Lecture Nursing Research
Lecture Nursing Research
Lecture-Nursing-Research
A. Preliminary Parts
The preliminary parts of a research/thesis may include the following:
• Title page
• Approval Sheet (Recommendation for Oral Defense and Acceptance of Paper)
• Abstract
• Acknowledgements
• Table of Contents
• List of Tables
• List of Figures
Chapter I. Introduction
Chapter II. Review of Related Literature and Studies
Chapter III. Methodology
Chapter IV. Results and Discussion
Chapter V. Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION
The writer provides a relevant literature review (not exhaustive) to introduce the reader to
the problem. The background points out the extent by which the research problem has tackled in
various studies.
This section also states the purpose, rationale and approach to solving the problem. A
definition of the variables and a formal statement of the hypotheses are included in an explicit and
clear way.
From a main problem, specific sub-problems can be written in the present tense.
Example: Is there a relationship between the amount of chocolate intake and the blood sugar levels of
adolescent girls?
Hypotheses
This section spells out the particular research hypotheses to be tested or the specific objectives of the
research, It shall be concrete and clear. Each hypothesis or objective shall be stated in terms of
observable behaviors and allows the objective evaluation of results. Hypotheses shall be used when
there is a basis for prediction. They are best stated in clear, concise predictions of expected outcomes
and findings rather than in the null form. There will be a basis for such predicted outcomes and findings
if there is a theoretical underpinning for the study. Krathwohl (1976) asserts that while the null
hypotheses are an important part of the logic of the statistical test, they do not belong to the objective
assertion since it only creates an "amateurish impression". Questions are more appropriate for
exploratory and descriptive researches that seek certain facts. The specificity of the questions shows
how carefully the problem has been thought out.
Rivera & Rivera (2007, p. 48), Identified the following as characteristics of "good" hypothesis:
1.The hypothesis should be expressed in comparative relationship between and among the variables
with valid basis and justifiable explanation of a phenomenon. It may be expressed in terms of cause
and effect.
2.There must be a valid and acceptable conclusion that could be drawn after using the appropriate
statistical tools.
3.It must be formulated based on the specific question raised in the study.
4.It should be testable to prove the relationship of the variables using statistical tools.
Example: There is no significant relationship between the amount of chocolate intake and blood sugar
levels of adolescent girls.
Research Objectives
In this section, explain what your efforts or actions intend to attain or accomplish; your
purpose, goal or target.
Theoretical Framework
The framework presents the rationale for the statement of the problem and the hypothesis
which follow. It also reassures the reader of its reasonableness and soundness through logical or
empirical Justification and performs a focusing and unifying function. In doing the Theoretical
framework, the student must look for a Nursing Theory that you can relate or incorporate to your
study which can be a basis for doing your study.
Conceptual Framework
The research design is analogous to an architect's blueprint. Frameworks are best presented
with graphic forms. Accompanying charts and diagrams, for example, help show end clarify
RELATIONSHIPS between constructs or VARIABLES. Getting the framework in a single diagram forces
the researcher to find the general constructs that hold the discrete phenomena, map relationships,
separate variables that are conceptually or functionally distinct and work with all the information at
once.
The Theoretical framework differs from the conceptual framework in that the former presents
an integrated set of propositions espoused by an individual or group who are recognized members of
the scientific community. Theories however, vary in generality, precision, rigor of prediction and origin
of postulates (empirical vs. rational). The conceptual framework maybe introduced by a discussion of
the theoretical orientation used for the research, in this case a Nursing Theory.
be studying " this" but not "that", and in "this way" but not "that way". It also includes the limitations
as to the kind of results the study will generate. The weaknesses of the study resulting from
deficiencies In the methodology are also explained in this section. It shall also answer the question
"How far can generalizations be made?" You must explain your study’s restrictive weakness, lack of
capacity, inability or handicap.
Format:
This section Is written in the present tense.
This section discusses the theoretical foundations of the problem. The Review of Related
Literature must contain at least 10 studies, half of which support your hypothesis, the other half
contradicts your hypothesis. The goal is to develop the problem conceptually and place it in the
context of previous scientific work. A conceptual integration of previous research is needed. Point out
the themes, links, gaps and inconsistencies in the literature aimed to provide a clearer
conceptualization of the problem. What is important is the quality of the researches reviewed that
will help in the solution to the problem being sought. The length depends on how many relevant
materials are found In the literature. Sources can come from books, monographs, journals, periodical
articles, completed researches including theses and dissertations, government reports and other
unpublished manuscripts. Internet generated databases are also acceptable. It is essential to
remember that your Review of Related Literature must not be a "Cut and Paste". You have to
synthesize the article in your own words and cite the author/s and source of the article/s and utilize
both Foreign and Local Literature and Studies.
Format:
This section is written in the past tense.
3.Settings
4.Measures
5.Procedures
6.Data Analysis
The overview has no heading. The entire section is written in past tense, unless in a proposal,
where it Is written in the future tense. Sections in this chapter follow one after the other, with no page
breaks in between.
Research Design
This chapter begins with an overview of the design used for the study. The research design is
the plan or structure for conducting a study, whether it is experimental, quasi-experimental,
correlational, case-study, exploratory, etc. It summarizes the set of procedures that will be used to
obtain the data to answer the research problem (I.e., how participants were assigned to groups). The
research design answers the following questions:
Participants/Subjects
This section includes the number and relevant characteristics of the respondents, as well as
the sampling plan or design, i.e., the group from which the sampling was drawn, the method of
sampling and the rationale for the sampling method used. The sample should be representative of the
population being studied. The participants shall adequately be described. Take note of gender
description. It is usually recommended that the specific gender be used, i.e. men/women; gay
men/lesbians; boys/girls. It is not advisable to use "he/she". To avoid this, the plural nouns maybe
used, I.e. persons, individuals, participants, etc... "they".
Tables and/or figures maybe used to simplify the presentation of the demographic
characteristics of the participants.
Setting
This section is included only if the setting Is of particular significance or importance; i.e., If a specific
community or organization is being studied. Describe the relevant characteristics of the setting,
especially If this has bearing on the research problem, method and results.
Measures
In this section, the conceptual and operational definition (a description of how variables will be
measured or observed) of each variable are discussed. In an experiment, the measurement of the
dependent variables is described here. If using an instrument, Include the source, number of items
and type of scale, scoring, reliability, validity and appropriateness of the instrument. If constructing
an instrument, include the details of the steps/procedures taken to develop the scale. Make sure that
a pretest Is done for the self-made instrument. Consider the reliability and validity of this too.
Procedure
Pretest (or Pilot Phase)
If applicable, this section contains everything about the pretesting process, including the sample used,
a description of the materials that were pretested, and the actual conduct of the pretest procedures.
Report the relevant results of the pretest and the resulting adjustments or modifications made,
especially in terms of how these affects or determine the final sample, instruments, and procedures
employed in the study.
Actual Procedure
This section contains the process used when conducting the actual study and includes the step-by-
step "recipe" beginning with how the subjects were contacted all the way as to how the data were
collected. In an experiment, this is where the Independent variables are described and manipulated;
how the extraneous variables are controlled. This section shall also contain the ethical procedures
applied In the study, for example, Informed consent, debriefing procedures, and so forth.
Subsections within this section have headings that are italicized and flushed left. Depending on the
complexity of the design and/or procedures, additional subsections may be used (i.e., Apparatus and
Materials, Manipulation of the IV, etc.)
Data Analysis
This section describes the procedures on how the data are to be analyzed, be it quantitative or
qualitative. However, a step-by-step description of the statistical package is not necessary for
commonly used programs.
Format:
In the proposal, begin this section with a heading (bold, centered, upper- and lowercase). In the final
paper, this is integrated in the chapter on Results and has no separate subsection.
