Discussion post
Read post below. In response to your peer, identify potential threats to the validity of the research example. If the study can still be considered valid, how might the results be used to change nursing practice?
Quantitative research helps to determine cause and effect associations between variables. It uses numerical data to test an objective using rigorous scientific techniques.
An example of quantitative research is Aljasmi et al.’s (2018) study conducted at Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) Hospital on the prevalence of medication errors.
Peer response
Research Design
The researchers collected numerical data on the prescriptions from the pharmacy at BDF hospital to identify the classes of errors that might have occurred. This is a descriptive type of research design. Bloomfield and Fisher (2019) stated that a descriptive type of research design quantifies the characteristics of an identified subject or phenomenon. The researchers examined the prevalence of prescription errors and classified them using previous dispensing records at BDF hospital, implying that they used a retrospective descriptive research design. According to Staffileno et al. (2021), the advantage of using a descriptive design is that it describes the phenomenon in its real-life setting without manipulating the variables. This enables the researcher to gain insight into a condition or phenomenon’s incidence, commonalities, and differences. However, it does not explain why a particular phenomenon is observed, and it does not use statistical tests to verify a problem.
Statistical Conclusions, Validity, and Reliability
Evidence-based practice (EBP) solutions should be based on trustworthy data for an informed decision. The measures of trustworthiness are reliability, validity, and accuracy of the conclusions. A reliable research instrument can measure the same thing consistently, implying that the study can be replicated to compare or validate the outcomes. On the other hand, valid instruments measure the intended variables objectively, ensuring that the test reflects what was to be reported accurately (Boswell & Cannon, 2022). This enables the researcher to make accurate conclusions, and consequently, the nurse will make informed decisions in practice settings, which facilitates EBP.
Conclusion
Quantitative research enables nurses to describe or explain occurrences. Nurses should have the skills to research and critique articles to facilitate EBP practices in care provision. A high degree of validity and reliability improves the accuracy of the conclusions, leading to correct decision-making in nursing practice. The trustworthiness attributes enable the nurse to make generalizations about the population of interest with confidence.
