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Chapters

1. Introduction
2. Approaches to Nursing Research
3. Research Process
4. Ethical Consideration in Nursing Research
5. Review of Literature
6. Hypothesis and Estimation
7. Research instruments
8. Data Collection and Analysis
9. Statistics for Nurses
10. Reporting and Communicating Nursing Research
11. Writing Nursing Research Proposals
12. Nursing Research Terminology
13. References

NURSING RESEARCH TERMINOLOGY

1.Feasibility

Feasibility of a study refers to the ease with which the particular study can be completed.

2. Purpose of the study

The purpose of the study describes why the study has been designed. The purpose reflects the intent of the investigator and use of the knowledge derived.

3. .Theory

A theory is composed of specific concepts and propositions that attempts to account for a particular notion that is observed in the real world. Theory assumes that a particular conceptual model is utilized. The purpose of using theory is to describe a notion, to explain an idea, or to predict what might be observed.

4. Propositions

Propositions are statements that suggest a specific relationship between two or more concepts. A proposition may take the form of an axiom or theorem. An axiom is a statement that links the concepts of a theory. The links or relationship between concepts is assumed to be true. A theorem is a statement that designates a relationship between concepts that are deduced from relationship already formed by axioms.

5. Construct

A construct reflects the specific, potentially observable characteristics of a concept and thus facilitates testing of the idea.

6. Variable

A variable is a concept (construct) that has been so specifically defined that precise observations and therefore measurement can be accomplished.

7. Deductive Reasoning

Deductive reasoning is method of thinking that begins with a general statement of belief and moves to obtain specific observations. Reasoning moves from the general to the specific.

8. Inductive Reasoning

Inductive reasoning involves the collection of observations related to a particular event. From these observations, a theory or general explanation regarding the event can evolve. Reasoning moves from specific to the general

9. Bias

Bias is a feeling or influence that strongly favors the outcome of a particular finding in a research project. When the chance of bias is not addressed, the reliability of the scientific findings is considered to be highly questionable. 

10. The Problem Statement

The problem statement presents the topic under study, provides a rationale for the choice of topic, represents a synthesis of fact and theory, and directs the selection of the design

11. Qualitative and quantitative variables

Quantitative variable is one whose values or categories consists of numbers and if differences between its categories can be expressed numerically (age, income, size, etc.). The qualitative variable is one which consists of discrete categories rather than numerical (sex, religion, etc). Relationship among quantitative variables may be either positive or negative (Singleton and Starits, 1999:76). A positive relationship exists if an increase in the value of one variable is accompanied by an increase in the value of other, or decrease in one is accompanied by other. The negative relationship between variables exists if the decrease in the value of one variable is accompanied by an increase in the value of other.

12. Scholarly publications

Scholarly publications are the documents that serve to communicate to other professionals the methods and achievements produced through academic study and research investigation. Scholarly publications are used to disseminate scholarly work within discipline, which is crucial for the growth of its members.

13. Delimitation and Limitation

Delimitations indicate the cut off points beyond which the researcher does not intent to probe. It includes those restrictions the researcher placed in the study prior to gathering data. Delimitations are considered at every decision point during planning stage. Limitations indicate the weakness of the entire study, as the researcher perceives them. Delimitations are set during the planning stage, whereas limitations are experienced during implementation stage and these uncontrollable elements are reported research report.

14. Dependent and Independent variables

The independent variable (often referred to in an experimental or quasi-experimental study as the experimental or treatment variable) is an antecedent to other variables. In an experiment or quasi-experiment, it is the variable that is manipulated, and its effect on the dependent variable is observed. The dependent variable represents the area of interest under investigation. It reflects the effect of or the response to the independent variable.

15. Defining Terms

Two types of definition: Conceptual definition or dictionary definition, and operational definition. Operational definition assigns meaning to a variable and describes the activities required to measure it.

16. Operational Definition

Operational definition of variables refers to definition of terms in a way that the explanation used in the study that help in defining variables in measurable and quantifiable terms.

17. Probability Sampling

Probability sampling is the process of selecting samples based on probability theory. Probability theory states that possibility that events occur by chance.

18. Population

The population is the entire group of persons or objects that is of interest to the investigator.

19. Sample

The sample is a subset of the population selected by investigator to participate in a research study

20. Variable

A variable is a concept (construct) that has been so specifically defined that precise observations and therefore measurement can be accomplished.

21. Validity in Relation to Research Design

There can be two kinds of validity related to research design: internal and external validity (Brockopp & Hastings-Tolsma (2003). Internal validity refers to whether the independent variable actually made a deference and results are not due to extraneous factors. External validity refers to the extent to which the results of the study can be generalized to the larger population.

22. Meta-analysis

Meta-analysis is technique where the findings from several small clinical trials are analyzed together. Although, the findings from each study alone may not be powerful enough to allow for decisions affecting clinical practice, when analyzed together, the findings may be much useful. Meta-analysis is a statistical procedure that compares similar studies to determine readiness of the outcomes for implementation in clinical practice (Massay & Loomis, 1988)

23. Incidence

Incidence is a mathematical reflection of the number of cases of a health problem in a given population. The term incidence describes the number of new cases within a specific time period.

24. Prevalence

Prevalence is a mathematical reflection of the number of cases of a health problem in a given population. The term prevalence describes all cases of a health problem in a given population.

References & Bibliography

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