Research-unit-4-b.sc.-sem-5-Research approaches and designs
Research approaches and designs
Research Approaches in Research Methodology
A research approach refers to the overall strategy and philosophy of conducting a study. It dictates how data is collected, analyzed, and interpreted to answer the research question effectively. Research approaches are broadly classified into three types:
Quantitative Research Approach (Objective and statistical)
Qualitative Research Approach (Exploratory and subjective)
Mixed-Methods Research Approach (Combination of both)
Each approach has its own strengths and is selected based on the research problem, objectives, and the nature of data required.
1. Quantitative Research Approach
Definition:
Quantitative research is a systematic and objective approach that deals with numerical data and applies statistical analysis to test hypotheses, establish relationships, or determine cause-effect connections. It follows a positivist paradigm, assuming that reality is measurable and predictable.
Characteristics:
✅ Structured and pre-defined methodology – The research process follows a strict sequence (problem identification, hypothesis formulation, data collection, and statistical testing). ✅ Large sample size – Ensures results can be generalized to a larger population. ✅ Measurable variables – Uses numerical values to represent data. ✅ Statistical analysis – Applies mathematical techniques such as correlation, regression, and inferential statistics. ✅ Objective and unbiased – Seeks to establish facts through controlled and replicable procedures.
Methods Used:
🔹 Descriptive Research – Summarizes characteristics of a group or phenomenon without establishing cause-effect relationships (e.g., hospital infection rates in different departments). 🔹 Correlational Research – Examines relationships between variables without manipulating them (e.g., the relationship between stress levels and job satisfaction among nurses). 🔹 Quasi-Experimental Research – Studies cause-effect relationships but lacks full randomization (e.g., comparing the effectiveness of two teaching methods in different schools). 🔹 Experimental Research – Uses controlled conditions to determine causal relationships (e.g., testing a new drug’s effectiveness in reducing blood pressure).
Examples:
📌 Effect of nurse-patient ratio on patient care quality. 📌 Relationship between smoking and lung cancer. 📌 Impact of physical exercise on blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
This approach is widely used in medical, healthcare, and social sciences research where precise measurements and statistical validation are required.
2. Qualitative Research Approach
Definition:
Qualitative research is an exploratory and subjective approach that seeks to understand human experiences, behaviors, social interactions, and perceptions. It follows an interpretivist paradigm, assuming that reality is socially constructed and context-dependent.
Characteristics:
✅ Flexible and adaptive methodology – Data collection evolves as the study progresses. ✅ Small sample size – Focuses on in-depth understanding rather than generalization. ✅ Non-numerical data – Uses words, themes, and narratives instead of numbers. ✅ Subjective analysis – Involves interpretation of meanings and experiences. ✅ Context-rich findings – Considers cultural, social, and environmental factors influencing behavior.
Methods Used:
🔹 Phenomenology – Explores individuals’ lived experiences (e.g., how nurses experience burnout). 🔹 Ethnography – Studies cultural behaviors in their natural setting (e.g., traditional healing practices in a tribal community). 🔹 Grounded Theory – Develops new theories based on real-world observations (e.g., how patients develop coping mechanisms for chronic pain). 🔹 Case Study – Examines a single case or a small number of cases in depth (e.g., an in-depth study of a cancer survivor’s journey). 🔹 Narrative Research – Examines personal stories and life experiences (e.g., a retired nurse’s career journey in healthcare).
Examples:
📌 Experiences of nurses working in COVID-19 ICUs. 📌 Challenges faced by rural women in accessing maternal healthcare. 📌 Coping strategies of terminally ill patients undergoing palliative care.
Qualitative research is widely used in psychology, sociology, anthropology, and nursing research, where personal experiences and social contexts play a crucial role.
3. Mixed-Methods Research Approach
Definition:
The Mixed-Methods Research Approach integrates both quantitative and qualitative research to provide a comprehensive understanding of a research problem. It combines numerical data with in-depth narratives, allowing researchers to validate statistical findings with qualitative insights.
Characteristics:
✅ Combines statistical data with detailed descriptions – Provides both measurable and contextual insights. ✅ Triangulation of findings – Cross-verifies data from multiple sources to improve reliability. ✅ Sequential or parallel approach – Data collection can be done in stages or simultaneously. ✅ More holistic and practical – Useful for complex research questions that cannot be answered using a single approach.
