“As qualitative research methods achieve ever-wider currency… we need to apply a critical and reflexive gaze. We cannot afford to let qualitative research become a set of taken for granted precepts and procedures. Equally, we should not be so seduced by our collective success or radical chic of new strategies of social research as to neglect the need for methodological rigour” (Holloway & Galvin, 2016).
Qualitative research aims to develop an understanding or interpretation of groups, cultures, or individuals. This research relies on connections and relationships to explore complex emotions and actions of participants, and as such, this type of research can be conducted using a variety of approaches. However, the validity of the research relies on the approach selected to collect the data.
Not all approaches or research designs will be effective for all issues and problems, and it is up to the researcher to analyze and evaluate what research design is determined as the best approach. As a DNP-prepared nurse, you may have the opportunity to conduct qualitative research, and it will be important to understand which approaches work best and why.
This week, you will explore differences in methods when conducting qualitative research. You will consider strengths and weaknesses of the approaches and provide recommendations for improvement. In your Discussion, you will select a topic and analyze how qualitative research can and should be used to explore the problem or issue. You will also submit your Article Critique Assignment.
Reference: Holloway, I., & Galvin, K. (2016). Qualitative research in nursing and healthcare. ProQuest Ebook Central. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com
Learning Objectives
Students will:
Analyze strengths and weaknesses of research studies
Analyze impact of research studies on nursing practice
Recommend changes to study designs and methodologies to support research studies
Evaluate qualitative research approaches related to topics or issues in nursing practice
Justify qualitative research approaches to address topics or issues in nursing practice
Analyze how qualitative research approaches support nursing practice improvement
Analyze the DNP-prepared nurse’s role on using qualitative research approaches for nursing practice
