NR 439 Week 4 Discussion: Designs

Grace J.
August 11, 2025August 11, 2025
CU BSN, NR-439

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-439: RN Evidence-Based Practice

Prof. Name

Date

Week 4: Designs — A Plan to Study for the Truth (graded)

This week’s graded topics address the following Course Outcomes (COs):

CO 2: Apply research principles to interpret the content of published research studies. (POs 4 & 8)
CO 4: Evaluate published nursing research for credibility and significance in evidence-based practice. (POs 4 & 8)

In Week 4, we explored how different research designs guide the objective investigation of nursing-related issues. Selecting the correct type of research and design is critical, as it ensures the study’s purpose and objectives are addressed effectively. The readings and lessons emphasized the importance of aligning the research method with the intended outcomes, whether the goal is to measure numerical changes or to understand lived experiences.

Reflect on your learning about Quantitative and Qualitative research; share two ways that helped you understand how they are different.

Through this week’s content, I gained a deeper appreciation of the fundamental distinctions between quantitative and qualitative research:

Aspect	Quantitative Research	Qualitative Research
Primary Focus	Numerical measurement and statistical analysis of data	Exploration of experiences, meanings, and perspectives
Nature of Data	Objective, measurable, and free from personal bias	Subjective, interpretive, and incorporates researcher’s perspective
Researcher-Participant Relationship	Minimal interaction; emphasis on detachment to avoid bias	Close interaction; relationship-building is part of the process

Two specific ways that helped me understand their differences were:

Type of Outcomes: Quantitative studies produce measurable, numerical results (e.g., reduction in infection rates), while qualitative studies generate descriptive narratives that explain human experiences.
Role of Bias: In quantitative research, personal bias is minimized, whereas in qualitative research, the researcher’s insights and interpretations are integral to the study process (Houser, 2018).

Choose one category of study design that you found interesting and describe; include how you believe it can help study nursing problems.

One research design I found particularly engaging is quasi-experimental research. This approach involves the implementation of interventions without full randomization, allowing for practical application in real-world settings. It bridges the gap between purely observational research and fully randomized controlled trials, making it highly adaptable for nursing studies.

In nursing practice, this design can be used to test innovative care strategies directly with patients. For example, before defaulting to pharmacological interventions for pain, alternative therapies such as music therapy, art therapy, hot/cold compresses, or therapeutic massage could be trialed. This approach not only allows nurses to measure the effectiveness of non-pharmacologic methods but also promotes holistic patient care.

Refer back to your article you located for your Week 3 Assignment and answer the following:

Locate and describe the type of research and the study design.

For my Week 3 assignment, I reviewed an article that employed a prospective cohort study. In this design, participants are identified and followed over a specified time period to observe outcomes. The researchers included a control group for comparison, ensuring measurable, unbiased results.

Explain how the design supported the purpose/intent of the study.

The study aimed to investigate the effect of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) baths or wipes before surgery on reducing surgical site infections (SSIs). This design was effective because it allowed researchers to collect data in real time, ensuring accuracy and minimizing recall bias. The use of a control group strengthened the study’s ability to identify statistically significant differences between intervention and non-intervention groups.

The findings, as reported by Graling and Vasaly (2013), demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in infection rates among patients who received a 2% CHG cloth bath pre-operatively. This aligns directly with my PICOT question: