Case-Study: Conducting Good Research
Case-Study: Conducting Good Research
Case-Study: Conducting Good Research
Week 1 discussion DQ 1 This week, you will be submitting a research topic and problem statement for use in your research proposal to your instructor for approval. Share your proposed research topic and problem statement with your classmates. Explain why you chose this topic and why it is meaningful in the field of nursing. Then, review at least two of your classmates’ research questions and explain why you do or do not feel the questions are appropriate for the research proposal. Offer suggestions for improvement as needed. DQ 2 A successful literature review is a key component to any research project. Conducting good research without a solid foundation is difficult. What are some of the most critical components of a good literature review? How will you ensure that you write a successful literature review for your planned research proposal? What are some of the challenges you foresee when writing your literature review? Week 2 discussion DQ 1 What are the key differences between quantitative and qualitative research? Why would you choose to develop a research project that is quantitative instead of qualitative, or vice versa? What are some considerations to be made when deciding between quantitative and qualitative research? DQ 2 What are some of the challenges involved in combining methodologies when creating a research proposal and carrying out a research project? How can these challenges be overcome? Week 3 discussion DQ 1 When you develop a research project, you need to have a reliable and valid method of measurement in your study. Using your anticipated research proposal, how will you address the issues of reliability and validity? What concerns do you have over reliability and validity in your study and how will you overcome these concerns? Next, read two of your classmates’ posts and analyze how they addressed reliability and validity in their studies. Do you have any recommendations for improving reliability and validity? DQ 2 Appropriate sampling is a critical component in developing a good research project. Using your approved research questions and research topic, explain your anticipated sampling method and why this is appropriate for your research proposal. What is your sample size? Next, read and review two of your classmates’ posts and analyze their sampling approach. Are their sampling approaches appropriate? Why or why not? Week 4 discussion DQ 1 Appropriate data collection is a critical component in obtaining useful data for your research. Using your proposed research topic and research questions, explain your plan for data collection. Discuss potential issues in your data collection plan and your plans to overcome these challenges. Then, respond to at least two or your classmates’ posts and analyze their plan for data collection. Are their plans appropriate for their research project? Do you have any suggestions for improvement? DQ 2 Watch the interactive video on ethical research from the nurse’s perspective using the directions below. (Detailed directions on accessing the research interactive scenario are included in the course.) Conducting research with strong ethical principles is a critical component of being an effective nurse researcher. What did you learn from participating in the interactive lessons on ethical principles in research? Are ethics in research clear cut, or do you think there are some gray areas? Explain your answer. How will you ensure that your research is conducted in an ethical manner? What potential challenges might you face? Week 5 discussion DQ 1 What are some ethical issues to keep in mind when using Internet-based research? How can you address these issues? Are you going to make any edits to your literature review that you submitted earlier in this course now that you have learned more about Internet-based research? Why or why not? DQ 2 Discuss the value of qualitative research and ethical considerations related to this type of research. Week 6 discussion DQ 1 This week, you will be submitting a data analysis plan for your research proposal. Share your research questions and research project as well as your anticipated type of quantitative analysis with the class. What quantitative test/s are you going to conduct on your data (t-test, correlation, chi-square, regression, ANOVA, ANCOVA, etc.) and explain why you feel this is the best test. Then, examine at least two of your classmates’ posts and comment on their chosen methods of analysis. Do you have any suggestions for improvement? Are there any concerns regarding their chosen methods? DQ 2 Using your research questions and research topic, identify your independent and dependent variables. Next, identify your research hypothesis and null hypothesis. Then, comment on two of your classmates’ posts and explain whether their research hypotheses and null hypotheses are appropriate for their identified research questions. Week 7 discussion DQ 1 Discuss the steps required to submit research to a professional journal, and what you feel will be the biggest obstacle? Why? DQ 2 Read the following article on the impact of maternal prenatal smoking on the development of childhood overweight in school-aged children from the WCU library: http://search.ebscohost.com.westcoastuniversity.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=87709502&site=ehost-live. Is the article quantitative, qualitative, or something else? State the study design, research question, and the strength and limitations of the study. Can the study results be generalized? Why or why not? Week 8 discussion DQ 1 What is the significance of evidence-based practice to health care? Discuss the most reliable evidence-based sources. DQ 2 Now that you have submitted your research proposal and you are preparing to submit your research proposal presentation, how confident do you feel about developing a research proposal as part of your future career as a nurse researcher? Explain your answer. What questions or concerns do you still have about conducting research in nursing?