Methods Used:
🔹 Explanatory Sequential Design – Quantitative research is conducted first, followed by qualitative research to explain the findings (e.g., survey on patient satisfaction → interviews to explore reasons for dissatisfaction). 🔹 Exploratory Sequential Design – Qualitative research is conducted first, followed by quantitative validation (e.g., focus group discussions on mental health issues → statistical survey on prevalence). 🔹 Convergent Parallel Design – Both quantitative and qualitative data are collected simultaneously and analyzed together for a more integrated understanding.
Examples:
📌 Measuring stress levels in nurses (survey) → Follow-up interviews to explore coping mechanisms. 📌 Observing patient safety practices in hospitals → Statistical analysis of hospital infection rates. 📌 Examining psychological impact of online learning during COVID-19 → Analyzing academic performance data of students.
This approach is increasingly used in healthcare, education, business, and policy research where a balanced perspective is required.
Comparison of Research Approaches
Approach
Data Type
Best For
Example
Quantitative
Numerical, measurable
Large-scale studies, cause-effect relationships
Studying the effectiveness of a vaccine
Qualitative
Descriptive, thematic
In-depth understanding, exploring human experiences
Exploring how nurses handle job stress
Mixed-Methods
Both numerical and descriptive
Comprehensive, integrating multiple perspectives
Examining both patient experiences and medical statistics
Key Considerations When Selecting a Research Approach
The choice of research approach is fundamental to the success of a study.
Quantitative research is structured, objective, and statistical.
Qualitative research is subjective, exploratory, and descriptive.
Mixed-methods research integrates both to provide a holistic perspective.
Each approach has distinct advantages, and selecting the right one ensures that the research findings are valid, reliable, and meaningful for the given problem.
Here is a refined and expanded version of the topic “Historical Research Approach and Design” with additional details, structured for clarity and academic use, especially in nursing education:
🧠 Research Approaches and Designs: Historical Research
🔍 Definition of Historical Research
Historical research is a systematic, critical investigation of past events, developments, institutions, and people to discover facts, analyze their causes and effects, and interpret their influence on the present and future. In nursing, it helps to understand how practices, education, policies, and roles have evolved over time.
🎯 Aims and Objectives of Historical Research
To discover unknown facts about past nursing practices or policies.
To verify and interpret facts using evidence and critical analysis.
To examine the origins and development of nursing theories, educational methods, or institutions.
To identify historical patterns that can guide future policy or practice.
To preserve the legacy and contributions of notable figures in nursing.
📌 Characteristics of Historical Research
Focuses on past events with present significance.
Relies on authentic documents and artifacts.
Uses critical analysis to determine validity and reliability.
Generally qualitative but may include quantitative data (e.g., mortality rates in wars).
Official documents (e.g., nursing laws, health acts)
Diaries, letters, autobiographies
Photographs, reports, speeches
Institutional records (e.g., hospital archives)
Oral histories and interviews
✅ Secondary Sources (Second-hand or interpreted data):
Textbooks, journal articles, biographies
Historical reviews and critiques
Research summaries and document analysis
🛠️ Steps in Conducting Historical Research
Identify the Research Problem
Define a clear historical topic or question.
Review of Literature
Gather existing studies and background information to understand context.
Formulate Hypotheses or Questions
These guide data collection and interpretation.
Data Collection
Gather information from both primary and secondary sources.
Criticism of Data
External Criticism: Check authenticity (Is it real?).
Internal Criticism: Check credibility (Is it accurate and unbiased?).
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Organize the data chronologically or thematically.
Interpret the meaning and relevance of findings.
Presentation of Results
Prepare a narrative report with references, analysis, and conclusions.
📐 Design of Historical Research
Largely qualitative and descriptive.
May use a chronological, thematic, or biographical framework.
Often includes case studies of individuals, institutions, or policies.
Designs are flexible, allowing for adjustments based on available data.
🏥 Applications in Nursing Research
Documenting the evolution of nursing roles during wars or pandemics.
Studying the development of nursing education in India or globally.
Tracing the origin of public health policies or community health nursing.
Analyzing the history of nursing associations (e.g., TNAI, INC).
Biographies of nursing pioneers like Florence Nightingale or Virginia Henderson.
Understanding the impact of historical events (e.g., colonialism, partition) on nursing services.
⚖️ Advantages of Historical Research
Helps understand the roots of current practices.
Preserves the heritage of the nursing profession.
Provides a comparative perspective to improve future strategies.
Helps in policy formulation by understanding past successes and failures.
⚠️ Limitations of Historical Research
Limitation
Description
📂 Limited Sources
Historical documents may be scarce, incomplete, or inaccessible.
