Chapter 3 The Research Process

1. Chapter 3The Research Process © Nursing Research: An Introduction by Pam Moule and Margaret Goodman (2009, SAGE)

2. Learning outcomes • To understand the stages of the research process. • To appreciate that the stages are not always applied in all research in a uniform way.

3. Stages of the research process (1) • Developing research questions: research questions are often derived from nursing practice; they are addressed in the research. • Literature searching: identifying the existing literature in the field of study.

4. The stages of the research process (2) • Literature reviewing: can be guided by a critical review framework. • