The Research Process in Nursing, 5th Edition

by Editor: Kate Gerrish (Sheffield Hallam University); Editor: Anne Lacey (School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield)

• ISBN13: 9781405130134
• ISBN10: 140513013X
• Edition: 5th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-03-01
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Summary

The ability to understand, utilise and generate research evidence is central to providing high quality healthcare.

Author Biography

Professor Kate Gerrish is Professor of Nursing Practice Development, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sheffield and Chair of the Research Society for the Royal College of Nursing.

Dr Anne Lacey is Senior Research Fellow, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield.

Desmond Cormack is Honorary Reader in Health and Nursing, QueenMargaret University College.

Table of Contents

Foreword	xvii
Contributors	xix
Acknowledgement	xxii
Introduction to the 5th edition	xxiii
Section 1 Setting the Scene	1	(70)
Chapter 1 Research and Development in Nursing
Kate Gerrish and Ann McMahon	3	(13)
Key points	3	(1)
Introduction	3	(1)
The nature of nursing research and development	4	(1)
Developing nursing knowledge	5	(2)
Research awareness, utilisation and activity	7	(2)
Research and nursing practice	9	(1)
UK health and social care research policy	10	(1)
UK nursing research policy	11	(2)
Nursing research policy imperatives	13	(1)
Conclusion	14	(1)
References	14	(1)
Websites	15	(1)
Chapter 2 The Research Process
Anne Lacey	16	(15)
Key points	16	(1)
Introduction	16	(1)
Developing the research question	17	(2)
Searching and evaluating the literature	19	(1)
Choice of methodology, research design	20	(2)
Preparing a research proposal	22	(1)
Gaining access to the data	23	(2)
Sampling	25	(1)
Pilot study	26	(1)
Data collection	26	(1)
Data analysis	27	(1)
Dissemination of the results	27	(1)
Implementation of the results	28	(1)
Ensuring rigour	28	(1)
Conclusion	29	(1)
References	30	(1)
Websites	30	(1)
Chapter 3 Research Ethics
Martin Johnson and Tony Long	31	(12)
Key points	31	(1)
The importance of ethics in research	31	(1)
Issues for researchers to address	32	(5)
Strategies for ethical research	37	(3)
Conclusion	40	(1)
References	41	(1)
Websites	42	(1)
Chapter 4 Sources of Funding and Support for Research
Senga Bond and Anne Lacey	43	(11)
Key points	43	(1)
Introduction	43	(1)
Education for research	44	(1)
Supervision	45	(1)
Advice about a specific project	46	(1)
Kindred spirits to provide emotional sustenance	47	(1)
Financial support	48	(3)
Information resources	51	(1)
Conclusion	51	(1)
Further reading	52	(1)
Websites	52	(2)
Chapter 5 User Involvement in Research
Gordon Grant and Paul Ramcharan	54	(19)
Key points	54	(1)
Introduction	54	(1)
A brief history of user involvement in research	55	(1)
Mapping user involvement in nursing and nursing-related research	56	(8)
Challenges for user involvement in nursing and nursing-related research	64	(1)
Weighing user experiences – learning disability as a case example	65	(2)
Conclusion	67	(1)
References	67	(2)
Further reading	69	(1)
Websites	69	(2)
Section 2 Preparing the Ground	71	(84)
Chapter 6 Asking the Right Question
Gill Hek	73	(17)
Key points	73	(1)
Introduction	73	(1)
Research questions in published studies	74	(3)
Sources of research questions	77	(6)
Questions, aims, objectives and hypotheses	83	(3)
Feasibility	86	(1)
Ethical issues	87	(1)
Research questions and methodology	87	(1)
Conclusion	88	(1)
References	88	(1)
Websites	89	(1)
Chapter 7 Finding the Evidence
Claire Beecroft, Angie Rees and Andrew Booth	90	(17)
Key points	90	(1)
Introduction	90	(1)
Electronic information sources and the internet	90	(1)
The research literature	91	(2)
Accessing the literature	93	(2)
Planning a literature search	95	(3)
Searching the literature	98	(3)
Specialist information sources	101	(2)
Writing a literature review	103	(1)
Managing references	103	(2)
Conclusion	105	(1)
References	105	(1)
Further reading	106	(1)
Websites	106	(1)
Chapter 8 Critical Appraisal of the Evidence
Andrew Booth	107	(16)
Key points	107	(1)
Introduction	107	(1)
