Sampling methods and sizes are different for quantitative and qualitative research. In quantitative research, sampling methods include simple random sampling, stratified random sampling which occurs when the researcher knows some variables in the population that are critical for the study, cluster sampling uses natural groups that have similar characteristics, systematic sampling which can only happen when an ordered list of all members of a population is available, convenience sampling when people are in the right place at the right time, and quota sampling when the groups are preidentified by the researchers. Sample sizes tend to be bigger in quantitative research. Quantitative research is seen as more vigorous if there is a large sample size. Researchers with good understanding of parameters into sample size such as significance level, power, effect size, standard deviation and event rate, are able to calculate an informed sample size estimation and to report more clearly the rationale for applying any particular parameter value in sample size determination (Malone, 2016). 

Qualtitative research sample sizes are usually smaller. Evidence indicates that sample size is matter of contention and practical guide to issues demanding consideration (Pepin 2018). Methods include purposive sampling where the researcher selects certain participants for a reason, network sampling locates samples that would otherwise be difficult to locate, and theoretical sampling where the researcher gathers relevant data for theory generation. 

My quantitative research question is: Among Registered Nurses, is job retention lower when workplace incivility is present in the workplace as opposed to when it is now present over the course of one year? I would try to use a large sample size in this case. Maybe I would choose a hospital and send surverys to nurses who quit in less than a year of working to find out if their reason for quitting was due to bullying. This is probably cluster sampling. 

My qualitative question is: Among registered nurses, is patient satisfaction lower when bullying and incivility is present in the workplace as opposed to when it is not present? I would use a smaller sample size in this situation. I would probably choose one unit that is known to have bullying, and interview patients over a set period of time. This would be purposeful sampling. 

References

Malone, H. E., Nicholl, H. (2016). Fundamentals of estimating sample size. Nurse researcher, 23(5), 21-25. 

Pepin, G. (2018). Reporting rigorous qualitative results: moving beyong small sample sizes. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 65(2), 77-78. 

The case scenario provided will be used to answer the discussion questions that follow.

Case Scenario

Mr. C., a 32-year-old single man, is seeking information at the outpatient center regarding possible bariatric surgery for his obesity. He reports that he has always been heavy, even as a small child, but he has gained about 100 pounds in the last 2–3 years. Previous medical evaluations have not indicated any metabolic diseases, but he says he has sleep apnea and high blood pressure, which he tries to control with sodium restriction. He current works at a catalog telephone center.

Objective Data

1. Height: 68 inches; Weight 134.5 kg
2. BP: 172/96, HR 88, RR 26
3. Fasting Blood Glucose: 146/mg/dL
4. Total Cholesterol: 250mg/dL
5. Triglycerides: 312 mg/dL
6. HDL: 30 mg/dL

Critical Thinking Questions

What health risks associated with obesity does Mr. C. have? Is bariatric surgery an appropriate intervention? Why or why not?

Mr. C. has been diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease and the following medications have been ordered:

1. Magnesium hydroxide/aluminum hydroxide (Mylanta) 15 mL PO 1 hour before bedtime and 3 hours after mealtime and at bedtime.
2. Ranitidine (Zantac) 300 mg PO at bedtime.
3. Sucralfate/Carafate 1 g or 10ml suspension (500mg / 5mL) 1 hour before meals and at bedtime.

The patient reports eating meals at 7 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m., and a bedtime snack at 10 p.m. Plan an administration schedule that will be most therapeutic and acceptable to the patient.

1. Assess each of Mr. C.’s functional health patterns using the information given. (Hint: Functional health patterns include health-perception – health management, nutritional – metabolic, elimination, activity-exercise, sleep-rest, cognitive-perceptual, self-perception – self-concept, role-relationship, sexuality – reproductive, coping – stress tolerance.)
2. What actual or potential problems can you identify? Describe at least five problems and provide the rationale for each.

What are your thoughts?

 A medical practice problem would be to evaluate the disease-causing organisms in a patient. During research, it is important to formulate an important clinical question to guide effective decision making during a research process. As a result, Riva, Malik, Burnie, Endicott and Busse (2012) indicate that researchers have to focus on a nursing practice problem clearly stating the various components of the PICOT. An effective PICOT questions helps the researcher to effectively acquire information that will help in realizing research goals and objectives.

 

Consider performing a health history on someone that may not be able to provide you with answers, such as an infant, child, an elderly person, a developmentally disabled individual, or patients who speak a language you do not know.

• What strategies would you employ to obtain a complete the health history?
• Provide a rationale for why you think these strategies would be effective.