Characteristics and Purpose of Nursing Research
February 4, 2010 | In: Nursing Research
Characteristics of Nursing Research
- It involves the gathering of new and existing data from new sources or first-hand information.
- It is directed toward the solution of the problem.
- It is analytical. It is characterized by carefully designed procedures in collecting data and rigorous analysis in interpreting them.
- It emphasizes the development of generalizations, principles, and theories that may be helpful in predicting future occurrence.
- It requires expertise. The researcher must be adequately prepared to undertake such behavior.
- It is empirical. It is based on direct experience and demands accurate observation and description of what is being studied.
- It strives to be logical, applying every possible test to validate the procedures being employed so that the researcher has confidence in the results.
- It is honest and characterized by patient and unhurried activities.
- It can be replicated to enable the researcher to achieve valid and comprehensive results.
- It requires innovative approaches.
- It is carefully recorded and reported.
Characteristics of Nurse Researchers
- Intellectual curiosity – The nurse researcher undertake inquiry and serious thinking about situations and problems affecting nurses and nursing.
- Creative thinking – Coupled with the ability to go beyond what already exist and develop various ways of doing things.
- Critical thinking – Clinical expertise and a working knowledge of the scientific problem-solving technique help to a great extent in formalizing the study.
- Ability to relate their study to known theory – Through scholarly thinking and to articulate this in precise and organized manner.
- Patience and discipline to see the study.
- Intellectual honesty – Researchers are honest in collecting, analyzing, and reporting data.
Purpose of Nursing Research
- Provide a scientific basis for the nursing profession.
- Develop and evaluate new techniques for delivering patient care that is vital to patient’s health needs.
- Develop tools for assessing the effectiveness of nursing interventions.
- Provide solutions to problems concerning health maintenance, health delivery and health care.
- Help determine the areas of need relative to nursing practices such as patient-teaching and nurse-patient relationships.
- Develop and evaluate alternative approaches to nursing education that would enable that student to gain broad knowledge and specialized skills for safe practice.
- To prepare oneself to be a diligent practitioner of research.