What is critical appraisal?	108	(1)
The need for critical appraisal	109	(1)
Validity of research designs	110	(1)
How to appraise quantitative research studies	111	(1)
How to appraise qualitative research studies	112	(4)
How to appraise systematic reviews, practice guidelines and economic analysis	116	(3)
Applying the results of critical appraisal	119	(2)
Conclusion	121	(1)
References	121	(1)
Further reading	122	(1)
Website	122	(1)
Chapter 9 Preparing a Research Proposal
Senga Bond and Kate Gerrish	123	(15)
Key points	123	(1)
Introduction	123	(1)
Typical content of a research proposal	124	(1)
Title of project	124	(1)
Summary	125	(1)
Justification for the study	125	(1)
Related research	125	(1)
Aims and objectives	126	(1)
Plan of investigation	126	(4)
Ethical considerations	130	(1)
Products arising from the project	131	(1)
Dissemination	131	(1)
Resources	131	(1)
Budget	132	(1)
Curriculum vitae	133	(1)
Final review	134	(1)
Additional considerations	134	(2)
Conclusion	136	(1)
Further reading	136	(1)
Websites	137	(1)
Chapter 10 Gaining Access to the Research Site
Amanda Hunn	138	(19)
Key points	138	(1)
The need for regulation of research	138	(1)
The Research Governance Framework in the UK	138	(1)
The system for ethical approval	139	(2)
Research ethics committee applications	141	(1)
The remit of a research ethics committee	141	(1)
Building the approval process into research plans	142	(2)
Applying to the research ethics committee	144	(2)
Informal access negotiations	146	(3)
Gaining informed consent from research participants	149	(4)
Taking consent	153	(1)
Conclusion	154	(1)
References	154	(1)
Websites	154	(1)
Section 3 Choosing the Right Approach	155	(180)
Chapter 11 The Quantitative—Qualitative Continuum
Annie Topping	157	(16)
Key points	157	(1)
Introduction	157	(1)
The characteristics of quantitative and qualitative research	158	(1)
Influences and contributions to the development of nursing research	159	(1)
Empiricism and the scientific method	160	(3)
Quantitative research	163	(2)
Qualitative research	165	(1)
Critical accounts of research epistemology	166	(2)
Blending quantitative and qualitative approaches	168	(1)
Judging the quality of quantitative and qualitative research	169	(1)
Conclusion	169	(1)
References	170	(2)
Websites	172	(1)
Chapter 12 Sampling
Susan Procter and Teresa Allan	173	(19)
Key points	173	(1)
Introduction	173	(1)
Populations and samples	173	(2)
Sampling frame	175	(1)
Types of sampling	175	(1)
Sampling schemes in quantitative research	176	(3)
Calculating sample size in quantitative research	179	(1)
Sources of bias in quantitative sampling	180	(1)
Sampling in qualitative research	181	(3)
Calculating sample size in qualitative research	184	(1)
Sampling strategies used in qualitative and quantitative research	184	(2)
Conclusion	186	(1)
References	187	(1)
Further reading	187	(2)
Introduction to qualitative research approaches (Chapters 13, 14 and 15)	189	(3)
Chapter 13 Grounded Theory
Immy Holloway and Les Todres	192	(16)
Key points	192	(1)
Introduction	192	(1)
The purpose and main features of grounded theory	193	(1)
The use and relevance of grounded theory in nursing research	194	(1)
The theoretical basis of grounded theory: symbolic interactionism	194	(1)
Data collection and initial sampling	195	(2)
Data analysis	197	(4)
The theory	201	(1)
Writing memos	202	(1)
The use of literature in grounded theory	202	(1)
The choice between Glaserian and Straussian grounded theory	203	(1)
Which approach?	204	(1)
Problems and strengths of grounded theory	204	(1)
Conclusion	205	(1)
References	206	(1)
Further reading	207	(1)
Website	207	(1)
Chapter 14 Ethnography
Immy Holloway and Les Todres	208	(16)
Key points	208	(1)
Introduction	208	(1)
The characteristics of ethnography	209	(2)
The use of ethnography in nursing	211	(2)
Descriptive and critical ethnography	213	(1)
Selection of sample and setting in ethnographic studies	214	(1)
Data collection	215	(2)
Fieldwork and fieldnotes	217	(1)
Macro- and micro-ethnographies	218	(1)
Data analysis and interpretation	218	(2)
Relationships and problems in the setting	220	(1)
The ethnographic report	221	(1)
Conclusion	221	(1)
