Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in a Nursing Study

Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in a Nursing Study

There is an increase in the use of both qualitative and quantitative methods in clinical research. Research is usually described as either qualitative or quantitative. Quantitative research is the process of collecting and analyzing numerical data. The quantitative methods include surveys, experiments, observation, and secondary research. Examples include observational research and clinical trials.

In contrast, qualitative approaches involve collecting and analyzing non-numerical data like videos, texts, or audio to understand opinions, concepts, or experiences. Qualitative methods include interviews, observations, focused group discussions, and surveys. Throughout history, quantitative methods have been primarily used in research. However, there has been a rise in the use of qualitative methods in health research. (Tariq & Woodman, 2013). Using both ways helps add a concrete methodological foundation, creating a platform to understand the complexities experienced in research. Using both ways concurrently usually produces scientifically evidence-based results.

What Are the Advantages of Using Both Methods in a Nursing Study?

Advantages of using both methods in a nursing study include: The researcher can use the data obtained using one research methodology to complement the data obtained using the other research method; the researcher can use results from one process to inform the use of another way; the researcher can use the results from the different techniques and specifically look at areas with conflicting information and thus be able to generate new intuitions: the researcher can examine the different parts of research question by use of each methodology: the researcher can use data from one method and corroborate findings using the other method: qualitative data can be used in clarifying, interpreting and the validation of quantitative results during data analysis.

What Are the Disadvantages of Using Both Methods in a Nursing Study?

According to Doorenbos (2014), using both methods requires a team that has been extensively trained in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies; the nursing researchers are likely to face inconsistency in the findings from the research. The inconsistency may arise from the objectivity aspect of quantitative analysis and the subjectivity aspect of qualitative research. In such circumstances, an additional collection of data may be required. Another challenge is combining different methodologies because qualitative and quantitative are incompatible paradigms. Finally, researchers cite a difficulty in presenting results used in mixed-method research.

Conclusion

Qualitative and quantitative methods are emerging as a new paradigm and the third methodology in conducting clinical research. This shift has helped leverage the ability to obtain more accurate data. In nursing, where human care is involved, using both methods can help solve scientific problems. The research subjects carry potential information for exploration, which can be researched more profoundly through innovative methodological approaches.

References

Doorenbos, A. Z. (2014) Mixed methods in Nursing Research: An Overview and practical examples. US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health, 47(3), 207-217. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4287271/#:~:text=There%20are%20many%20benefits%20to,the%20conceptual%20model%20or%20instrument

Tariq, S., & Woodman, J., (2013). Using mixed methods in health research. Journal of the royal society of medicine, 4(6), 137-145. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3697857/

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Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in a Nursing Study

The theoretical foundations of qualitative and quantitative methods differ, but many researchers believe both should be used in the research study to increase validity and reliability. What advantages or disadvantages do you see in using both types of courses in a nursing study? Support your answer with current evidence-based literature.