🤔 Subjectivity
Interpretation may involve bias or personal judgment.
🔍 No Cause-Effect
It cannot establish definitive causal relationships.
🕰️ Time-consuming
Locating and analyzing data can be slow and labor-intensive.
🔗 Examples in Nursing Context
A study on the development of midwifery practices in rural India.
Tracing the impact of World War II on nursing recruitment and training.
A historical review of nursing legislation and their amendments over decades.
Biography-based study of Florence Nightingale’s influence on hospital design and sanitation.
📊 Research Approaches and Designs: Survey Approach
🔍 Definition of Survey Research
Survey research is a quantitative method of collecting information from a sample of individuals through their responses to questions. It is used to describe, compare, or explain knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, or characteristics of a large population.
🎯 Purpose of Survey Research
To gather data on opinions, behaviors, experiences, or characteristics of a population.
To assess needs, knowledge levels, or satisfaction in a healthcare or nursing context.
To identify relationships or trends among variables.
To generalize findings from a sample to a larger population.
🧩 Key Characteristics of Survey Research
Involves structured or semi-structured questionnaires or interviews.
Focused on a large sample size.
Conducted through mail, telephone, online forms, or face-to-face methods.
Produces quantitative data, though it can include some qualitative responses.
📦 Types of Survey Designs
1. Descriptive Survey
Aims to describe the characteristics of a group or situation.
Example: Assessing knowledge of nurses about infection control practices.
2. Analytical/Correlational Survey
Studies relationships among variables.
Example: Exploring the relationship between nurse stress and patient satisfaction.
Data collected over a period of time from the same subjects.
Used to assess changes or trends.
Example: Tracking changes in nursing students’ empathy levels over 4 years.
🛠️ Steps in Survey Research
Define the Research Problem and Objectives
Determine the Population and Sample Size
Select the Sampling Method
Random, stratified, cluster, convenience, etc.
Develop the Survey Instrument
Questionnaire, checklist, rating scale, etc.
Pilot Testing
Pretesting the tool to ensure clarity and reliability.
Data Collection
Online, face-to-face, phone, or mail.
Data Analysis
Usually statistical (descriptive or inferential).
Interpretation and Reporting of Results
📜 Types of Survey Instruments
Structured Questionnaires
Checklists
Rating Scales (Likert, Semantic Differential)
Open-ended Questions
Demographic Data Sheets
🧪 Advantages of Survey Research
Advantage
Description
📊 Wide Coverage
Can collect data from large populations.
💰 Cost-effective
Especially online or self-administered surveys.
🧠 Versatile
Applicable to many topics and populations.
⏱️ Time-saving
Especially cross-sectional surveys.
🔁 Replicable
Tools can be reused in other settings or populations.
⚠️ Limitations of Survey Research
Limitation
Description
🙍 Low Response Rate
Especially in mail or online surveys.
❌ Misinterpretation
Questions may be misunderstood.
🧠 Superficial Responses
May not capture depth or complexity.
⚖️ Bias
Responses may be influenced by social desirability.
🏥 Applications in Nursing Research
Surveying patient satisfaction after nursing care.
Studying public awareness about health programs (e.g., immunization).
Understanding nurse burnout levels in hospitals.
Assessing attitudes toward evidence-based practice among nursing students.
Collecting feedback on teaching and clinical experiences in nursing education
🧪 Research Approaches and Designs: Experimental Research
🔍 Definition of Experimental Research
Experimental research is a quantitative, systematic, and scientific approach where the researcher manipulates one or more independent variables to observe their effect on dependent variables, under controlled conditions. It aims to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
In nursing, it is often used to test new interventions, compare treatment methods, or evaluate outcomes of care procedures.
🎯 Purpose of Experimental Research
To determine causal relationships between variables.
To test the effectiveness of a new nursing practice, drug, or intervention.
To compare intervention vs. no intervention outcomes.
To support evidence-based practice with scientific data.
🧬 Key Elements of Experimental Research
Element
Description
Manipulation
The researcher deliberately changes or applies a treatment (independent variable).
Control
A control group is maintained to compare effects.
Randomization
Subjects are randomly assigned to groups to avoid bias.
Observation
Effects on the dependent variable are carefully measured.
🧱 Types of Experimental Designs
1. ✅ True Experimental Design
Fulfills all three criteria: manipulation, control, and randomization.
Most powerful in establishing causal relationships.
🔹 Common Types:
Pretest-Posttest Control Group Design
Group A: Pretest → Intervention → Posttest
Group B: Pretest → No intervention → Posttest
Posttest Only Control Group Design
Solomon Four-Group Design (combines pretest-posttest and posttest-only)
2. ⚠️ Quasi-Experimental Design
Manipulation is done, but randomization or control may be lacking.
Often used when true experimental design is not feasible in real-world nursing settings.
🔹 Examples:
Non-equivalent control group design
Time-series design (repeated measures over time)
3. 🧪 Pre-Experimental Design
Weakest design with limited control and no randomization.
Often used for pilot studies or when exploring new research areas.
🔹 Examples:
One-group pretest-posttest design
Static group comparison
📊 Steps in Experimental Research
Identify and define the research problem
Formulate hypotheses
Select variables (Independent and Dependent)
Choose participants and apply randomization
Design the experiment
Implement the intervention
Measure outcomes
Analyze data using statistical tests
Draw conclusions and report findings
🧠 Advantages of Experimental Research
Advantage
Description
🔬 Cause-effect
Establishes strong causal relationships.
🎯 Accuracy
High internal validity due to controlled conditions.
🔁 Replicable
Can be repeated and validated.
🧪 Innovation
Supports development of new nursing practices.
⚠️ Limitations of Experimental Research
Limitation
Description
🚫 Ethical Constraints
Some interventions cannot be ethically tested.
💵 Cost
Often expensive and resource-intensive.
🏥 Feasibility
Difficult to implement in natural clinical settings.
❗ Not always generalizable
Controlled settings may not reflect real-life complexities.
🏥 Applications in Nursing Research
Testing a new wound care protocol for effectiveness.
Comparing two different pain management techniques in post-operative patients.
Evaluating the impact of health education programs on diabetic control.
Studying effects of relaxation therapy on anxiety among preoperative patients.
Comparing evidence-based vs. traditional practices in infection control.
🎓 Example in a Nursing Context
Title:Effect of Guided Imagery on Postoperative Pain among Cesarean Section Patients.
Independent Variable: Guided imagery intervention
Dependent Variable: Pain score (measured by Visual Analogue Scale)
Design: Randomized controlled trial with pretest-posttest
🧠 Research Approaches and Designs: Qualitative Research Design
🔍 Definition of Qualitative Research
Qualitative research is a systematic, subjective, and exploratory approach used to understand human experiences, behaviors, emotions, and interactions in depth. It focuses on the meaning and interpretation of phenomena in natural settings.
In nursing research, it is especially valuable for exploring patients’ perceptions, nurses’ experiences, cultural influences on health, and human responses to illness.
🎯 Purpose of Qualitative Research
To explore and understand lived experiences.
To generate new theories or concepts.
To examine meaning, beliefs, and attitudes.
To study behaviors and interactions in real-life contexts.
To improve holistic nursing care by integrating patient perspectives.
🧩 Key Characteristics of Qualitative Research
Feature
Description
🌍 Naturalistic
Conducted in real-world settings, not in laboratories.
📖 Descriptive
Produces rich, detailed narratives.
🗣️ Subjective
Emphasizes participants’ views and interpretations.
🔁 Emergent
Flexible and evolving design as study progresses.
👥 Small Sample Size
Purposive or theoretical sampling, not random.
📊 Non-numerical Data
Data in the form of words, images, or observations, not numbers.
🧪 Types of Qualitative Research Designs
1. Phenomenological Research
Focus: Lived experiences of individuals.
Purpose: Understand how people make sense of their experiences.
Example: Exploring the experience of mothers caring for children with cancer.
2. Grounded Theory
Focus: Developing a theory grounded in data.
Purpose: Explain processes or actions from participant perspectives.
Example: Developing a theory of coping among ICU nurses.
3. Ethnographic Research
Focus: Study of cultures and communities.
Purpose: Understand behaviors and beliefs within a cultural context.
Example: Exploring childbirth practices among tribal women in India.
4. Case Study
Focus: In-depth study of a single case or small group.
Purpose: Explore complex issues in real-life context.
Example: Studying rehabilitation experiences of a spinal cord injury patient.
5. Narrative Inquiry
Focus: Personal stories or life histories.
Purpose: Understand events through storytelling.
Example: Collecting narratives from nurses who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic.
📝 Data Collection Methods in Qualitative Research
Method
Description
👥 In-depth Interviews
One-on-one conversations for deep understanding.
🗨️ Focus Group Discussions
Group interviews to gather diverse views.
👁️ Observations
Watching and recording behaviors in natural settings.
