Assignment: Critiquing Quantitative, Qualitative, or Mixed Methods Studies

Critiquing the validity and robustness of research featured in journal articles provides a critical foundation for engaging in evidence-based practice. In Weeks 5 and 6, you explored quantitative research designs. In Week 7, you will examine qualitative and mixed methods research designs. For this Assignment, you will critique a quantitative and either a qualitative or a mixed methods research study and compare the types of information obtained in each.

To prepare:

· Select a health topic of interest to you that is relevant to your current area of practice- (Pediatric Nursing). The topic may be your Course Portfolio Project or a different topic of your choice.

· Using the Walden Library, locate two articles in scholarly journals that deal with your portfolio topic: 1) Select one article that utilizes a quantitative research design and 2) select a second article that utilizes either a qualitative OR a mixed methods design. These need to be single studies not systematic or integrative reviews (including meta-analysis and metasynthesis). You may use research articles from your reference list. If you cannot find these two types of research on your portfolio topic, you may choose another topic.

· Locate the following documents in this week’s Learning Resources to access the appropriate templates, which will guide your critique of each article:

• Critique Template for a      Qualitative Study
• Critique Template for a      Quantitative Study
• Critique Template for a      Mixed-Methods Study

· Consider the fields in the templates as you review the information in each article. Begin to draft a paper in which you analyze the two research approaches as indicated below. Reflect on the overall value of both quantitative and qualitative research. If someone were to say to you, “Qualitative research is not real science,” how would you respond?

To complete this Assignment:

· Complete the two critiques using the appropriate templates.

· Write a 2- to 3-page paper that addresses the following:

· Contrast the types of information that you gained from examining the two different research approaches in the articles that you selected.

• Describe the general advantages      and disadvantages of the two research approaches featured in the articles.      Use examples from the articles for support.
• Formulate a response to the      claim that qualitative research is not real science. Highlight the general      insights that both quantitative and qualitative studies can provide to      researchers. Support your response with references to the Learning      Resources and other credible sources.

· As you complete this Assignment, remember to:

· Submit your paper to Grammarly and SafeAssign through the Walden Writing Center. Based on the Grammarly and SafeAssign reports, revise your paper as necessary.

· Reminder: The School of Nursing requires that all papers submitted include a title page, introduction, summary, and references. The School of Nursing Sample Paper provided at the Walden Writing Center provides an example of those required elements (available from the Walden University website found in this week’s Learning Resources). All papers submitted must use this formatting.

· Combine all three parts of this assignment into one Word document including both critique templates and the narrative with your references. Submit this combined document.

Required Readings

Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2017). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (10th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.

• Chapter 10, “Rigor and      Validity in Quantitative Research”

This chapter introduces the concept of validity in research and describes the different types of validity that must be addressed. Key threats to validity are also explored.

• Chapter 11, “Specific Types      of Quantitative Research”

This chapter focuses on the specific types of quantitative research that can be selected. The focus is on the purpose of the research rather than the research design. These include such approaches as clinical trials, evaluation research, health services and outcomes research, needs assessments, or replication studies.

Cantrell, M. A. (2011). Demystifying the research process: Understanding a descriptive comparative research design. Pediatric Nursing, 37(4), 188–189.

Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

The author of this article discusses the primary aspects of a prominent quantitative research design. The article examines the advantages and disadvantages of the design.

Schultz, L. E., Rivers, K. O., & Ratusnik, D. L. (2008). The role of external validity in evidence-based practice for rehabilitation. Rehabilitation Psychology, 53(3), 294–302.

Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

This article details the results of a study that sought to balance concern for rigor with concern for relevance. The authors of the article derive and determine a rating format for relevance and apply it to cognitive rehabilitation.

Walden University. (n.d.a.). Paper templates. Retrieved July 23, 2012, from http://writingcenter.waldenu.edu/57.htm

This resource provides you access to the School of Nursing Sample Paper, which will serve as a template for formatting your papers.

Document: Critique Template for a Qualitative Study (Word document) ATTACHED

Note: You will use this document to complete this week’s Assignment.

Document: Critique Template for a Quantitative Study (Word document) ATTACHED

Note: You will use this document to complete this week’s Assignment.

Document: Critique Template for a Mixed-Methods Study (Word document) ATTACHED

Note: You will use this document to complete this week’s Assignment.

NURS6351 Discussion Response #3: Addressing the Needs of Underperforming Learners

 

 

Respond to the discussion #3 below using the following approaches:

1.      Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional background information or research.

2.      Propose means/resources an educator could utilize to address the situation/issues.

 

 

Learner Challenge

            I currently teach a first quarter fundamentals nursing course. This is the introductory course to nursing basics. The student population can be very diverse. Many students have not been in school for many years and are not sure how to study and prepare for exams. Each week I use a formative evaluation to assess student learning. Formative evaluation involves assessment throughout the course, such as weekly exams (Laureate, 2013e). The goal of formative assessment is to monitor student learning and provide the instructor with feedback to improve learning as well as teaching (Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence, 2015). Formative assessment can help students identify their strengths and weaknesses and areas for improvement. Formative assessment can also help faculty to recognize those students who are struggling and problems can then be addressed early on (Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence, 2015). By offering weekly exams I am able to clearly identify those students who are struggling.

Strategies

            When a student fails an exam I think it is important to meet with that student immediately to find out why they struggled. There are several factors that can lead to student performing poorly. These factors include poor study skills and possible personal problems (Cleland, Ross & Lee, 2010). Many students may not recognize their own struggles and fail to seek support (Cleland et. al., 2010). This is why it is important for educators to intervene early. We need to be alert to these cues and clues so that we can offer the appropriate resources for the students (Laureate, 2013e).

            Cleland, Ross and Lee (2010) suggest the remediation process for students who are struggling. Remediation is the process of correcting a deficiency. The process involves diagnosis, remedial activities, and retesting (Cleland et. al., 2010). One we have addressed the student and diagnosed the problem we then offer a remedial activity to assist the student. In order to see if the process has worked we retest and evaluate the strategy.

            Does remediation work? I have found it to be very successful. When my students fail the first test I make them meet with me to discuss why. Many times it is lack of preparation or poor study skills. We discuss the resources available to them. I usually send them to the learning assistance center for help with study skills and test taking strategies. I then look at their performance on the following weekly exams. I have found that by the next test they have improved. If they continue to seek assistance by the time the midterm and final exam come around I see great success. Midway through the quarter and at the end of the quarter I use summative evaluation in the form of midterm and final exam. I usually see great success if the student has used the resources. The summative evaluation evaluates the student at the end of the quarter and helps me to assess whether or not they are ready to move on (Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence, 2015).

 

Conclusion

            Nursing school is not easy by any means, and students are going to struggle. As educators, it is important that we identify and address those students early on, so we can provide resources and strategies to help them be successful.

References:

Cleland, J., Mackenzie, R. K., Ross, S., Sinclair, H. K., & Lee, A. J. (2010). A remedial

intervention linked to a formative assessment is effective in terms of improving student

performance in subsequent degree examinations. Medical Teacher, 32(4), e185-e190.

doi:10.3109/01421591003657485

Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence. (2015). Whys and hows of assessment. Retrieved from

https://www.cmu.edu/teaching/assessment/basics/formative-summative.html

Laureate Education (Producer). (2013e). Identifying and managing learner performance [Video

file]. Retrieved from MyMedia Player. (NURS 6351)

 

 

 

Reminders:

1.    1 page only

1.    Put APA format citations

2.    At least 3 references (APA format)… Articles must be 2011 to 2016.

 

Required Readings

 

Palmer, P. J. (2007). The courage to teach: Exploring the inner landscape of a teacher’s life. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

• Chapter IV, “Knowing in Community: Joined by the Grace of Great Things” (pp. 91–116)

 

This chapter focuses on the cultivation of community in education.

Adeniran, R. K., & Smith-Glasgow, M. (2010). Creating and promoting a positive learning environment among culturally diverse nurses and students.Creative Nursing, 16(2), 53–58.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

 

This article describes strategies for addressing learning needs in culturally diverse nursing education settings.

Bednarz, H., Schim, S., & Doorenbos, A. (2010). Cultural diversity in nursing education: Perils, pitfalls, and pearls. Journal of Nursing Education, 49(5), 253–260. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

 

The authors examine how increasing diversity creates a complex educational environment, which can lead to difficulties for students and teachers. They also explain the need for strategies to address these issues and promote effective educational experiences for a diverse student body.

Davis, S., & Davis, D. (2010). Challenges and issues facing the future of nursing education: Implications for ethnic minority faculty and students.Journal of Cultural Diversity, 17(4), 122–126.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

 

The authors examine the recruitment and retention of faculty and students from ethnically underrepresented groups in nursing education programs. They focus specifically on the imperative to cultivate a technologically savvy workforce that can compete in the global economy.

Duke, J., Connor, M., & McEldowney, R. (2009). Becoming a culturally competent health practitioner in the delivery of culturally safe care: A process oriented approach. Journal of Cultural Diversity, 16(2), 40–49.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

 

This article examines the development of cultural competence, referencing Benner’s novice-to-expert continuum, to promote health outcomes of marginalized cultural groups.

Carr, S., & DeKemel-Ichikawa, K. (2012). Improving communication through accent modification: Growing the nursing workforce. Journal of Cultural Diversity, 19(3), 79–84.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

 

As the authors note, the presence of accents and dialects among nursing students can lead to communication barriers that can adversely impact student performance and patient safety. This article examines the effectiveness of a pilot program enacted to address this issue.

Revell, S., & McCurry, M. (2010). Engaging millennial learners: Effectiveness of personal response system technology with nursing students in small and large classrooms. Journal of Nursing Education, 49(5), 272–275.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

 

The authors describe the use of technology to engage students, drawing from knowledge of learning preferences for different age groups.

Oldenburg, N., & Hung, W. (2010). Problem solving strategies used by RN-to-BSN students in an online problem-based learning course. Journal of Nursing Education, 49(4), 219–222.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

 

This article examines problem-based learning within an online context to promote nursing students’ development of essential skills.

Ierardi, J., Fitzgerald, D., & Holland, D. (2010). Exploring male students’ educational experiences in an associate degree nursing program. Journal of Nursing Education, 49(4), 215–218.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

 

The authors examine the effects of gender on nursing students’ experiences.

 

Article is attached 

This is an academic, professionally written exercise consisting of a minimum of 3 to 4 paragraphs in length. 

Each paragraph to contain of a minimum of 4 to 5 sentences.

To consist of 750 to 1000 words. (No Less no more.)

No other reference, can only use article, 0 plagiarism   

Example: INTRODUCTION: First review and summarize the journal article. Describe what the article is about. Present a clear, non-biased understanding of the article’s topic. Mention the article name and source. What makes the article important? “The main topic of this journal article is ….” 

MAIN BODY: Critically review the article. Analyze the evidence. Was the research presented in the article objective or bias? Describe the article’s strength and weakness. Highlight the positive or negative points. “This article presents the material (well / not well) because …

” Do not give your opinion on the article’s topic, we are not experts. Why should or should not the article be recommend reading? Was the article successful or a failure in relaying information based on the topic?  “I (recommend/ don’t recommend) reading this article because…” 

CONCLUSION: Conclude with what you learned from analyzing the article. What knowledge was gained from reading this article? What do the results cited in the article indicate? Do not present new or additional information in the conclusion, stay focused on the article topic at hand. “After reading and analyzing this article I learned that …. “ 

Scenario: Family
An 83, year old woman is recovering from pneumonia. She has Alzheimer’s disease and has become increasingly hostile and unmanageable in the home setting. Her 65, year old daughter is distraught about the idea of placing her mother in a long term care facility but feels she is not able to care for her.

Directions:
• The original post must be at least 200 – 300 words in length
• What is your role in this situation?
• How might you help the daughter with her decision?
• What information would you give the daughter?