References	222	(2)
Chapter 15 Phenomenological Research
Les Todres and Immy Holloway	224	(15)
Key points	224	(1)
Introduction	224	(1)
Purpose of phenomenological research	225	(1)
Use of phenomenology in nursing	226	(2)
Main features	228	(2)
Fieldwork	230	(3)
Analytical procedures	233	(1)
Strengths and limitations	234	(2)
Conclusion	236	(1)
References	236	(1)
Further reading	237	(1)
Websites	238	(1)
Chapter 16 Experimental Research
Andrea Nelson, Jo Dumville and David Torgerson	239	(21)
Key points	239	(1)
Background	239	(1)
Experimental versus observational studies	239	(1)
Characteristics of experimental design	240	(1)
Pre-post-test design	241	(2)
Interrupted time series	243	(1)
Controlled trials	244	(1)
The randomised controlled trial	245	(3)
Randomised controlled trials and the reduction of bias	248	(3)
Other experimental designs	251	(4)
Reporting and reading RCTs	255	(1)
Important considerations in using randomised controlled trials	255	(1)
Strengths and limitations of randomised controlled trials	256	(1)
Conclusion	257	(1)
References	258	(1)
Websites	259	(1)
Chapter 17 Surveys
Hugh McKenna, Felicity Hasson and Sinead Keeney	260	(14)
Key points	260	(1)
Historical development of survey research in health	260	(1)
Descriptive surveys	261	(1)
Correlational and comparative surveys	262	(2)
Longitudinal surveys and cohort studies	264	(1)
Sources of data in survey research	265	(4)
Epidemiology	269	(2)
Conclusion	271	(1)
References	271	(1)
Further reading	272	(1)
Websites	272	(2)
Chapter 18 Action Research
Julienne Meyer	274	(15)
Key points	274	(1)
Principles of action research	274	(1)
Common models of working with action research in nursing	275	(4)
The role of the researcher in action research	279	(1)
Ethical issues	280	(1)
Methods of data collection	281	(2)
Assessing quality	283	(1)
Research as an agent of change	284	(1)
Advantages and disadvantages of action research	285	(1)
Conclusion	286	(1)
References	287	(1)
Further reading	288	(1)
Websites	288	(1)
Chapter 19 Evaluation Research
Colin Robson	289	(13)
Key points	289	(1)
What is evaluation?	289	(1)
Why evaluation research?	290	(1)
The satisfaction questionnaire	290	(2)
Models of evaluation	292	(4)
Quantitative or qualitative?	296	(2)
The political nature of evaluation	298	(1)
Evaluation research and evidence-based practice	298	(1)
Conclusion	299	(1)
References	299	(2)
Further reading	301	(1)
Websites	301	(1)
Chapter 20 Case Study Research
Charlotte Clarke and Jan Reed	302	(14)
Key points	302	(1)
Introduction	302	(2)
Definitions of case study methodology	304	(1)
Research questions	305	(1)
Selection of cases	306	(2)
Research design	308	(1)
Data analysis	309	(4)
Presentation and reporting	313	(1)
Conclusion	314	(1)
References	314	(2)
Chapter 21 Systematic Reviews and Secondary Research
Catherine Beverley, Mary Edmunds-Otter and Andrew Booth	316	(21)
Key points	316	(1)
Introduction	316	(1)
Background to secondary research	316	(3)
Writing a systematic review protocol	319	(2)
Systematically searching the literature	321	(4)
Assessing the quality of the literature	325	(1)
Extracting key information from the selected studies	325	(2)
Summarising, interpreting and presenting the findings	327	(3)
Writing up the review	330	(1)
Systematic reviews of qualitative research	330	(1)
Conclusion	331	(1)
References	332	(2)
Further reading	334	(1)
Websites	334	(1)
Section 4 Collecting Data	335	(80)
Chapter 22 Interviewing
Angela Tod	337	(16)
Key points	337	(1)
Introduction	337	(1)
The purpose of the research interview	337	(3)
Types of interview	340	(2)
Undertaking an interview	342	(3)
Conducting the interview	345	(2)
Advantages and disadvantages of interviews	347	(1)
Issues of validity and reliability	348	(1)
Ethical issues with interviewing	349	(2)
Conclusion	351	(1)
References	351	(1)
Further reading	352	(1)
Chapter 23 Using Focus Groups
Claire Goodman and Catherine Evans	353	(14)
Key points	353	(1)
Purpose of focus groups	353	(2)
Conducting a focus group	355	(5)
Analysis	360	(1)
Issues of validity and reliability	361	(1)
Advantages of focus groups	362	(1)
Limitations of focus groups	363	(1)
Ethical issues	364	(1)
Conclusion	365	(1)