📁 Document Analysis
Reviewing journals, policies, patient notes, etc.
🧪 Data Analysis in Qualitative Research
Thematic Analysis: Identifying themes or patterns.
Content Analysis: Categorizing verbal or written data.
Coding: Labeling segments of data for interpretation.
Triangulation: Using multiple data sources or researchers to enhance trustworthiness.
📊 Trustworthiness in Qualitative Research
Component
Meaning
Credibility
Confidence in truth of the data.
Dependability
Consistency and reliability of findings.
Confirmability
Objectivity and neutrality of data.
Transferability
Applicability to other contexts.
💡 Advantages of Qualitative Research
Provides rich and detailed insights.
Useful for complex, sensitive, or emotional issues.
Encourages patient-centered care.
Generates new theories and frameworks.
⚠️ Limitations of Qualitative Research
Limitation
Description
📊 Not Generalizable
Small, non-random samples limit generalization.
🕰️ Time-consuming
Requires extensive data collection and analysis.
🤔 Subjectivity
Interpretation can be biased if not carefully managed.
💵 Costly
Often requires skilled researchers and transcription services.
🏥 Applications in Nursing Research
Understanding patients’ experiences of chronic illness.
Exploring nurses’ perceptions of job stress or burnout.
Studying communication patterns between nurses and patients.
Examining cultural beliefs affecting health behavior.
🎓 Example Topic in Nursing
Title:“Lived Experiences of Women Undergoing Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer”
Design: Phenomenological
Data Collection: In-depth interviews
Analysis: Thematic analysis
Outcome: Themes of fear, support, and resilience identified.
📊 Research Approaches and Designs: Quantitative Research Designs
🔍 Definition of Quantitative Research
Quantitative research is a systematic and objective approach to investigate phenomena using numerical data, statistical analysis, and structured tools to test hypotheses and examine relationships between variables.
It is widely used in nursing research to assess outcomes, measure patient satisfaction, test interventions, and make evidence-based decisions.
🎯 Purpose of Quantitative Research
To quantify data and generalize results from a sample to a larger population.
To test hypotheses using statistical methods.
To measure frequency, trends, and relationships.
To evaluate the effectiveness of interventions or treatments.
To identify predictors and risk factors in health and illness.
📌 Key Characteristics of Quantitative Research
Feature
Description
📊 Numerical Data
Collected through structured tools (e.g., surveys, scales).
🧪 Objectivity
Researcher remains neutral, avoiding bias.
📈 Statistical Analysis
Data is analyzed using mathematical formulas and software.
🔁 Replicability
Study can be repeated under similar conditions.
🔒 Control
Variables are controlled to maintain accuracy and validity.
🧬 Types of Quantitative Research Designs
Quantitative designs are mainly categorized into:
✅ 1. Descriptive Design
Purpose: To describe characteristics, behaviors, or conditions of a population.
No manipulation or intervention.
Example: A survey describing the dietary habits of diabetic patients.
🔹 Subtypes:
Simple descriptive
Comparative descriptive
Correlational descriptive
✅ 2. Correlational Design
Purpose: To examine relationships between two or more variables.
Does not imply causation.
Example: Relationship between sleep duration and stress levels among nurses.
🔹 Subtypes:
Positive correlation
Negative correlation
Zero correlation
✅ 3. Experimental Design (True Experimental)
Purpose: To test cause-and-effect relationships.
Involves manipulation, control group, and randomization.
Example: Randomized controlled trial to assess effectiveness of a pain management intervention.
🔹 Common Designs:
Pretest-posttest control group
Posttest-only control group
Solomon four-group design
✅ 4. Quasi-Experimental Design
Manipulation present, but no random assignment.
Often used in real-world settings where true experimental design is not feasible.
Example: Study assessing impact of hand hygiene training on infection rates without random group assignment.
🔹 Common Designs:
Non-equivalent control group design
Time-series design
✅ 5. Cross-Sectional Design
Data collected at a single point in time.
Often used for surveys and prevalence studies.
Example: A survey on nurses’ knowledge about COVID-19.
✅ 6. Longitudinal Design
Data collected over a long period from the same subjects.
Helps detect changes or developments.
Example: Studying progression of pressure ulcers in bedridden patients over 6 months.
Clear presentation through graphs, charts, and numbers.
⚠️ Limitations of Quantitative Research
Limitation
Explanation
🚫 Lacks Depth
Cannot capture personal experiences in depth.
📚 Rigid Tools
Structured tools may miss context or nuances.
