The statistical methods covered in chapter 23 of the book “Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice” by Polit and Beck (2012) relates to qualitative research, which is categorized as a type of research method highly characterized with an in depth analysis or review of a phenomenon and the reasons behind its occurrences (Polit & Beck, 2012). Like elucidated ,this type of research method technically involves formulation of a conceptual and theoretical framework or assumptions, and its specifically used in research studies in need of establishing participants experiences and descriptions ,and meanings to certain variables via investigation of concepts of why and how in a research study. This research design is only used in circumstances where raw and expressive data not presented in a quantitative form in regard to values , motivations ,beliefs ,and feelings that underlie certain behaviors in a natural setting is required (Polit & Beck, 2012).
The key concepts of the chapter concentrates on elements of qualitative data analysis , where data collection and its analysis is described too occur simultaneously rather than after data is collected. The main objective of this type of research design is specifically to provide nurses with a rich textual description in regard to “the human side” of an issue, and the role of intangible factors in research (Polit & Beck, 2012). When reviewing research studies, nurses are required to know the different types of qualitative research designs, which include grounded theory, phenomenological study, and ethnographic research. Phenomenological study normally involves research processes that investigate an individual’s experience to a certain phenomenon or issue, and technically concentrates on reasons behind such experiences. Ethnographic research on its part focuses on issues or phenomenon affecting a particular culture or group of people, and its overall focus is to determine factors and determinants of health affecting the health status of an entire community.
Finally, the grounded theory deals with formulation of a theoretical or conceptual framework, and tries to understand the reasons behind occurrences of certain phenomenon (Polit & Beck, 2012). In these types of test, significance is established by focusing on a particular situation for a group rather than focusing on an issue or phenomenon that can generalized for the entire population. Significance is also established by the virtue of internal validity, which is arrived by a theory that explains the behavior observed. This means that in this type of design, trends in the research studies cannot be validated because its concepts cannot be subjected to statistical analysis.
This statistical method has been used in research studies to enhance or promote development of quality measures as well as instill provision and dissemination of quality services. They have also been used to measure customers’ satisfaction in regard to care services being provided and to identify the best care practices in a health care setting (Polit & Beck, 2012).
Reference
Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2012). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
