Discussion Board Response

Discussion 3.1 What is the Difference Between Quantitative and Qualitative Research

Evidence-based practice ensures patients are given the best possible care by using research to guide clinical decisions (Galvan, 2017). This evidence is obtained through rigorous research and review and can take many forms to address an ever diversifying population and problem set. Thoughtful research design is essential as the design serves as a plan for how to answer your research question (Galvan, 2017). There are two major types of research design based on the type of data generated: quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative studies are designed to test a particular hypothesis and generate objective numerical data, often presented as statistics (Galvan, 2017). The goal of this research is to manipulate variables in a controlled environment so as to minimize the effect of confounding variables thus strengthening the evidence for establishing a causal relationship (Bloomfield & Fisher, 2019). There are four different types of quantitative research that vary in the degree of control exerted over the variables and population being tested. In contrast, qualitative studies start with a broad question without a strict hypothesis and generate non numerical data presented in narrative format (Galvan, 2017). This type of research is far more subjective than quantitative data and researcher bias must be minimized to ensure validity of results. Randomization of subjects is he ideal scenario for quantitative studies, but for qualitative research, purposive sampling in which subjects are selected based on the researchers judgment are common (Galvan, 2017). Both quantitative and qualitative research are imperative to driving evidence-based practice and differences of each should be considered when deciding how best to answer a research question.

Descriptive studies are the least controlled category of quantitative research and exist to obtain descriptive characteristics of a phenomenon or area of interest (Bloomfield & Fisher, 2019). Given that these studies provide descriptive information, it can be easy to misconstrue them as qualitative in nature. They have many similarities in that they both seek to describe relationship and similarities or differences between groups and that neither involves manipulation of variables to test an intervention (Ingham-Broomfield, 2015). One key distinction between descriptive studies and qualitative ones is that descriptive designs still present findings in terms of statistics while qualitative relies on narrative descriptions to convey findings (Ingham-Broomfield, 2015). Another difference between descriptive and qualitative studies is that descriptive studies provide objective information while qualitative studies rely on interpretation by the researcher and are thus subject to bias (Bloomfield & Fisher, 2019).

References

Bloomfield, J., & Fisher, M.J. (2019). Quantitative Research Design. Journal of the Australasian Rehabilitation Nurses Association, 22(2), 27-30.

Galvan, J.L. (2017). Writing Literature Reviews: A Guide for Students of the Social and Behavioral Sciences (7th ed.). Taylor & Francis.

Ingham-Broomfield, R. (2015). A Nurses Guide to Quantitative Research. Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, 32(2), 32-38.

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Respond with substantial factually correct content which demonstrates evidence of comprehension, application, and or appraisal. Includes evidence of views, beliefs, and or feelings. connects topic/content to professional role as Registered Nurse and/or practice. Includes all aspects of the discussion board assignment to answer the question What are the Differences Between Quantitative and Qualitative Research?
include three references, cite references in response , you can use morgan’s references if you like.

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