References	365	(1)
Further reading	366	(1)
Chapter 24 Using Questionnaires
Tricia Murphy-Black	367	(16)
Key points	367	(1)
Purpose of questionnaires	367	(1)
Using previously-validated questionnaires	368	(1)
Designing a questionnaire	368	(3)
Types of questions	371	(3)
Validation of measurement scales	374	(1)
Validity and reliability	375	(2)
Administering questionnaires	377	(2)
Comparison between face-to-face and postal questionnaires	379	(1)
Ethical issues associated with questionnaires	380	(1)
Conclusion	380	(1)
References	380	(2)
Further reading	382	(1)
Website	382	(1)
Chapter 25 Using Observation
Hazel Watson and Rosemary Whyte	383	(16)
Key points	383	(1)
The purpose of observation	383	(4)
Participant observation	387	(3)
Non-participant observation	390	(4)
Advantages and disadvantages of observation	394	(1)
Issues of validity and reliability	395	(1)
Ethical issues associated with observation	396	(1)
Conclusion	397	(1)
References	397	(1)
Website	398	(1)
Chapter 26 Physiological Measurement
Mark Johnson and S José Closs	399	(18)
Key points	399	(1)
Introduction	399	(5)
Making physiological measurements	404	(7)
Interpreting physiological measurements	411	(2)
Ethical issues	413	(1)
Conclusion	413	(1)
References	414	(1)
Further reading	414	(1)
Section 5 Making Sense of Data	415	(60)
Chapter 27 Qualitative Analysis
Judith Lathlean	417	(17)
Key points	417	(1)
Introduction	417	(1)
Principles of qualitative analysis	418	(2)
Examples of methods of analysis	420	(7)
Practicalities	427	(1)
Examples of analyses	428	(3)
Using computer software for qualitative data analysis	431	(1)
Conclusion	432	(1)
References	432	(1)
Further reading	433	(1)
Chapter 28 Descriptive Analysis of Quantitative Data
Jenny Freeman and Stephen Walters	434	(20)
Key points	434	(1)
Introduction	434	(1)
Data types	434	(2)
Recording data	436	(4)
Presenting data in charts	440	(4)
Describing data	444	(7)
Presenting data and results in tables	451	(1)
Conclusion	451	(1)
References	452	(1)
Further reading	452	(1)
Websites	452	(2)
Chapter 29 Examining Relationships in Quantitative Data
Jenny Freeman and Stephen Walters	454	(23)
Key points	454	(1)
Introduction	454	(1)
Statistical analysis	454	(4)
Choosing the statistical method	458	(8)
The relationship between two continuous variables	466	(6)
Conclusion	472	(2)
Further reading	474	(1)
Section 6 Putting Research into Practice	475	(59)
Chapter 30 Communicating and Disseminating Research
Kate Gerrish and Anne Lacey	477	(14)
Key points	477	(1)
Introduction	477	(1)
Communicating with different audiences	477	(1)
The research report	478	(2)
Writing an article for publication	480	(3)
Presenting research at a conference	483	(6)
Networking opportunities, research partnerships and collaborations	489	(1)
Conclusion	490	(1)
References	490	(1)
Further reading	490	(1)
Websites	490	(1)
Chapter 31 Evidence-Based Practice
Kate Gerrish	491	(15)
Key points	491	(1)
Introduction	491	(1)
The nature of 'evidence' in evidence-based practice	492	(4)
Hierarchies of evidence	496	(2)
Research utilisation	498	(2)
The process of evidence-based practice	500	(1)
Barriers to achieving evidence-based practice	500	(2)
Implementing evidence-based practice	502	(1)
Conclusion	503	(1)
References	503	(2)
Further resources	505	(1)
Website	505	(1)
Chapter 32 Implementing Evidence-Based Practice
Steve Campbell, Helen Hancock and Hilary Lloyd	506	(15)
Key points	506	(1)
Introduction	506	(1)
Change	507	(2)
An individual-led approach to implementing evidence-based practice	509	(3)
A co-ordinated approach to implementing evidence-based practice	512	(2)
Clinical practice guidelines	514	(2)
Implementing clinical practice guidelines	516	(1)
Implementing a clinical guideline	517	(2)
Conclusion	519	(1)
Acknowledgements	519	(1)
References	519	(2)
Chapter 33 The Future of Nursing Research
Ann McMahon and Anne Lacey	521	(13)
Key points	521	(1)
Introduction	521	(1)
Five policy imperatives	521	(7)
The future of nursing as a clinical academic discipline a higher education perspective	528	(2)
Three scenarios for the future of nursing research	530	(1)
References	531	(2)
Websites	533	(1)
Glossary	534	(8)
Index	542