An Overview of Quantitative Research

1. An Overview of Quantitative Research

2. Steps in Quantitative Research • Number varies from author to author • Authors combine several steps into one step

3. Steps in Quantitative Research 1. Identify the Problem • Generally, a broad topic area is selected, and then the topic is narrowed down to a specific one sentence statement of the problem.

4. Steps in Quantitative Research • Study problems can be identified from: • Personal experiences • Literature sources • Previous research • Testing of theories • Variable is a characteristic or attribute that differs among the persons, objects, events and so forth.

5. Steps in Quantitative Research 2. Determine the Purpose • The problem statement addresses what will be studied. • The purpose furnishes why the study is being done. • Clear purpose helps to receive approval for the study and to obtain subjects for the study.

6. Steps in Quantitative Research 3. Review the Literature • It is important to determine what knowledge exists of the study topic. • It will help to develop a theoretical or conceptual framework. • It can help the researcher plan the study methods.

7. Steps in Quantitative Research • It helps to provide information about instruments or tools of the study. • The researcher will be able to profit from the successes and failures of other researchers. • Occasionally, initial review of the literature may precede the identification of the problem.

8. Steps in Quantitative Research 4. Develop a Theoretical/Conceptual Framework • Research can test theories as well as help to develop and refine theories. • It will assist in the selection of the study variables and in defining them. • It will direct the hypothesis (es) and the interpretation of the findings. • Some studies may not require a theoretical framework. • Research with theoretical framework is more valuable in providing understanding and knowledge.

9. Steps in Quantitative Research 5. Identify the Study Assumptions • Assumptions are beliefs that are held to be true but have not necessarily been proven. • Assumptions should be stated explicitly. • Study assumptions influence the questions that are asked, the data that are gathered, the methods used, and the interpretation of the data.

10. Steps in Quantitative Research Types of assumptions: • Universal assumptions are beliefs that are assumed to be true by a large percentage of society, e.g. uncontrolled diabetes is a threat to the physical well-being of individuals. • Assumptions based on theory or research findings, e.g. insulin pump is an effective means of delivering medication to diabetes. • Assumptions that are necessary to carry out the study, e.g. subjects are interested in controlling their diabetes and that have the mental capacity to understand the material that is being taught.

11. Steps in Quantitative Research 6. Acknowledge the Limitations of the Study • Limitations are uncontrolled variables that may affect study results and limit the generalizability of the findings. • Extraneous variables are variables over which the researcher either has no control or chooses not to exercise control. • The limitations must be considered when the conclusions of a study are formulated and when recommendations are made for future research.

12. Steps in Quantitative Research 7. Formulate the Hypothesis or Research Question • A hypothesis predicts the relationship between two or more variables. • The hypothesis contains the population and the variables. • Independent Variable is the "cause" or the variable that is thought to influence the dependent variable. • Dependent Variable is the "effect" or the variable that is influenced by the researcher's manipulation (control) of the independent variable.

13. Steps in Quantitative Research • A hypothesis must be testable or verifiable empirically. • Directional v.s non-directional hypothesis. • Null hypothesis predicts that no relationship exists between variables (to be tested statistically). • In exploratory studies and some descriptive studies, a hypothesis is not needed. In these studies, the research is guided by research questions.

14. Steps in Quantitative Research 8. Define Study Variables/Terms • Theoretical definitions v.s. operational definitions. • Operational definition indicates how a variable will be observed or measured.

15. Steps in Quantitative Research 9. Select the Research Design • Research Design is the plan for how the study will be conducted. • Quantitative or qualitative design. • Experimental or nonexperimental design. • In experimental design: • More control over extraneous variables. • Intervention is usually used (two groups).

16. Steps in Quantitative Research 10. Identify the Population • Population is a complete set of individuals or objects that posses some common characteristics of interest to the researcher. • Target population (universe) is made up of the group of people or objects to which the researcher wishes to generalize the findings of the study. • Accessible population is that group that is actually available for study by the researcher.

17. Steps in Quantitative Research 11. Select the Sample • Sample is a subgroup that is chosen to represent the population. • The method of selecting the sample will determine how representative the sample is of the population.

18. Steps in Quantitative Research 12. Conduct a Pilot Study • Pilot study is a miniature, trial version of the planned study. • The major objectives are to examine issues related to the design, sample size, data collection procedures, and data approaches. • It can be used to test a new instrument or to evaluate an existing instrument that has been altered. • After the pilot study is conducted, necessary revision should be made.

19. Steps in Quantitative Research 13. Collect the Data • Data are the pieces of information or facts that are collected in scientific investigations. • Questions that must be answered are: • What data will be collected? • How will the data be collected? • Who will collect the data? • Where will the data be collected? • When will the data be collected?

20. Steps in Quantitative Research 14. Organize the Data for Analysis • Organize the data for tabulation and evaluation • Missing data and outliers • Tape recorded tapes 15. Analyze the Data • Computer programs, e.g. SPSS, SAS

21. Steps in Quantitative Research 16. Interpret the Findings • Findings should be interpreted in light of the study hypotheses or research questions. • Compare the findings of the present study with previous studies. • Implications for nursing (practice, education, administration). • Recommendations for future research.

22. Steps in Quantitative Research 17. Communicate the Findings • Means for findings dissemination: • Research and clinical journal. • Present research results in person to colleagues at local, national, or international level (oral or poster presentations). 18. Utilize the Findings