Positive Impacts of Mixed Research on Nursing
Student’s Name
Affiliation
Course
Instructor’s Name
Date
Positive Impacts of Mixed Research on Nursing
Qualitative and quantitative research are modes of study that call for different theoretical foundations. However, both methods are used in problem-solving; therefore, researchers believe both ways should be applied in studies to increase the reliability and validity of the studies. In the nursing study, qualitative and quantitative research answers different nursing situations that call for action (Irvine et al., 2020). Qualitative research knowledge is highly based on philosophical assumptions regarding ontology, epistemology, and methodology. In research, the qualitative method implements techniques like interviews (structured and unstructured), focus groups, and the researcher's involvement and observation.
On the other hand, quantitative research is highly dependent on numeric and tangible evidence. Research questions in quantitative analysis are formulated through hypotheses (research and statistical). Quantitative research is carried out mainly through; correlational, comparative, experimental, and descriptive research (Patel & Patel, 2019). Typically, qualitative analysis is essential in explaining quantitative measurements. This discussion expounds on the advantages of using qualitative and quantitative research in a nursing study through the aspects of objectivity and subjectivity.
Advantages of Qualitative Research
The primary benefit of combining both research methods in nursing is the outcomes. For instance, quantitative data can support qualitative elements by identifying underlying cases or patients. On the other hand, qualitative data can explain quantitative data through conceptual development (McLeod, 2019). Nursing research involving data collection and interpretation of patient behaviors will require quantity and quality information. Data collection is provided with baseline data by quantitative data that records the number of participants involved. On the other edge, qualitative analysis will help researchers understand the barriers experienced during research. During data analysis, qualitative data explain the quantitative data by clarifying, interpreting, validating, and describing results.
The qualitative study produces evidence and assists nurses in determining patient preferences. Quantitative research can objectively measure a patient's needs and wants, but they can be learned and observed subjectively. Without qualitative research, language, behavior, and emotional experience cannot be feasible (McLeod, 2019). In nursing, meeting with new people creates more understanding of their personalities. Nurses must understand their patients to serve them better. However, in the traditional sense, qualitative analysis is not typical, but it broadens the relationship capacity of patients and nurses. For instance, through qualitative research, nurses can maintain patient autonomy by learning their behaviors instead of setting up plans and protocols.
Advantages of Quantitative Research
Quantitative research is objective, measurable, and tangible, where it provides evidence supporting the research. The random selection of a population makes it easy to collect data and attribute it to the larger scope of the sampling population. Also, quantitative research focuses on the positivist archetype of testing and measuring variables (Kyngäs, 2020). During the Covid 19 pandemic, quantitative methods were used to collect data on the number of new cases and deaths in various nations. This data was later used to predict the spread and effective containing measures. After vaccination was manufactured, quantitative data was used to determine the logistics of the vaccination process. The numeric data collected on cases, deaths, and the virus's spread rate were analyzed to explain further why there were differences in deaths and new cases in different parts of the world.
Integrating empirical evidence and other new evidence employs qualitative research to assist us in implementing evidence-based moves effectively. Quantitative and qualitative research is used, from understanding the population demographics to the vaccination process. Quantitative research can be considered the primary research that introduces a problem and the intuition of qualitative research to understand the situation better (Patel & Patel, 2019). A phenomenological study of workplace nursing issues exposes the weaknesses and strengths of institutions, systems, individuals, and populations. That can provide an area of focus and introduce an intervention. With a detailed approach to opinions, feelings, and experiences, human actions are better understood in healthcare. The term quality care in healthcare can be connected with quality research that seeks to uncover the unseen part of human physiology.
Conclusion
Most nursing studies employ quantitative and qualitative analysis to provide evidence-based literature. A study done in 2022 on nursing stress and how it impacts the quality of care offered used quantitative methods to collect data and quantitative analysis to explain the collected information. Therefore, nursing studies must employ both research methods to understand and explain concepts for validity and relevance purposes perfectly. In a recap of the above information, qualitative and quantitative research are combined when; concepts or situations are poorly understood, and both methods provide valid information. Also, a second approach better explains an analysis of one technique, and a qualitative or quantitative approach is not adequate to explain the research concept. Additionally, quantitative data becomes difficult to interpret, and qualitative data can help explain the results.
Therefore, every nurse practitioner must understand the research concept or issue to employ research methods effectively. The knowledge behind different research methods ensures that every important area of the research is addressed. Also, it helps avoid data duplication and facilitates data discussion, evaluation, and implementation.
References
Irvine, F. E., Clark, M. T., Efstathiou, N., Herber, O. R., Howroyd, F., Gratrix, L., ... & Bradbury‐Jones, C. (2020). The state of mixed methods research in nursing: A focused mapping review and synthesis. Journal of advanced nursing, 76(11), 2798–2809. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.14479
Kyngäs, H. (2020). Qualitative research and content analysis. The application of content analysis in nursing science research, 3–11. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-30199-6_1
McLeod, S. (2019). Qualitative vs Quantitative Research: Methods & Data Analysis. https://www.simplypsychology.org/qualitative-quantitative.html
Patel, M., & Patel, N. (2019). Exploring Research Methodology. International Journal of Research and Review, 6(3), 48-55.