Following the background and theoretical/conceptual framework provided in Chapter I, and the
operationalizations and procedures from Chapter III, Chapter IV presents the results of the study. Data
are analyzed. Avoid tangential analyses, even if significant (If necessary, place in a separate subsection
on supplemental analyses). Conclusions or claims shall be supported with relevant quantitative
(statistics) or qualitative data. As a general rule, for quantitative data, descriptive (i.e., M, SD) and
inferential statistics (i.e., t, F, r) are reported, including other relevant Information for evaluating
effects (i.e., p, df). Reserve discussion of implications and explanations of the results in the Discussion
section.
Results may be organized according to the research question and hypothesis, or according to the
variable. Subsections and subheadings shall be used when necessary. Use tables and figures to clearly
present results and statistical data.
Format: This section Is generally written in the past tense except when referring to a table or figure
within the text (for example, "Table 1 shows that,.").
Discussion
This is where results are interpreted, evaluated, and placed In context. What do these results
mean? Discuss why the proposed hypotheses were or were not supported. Place findings in context
by discussing how the results relate to previous findings/research. How do the results In this study
differ, compare or contrast from the results of other researchers. What do they contribute to the
research area?
Discuss the limitations of your study, and note internal and external validity issues in relation
to the topic, design, participants, tools, and other problems encountered in the conduct of the
research. This section may be integrated in the general discussion or placed in a separate section
(depending on the nature of your study). In the latter case, begin the section with a heading (i.e.,
Limitations), bold, centered, and in upper- and lowercase.
Implications
This section discusses the key ideas that the reader can draw from the study that may be applied to
similar areas of concern. Comment on future directions in this area, including implications on how the
work can be extended or Improved for both research and practice. This answers the question "What
are the implications of the findings of this study to theory, research, and application or practice?"
This chapter summarizes the most Important findings and the Implications and conclusions
that can be derived from them In a concise manner. Note that it is not meant to be a repetition of the
Discussion chapter. It contains the "take-home" message, such that a reader would have an essential
grasp of what you did and what you found. Such a chapter is particularly important for lengthy and
complex manuscripts.
The wording of the summary and the abstract should not be the same. The summary is longer
than the abstract. The conclusion provides the "So What?" of the findings. The hypotheses are often
restated as inferences with some degree of definitive commitment and generalizability. The
recommendations are practical suggestions for the implementation of the findings or for further
research.
Format: This chapter Is written in the past tense. Use subsections and subheadings as necessary for
clarity and organization.
REFERENCES
This section lists all references cited in the thesis in alphabetical order (i.e. first letter of first
author's surname or first letter of title of article if without author). Abstracts shall be cited as such.
Electronic references (i.e. internet sources) must also be formally cited. The heading REFERENCES shall
be bold, all CAPS, and centered on top of the first page of this section. References follow a hanging
indent format. Single-space within entries but double space between entries.
Only six authors shall be cited in the reference list. The others will be noted as "et al."
APA (American Psychological Association) is most commonly used to cite sources within the
social sciences. You may download our guide on the proper usage of APA citations here.
If the site asks you for a password type "nres" all small letters, no caps and without the " "
You may need Adobe Acrobat Reader as this is in PDF format. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat
Reader, download it here and install it on your computer.
APPENDICES
In this section, supplementary material at the end of your thesis is attached, it can usually be
an explanatory, statistical, some form of evidence or on that is bibliographic in nature.
It will include your Letter addressed to the Dean seeking permission to conduct a study in a
certain area. A sample of such letter can be found below:
Additionally, you should also show evidence that you have sent a Letter to the Leader or Official whose
area you would prefer to conduct your study. This could be the head of a school, local government,
barangay, etc. A sample of such letter can be found below:
Reference:
https://nursingreviewers.forumotion.net/t154-parts-of-the-nursing-research-paper
There should only be 5 paragraphs to be done when crafting your research introduction
1. Immediate need to conduct the study
• Cite the problems that compels you to conduct a research
Reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhDWSMcpg4U