Nursing Research Chapters 1 & 2

Front 1

Blinded

Back 1

A type of review in which the peer reviewer is unaware of the author's identity, so personal influence is avoided.

Front 2

Evidence-Based Practice

Back 2

The use of the best scientific evidence, integrated with clinical experience and incorporating patient values and preferences in the practice of professional nursing care.

Front 3

Evidence Based Practice Guideline

Back 3

A guide for nursing practice that is the outcome of an unbiased, exhaustive review of the research literature, combined with clinical expert opinion and evaluation of patient preferences. It is generally developed by a team of experts.

Front 4

External Validity

Back 4

A study that can be confidently generalized to people, places, or situations other than those in the experiment.

Front 5

Journal Club

Back 5

A formally organized group that meets periodically to share and critique contemporary research in nursing, with a goal of both learning about the research process and finding evidence for practice.

Front 6

Magnet Status

Back 6

A designation for organizations that have characteristics that make them attractive to nurses as workplaces.

Front 7

National Intitute of Nursing Research
(NINR)

Back 7

A federal agency responsible for the support of nursing research by establishing a national research agenda, funding grants and research awards, and providing training.

Front 8

Outcomes Measurement

Back 8

Measurement of the end results of nursing care or other interventions; stated in terms of effects on patients' physiological condition, satisfaction, or psychosocial health.

Front 9

Peer Review

Back 9

The process of subjecting research to the appraisal of a neutral third party. Common processes include selecting research for conferences and evaluating research manuscripts for publication.

Front 10

Principal Investigator

Back 10

The individual who is primarily responsible for a research study and is responsible for all elements of the study, and is the first author listed on publications or presentations.

Front 11

Quality Improvement

Back 11

The systematic, data-based monitoring and evaluation of organizational processes with the end goal of continuous improvement. The goal is internal application rather than external generalization.

Front 12

Randomized Control Trial

Back 12

An experiment in which subjects are randomly assigned to groups, one of which receives an experimental treatment while another serves as a control group. The experiment has high internal validity so the researcher can draw conclusions regarding the effects of treatments.

Front 13

Replication

Back 13

Repeating a specific study in detail on a different sample. When a study has been repeated several times and similar results are found, the evidence can be used with more confidence

Front 14

Systematic Review

Back 14

A highly structured process of identifying, appraising, and summarizing research studies into guidelines for practice, characterized by objectivity that avoids bias.

Front 15

Nursing Research

Back 15

A systematic process of inquiry that uses rigorous guidelines to produce unbiased, trustworthy answers to questions about nursing process.

Front 16

Nursing Process

Back 16

A systematic process used by nurses to identify and address patient problems; include the stages of assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation.

Front 17

Applied research

Back 17

Research to gain knowledge that has a practical application and contributes in some way to a modification of practice.

Front 18

Basic Research

Back 18

Theoretical, pure, fundamental, or bench research done to advance knowledge in a given subject area.

Front 19

Cross-Sectional Methods

Back 19

Studies conducted by looking at a single phenomenon across multiple populations at a single point in time

Front 20

Experimental Research

Back 20

Purpose is to test the effects of an intervention or treatment on selected outcomes. Strongest design for testing cause-and-effect relationships. Designs are characterized by highly structured protocols to eliminate bias.

Front 21

Longitudinal Studies

Back 21

Studies conducted by following subjects over a period of time with data collection occurring at prescribed intervals

Front 22

Mixed Methods

Back 22

Research approach that combines quantitative and qualitative elements; involves the measurable state of a phenomenon and the individual’s subjective response to it.

Front 23

Paradigm

Back 23

An overall belief system or way of viewing the nature of reality and the basis of knowledge.

Front 24

Prospective Studies

Back 24

Studies planned by the researcher for collection of primary data for the specific research study; implemented in the future.

Front 25

Qualitative Research

Back 25

The investigation of phenomena in a non-quantitative, in depth, and holistic fashion through the collection of narrative materials such as observations, interviews, and document analysis

Front 26

Quantitative Research

Back 26

The investigation of phenomena that lend themselves to test well-specified hypotheses through precise measurement and quantification of numeric data with statistical analysis

Front 27

Quasi-Experimental Studies

Back 27

Can not test cause and effect. Lacks one or more characteristics of a true experiment such as random assignment, a control group, or a comparison group. Researcher does not manipulate any variables!

Front 28

Retrospective Studies

Back 28

Studies that use secondary data that have already been collected about events that have already happened

Front 29

Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks

Back 29

Using a well-founded and well-referenced framework. Is necessary backbone of a research study. Lends credence to the study. Allows for comparisons across studies as well as building from or between studies. Assures a research study will be systematically designed.