🏥 Not always feasible
True experimental designs are hard to conduct in clinical settings.
😶 Human Factors Ignored
May ignore emotions, culture, or meaning of behaviors.
🏥 Applications in Nursing Research
Measuring patient satisfaction after care.
Evaluating efficacy of nursing interventions (e.g., wound dressing techniques).
Monitoring vital signs and lab values over time.
Studying relationships between stress and absenteeism among nurses.
Conducting clinical trials for drug or treatment effectiveness.
🎓 Example in Nursing Context
Title:Effectiveness of Guided Relaxation on Anxiety among Preoperative Patients.
Design: True Experimental Design
Independent Variable: Guided Relaxation
Dependent Variable: Anxiety Level (measured by scale)
Outcome: Determine whether the intervention significantly reduces anxiety
Here is a comprehensive and refined overview of all major research designs in nursing and health sciences with clear definitions, classification, and practical examples:
📚 All Research Designs in Nursing Research (with Examples)
Research designs provide a structured plan for conducting research. They are broadly classified into Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed-Methods Designs.
🔷 A. Quantitative Research Designs
Quantitative designs involve numerical data, statistical analysis, and structured tools.
1. Descriptive Design
Purpose: To describe characteristics or conditions without manipulation.
Example: A study describing the prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls in rural areas.
2. Correlational Design
Purpose: To explore relationships between variables without implying causation.
Example: Investigating the relationship between nurse workload and patient satisfaction.
3. Experimental Design (True Experimental)
Purpose: To establish cause-and-effect relationships through manipulation, control, and randomization.
Example: A randomized controlled trial testing the effect of music therapy on reducing post-operative pain.
4. Quasi-Experimental Design
Purpose: Like experimental design, but lacks randomization or control group.
Example: Evaluating the impact of handwashing education on infection rates in two hospital wards (without randomization).
5. Cross-Sectional Design
Purpose: Data collected at a single point in time to assess current conditions.
Example: A survey assessing knowledge of hypertension among elderly patients in a community.
6. Longitudinal Design
Purpose: Data collected over a long period to assess changes or developments.
Example: Studying weight gain trends in diabetic patients over a 12-month period.
7. Retrospective (Ex Post Facto) Design
Purpose: Investigates existing records to determine past causes or relationships.
Example: Analyzing past medical records to identify risk factors for pressure ulcers.
8. Prospective Design
Purpose: Follows subjects into the future to observe outcomes.
Example: Tracking pregnant women to observe the outcome of prenatal care on delivery complications.
🔷 B. Qualitative Research Designs
Qualitative designs aim to understand human experiences, emotions, and social interactions.
1. Phenomenological Design
Purpose: To explore the lived experiences of individuals.
Example: Exploring the experience of patients living with cancer.
2. Grounded Theory Design
Purpose: To generate theory based on data collected from participants.
Example: Developing a theory on how nurses cope with occupational stress in ICU settings.
3. Ethnographic Design
Purpose: To study cultures or communities in their natural settings.
Example: Exploring traditional childbirth practices among tribal women.
4. Case Study Design
Purpose: In-depth exploration of a single individual, event, or group.
Example: A case study on a child with a rare genetic disorder and their family’s coping strategies.
5. Narrative Research Design
Purpose: To explore life through personal stories or biographies.
Example: Collecting stories of nurses who worked during COVID-19 pandemic.
🔷 C. Mixed Methods Research Design
🔁 Definition:
Combines both quantitative and qualitative methods in a single study to strengthen results.
Types of Mixed Methods Designs:
Convergent Parallel Design
Collect both data types simultaneously, then compare and relate them.
Example: Surveying patients (quantitative) and interviewing them (qualitative) to evaluate a new discharge plan.
Explanatory Sequential Design
Quantitative data collected first, followed by qualitative to explain findings.
Example: Measuring stress levels statistically, then conducting interviews to explore why stress levels were high.
Exploratory Sequential Design
Qualitative data collected first, then quantitative.
Example: Interviewing nurses to identify challenges, then designing a survey based on interview themes.
🔷 D. Other Special Designs
1. Action Research
Purpose: Focused on solving a local problem while involving participants in the process.
Example: Nurses and faculty collaborate to improve medication error reporting in a hospital.
2. Survey Research Design
Purpose: Collects information from large samples using questionnaires or interviews.
Example: A survey on public awareness of tuberculosis.
3. Historical Research Design
Purpose: Studies past events to understand their influence on the present.
Example: Reviewing the history of nursing education in India.