVEY

• Descriptive

• Can generate large quantities of data

• Most common research approach

TYPES OF RESEARCH

4. Aim of research study:

To examine how the representation of gender in the British Nursing press has changed since the 1980’s.

HISTORICAL

• Use of secondary source data

• Tends to look at trends and patterns

TYPES OF RESEARCH

5. Aim of research study:

To examine patient adjustments in decision making following admission to an acute mental heath ward.

ETHNOGRAPHIC RESEARCH

• Examines the culture of communities and groups

• Often leads to further investigations• Offers insights into cultural behaviours

E.g. Goffman (Institutionalisation); Becker (Medical students).

TYPES OF RESEARCH

• Experimental

• Action

• Survey

• Historical

• Ethnographic