Posted: March 28th, 2021

Increasing Validity and Reliability in Research Study

. The theoretical foundations of qualitative and quantitative methods are very different, but many researchers believe both methods should be used in the research study to increase validity and reliability. What advantages or disadvantages do you see in using both types of methods in a nursing study? Support your answer with current evidence-based literature.
2. According to the textbooks, nurses in various settings are adopting a research-based (or evidence-based) practice that incorporates research findings into their decisions and interactions with clients. How do you see this being applied in your workplace? ( my workplace setting: nursing home)

Assignment Essay Example

Increasing Validity and Reliability in Research Study
Qualitative approach to research scrutinizes the conduct, concerns and experiences of people and what is inherent at the midst of their lives (Holloway & Galvin, n.d.). On the other hand, quantitative approach involves a structured process used to answer questions about quantifiable hypothesis. Though disparate, they can be both used by researchers in nursing to increase credibility and authenticity in research study.
Qualitative and quantitative methods supplement each other in research to ensure that factual information is obtained during nursing research to deepen comprehension of nursing phenomena. Quantitative information aids qualitative research constituents by recognizing outlying cases while qualitative data supports quantitative research elements by aiding with development of the theoretical model (Doorenbos, 2015). While collecting data, quantitative data provides diagnostic information which help analysts to select patients to interview while qualitative data assist investigators to comprehend the hurdles and enablers to patient enrolment and retention. For example, investigations on control of chronic pain among Indians living in America need this mixed methods approach to understand the compound awareness and epidemiology. These advantages arise from using both qualitative and quantitative method in carrying out investigations.
Mixed methods research in nursing, however, has its limitations. Using both qualitative and quantitative method gives a chance to one of the methods being dominant over the other thus limiting the research aspect of the other method. This provides possibility of getting erroneous information from the research checks validity of results in healthcare practice which would be menacing to the medical world. The application of the two methods of research is also less conscientious thus providing limited guidance for amateur researchers (Bressan V et al., 2017). Mixed methods research brings forward some irregularities in execution and reporting. It is therefore unpredictable.
Evidence-based practice encourages healthcare practitioners to provide individualized patient care by incorporating patient’s preference, research evidence and medical expertise. This is achieved through engaging all pertinent stakeholders. In nursing homes this research approach is used to evaluate and control chronic pains that the elderly go through (Jablonski & Ersek, 2009). This is achieved by nurses or carers documenting the progress of an elderly resident, recording and updating information prescription of medication and using nursing examination forms to keep record assessment information of a patient. Drugs administration records are also kept and updated accordingly. These practices aim to ensure quality care is given to residents in the nursing home.

References
Bressan V, Bagnasco A, Aleo G, Timmins F, Barisone M, & Bianchi M et al. (2017). Mixed-methods research in nursing – a critical review. – PubMed – NCBI. Retrieved 11 February 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27805742
Doorenbos, A. (2015). Mixed Methods in Nursing Research: An Overview and Practical Examples. Retrieved 11 February 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4287271/
Holloway, I., & Galvin, K. Qualitative research in nursing and healthcare (4th ed., p. 3). John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Jablonski, A., & Ersek, M. (2009). CNE Quiz. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 35(7), 36-37. doi: 10.3928/00989134-20090701-02