NR 449 Week 3 Research Design and Methodology Outline

IV. Discuss the philosophical considerations that influence the choice of a research design • Quantitative: Positivist paradigm, objective measurement and control • Qualitative: Constructivist paradigm, subjective meaning and understanding • Mixed Methods: Pragmatic paradigm, combines both for comprehensive insight V. Discuss the characteristics of quantitative and qualitative research • Quantitative: • Uses variables (independent, dependent, extraneous) • Measurement, control, statistical analysis • Designs: Experimental, quasi-experimental, time series • Qualitative: • Focuses on meaning and experience • Uses purposeful sampling, interviews, field notes • Designs: Phenomenology, ethnography, grounded theory • Commonalities: • Scholarly rigor, credibility, reliability/trustworthiness VI. Understand descriptive research designs and methods • Purpose: Explore and describe real-life phenomena • Common Designs: • Survey, cross-sectional, longitudinal, case study, single-subject • Applications: • Assess current practice, document health conditions, plan care • Strengths and Limitations: • Provide foundational knowledge but limited in causal inference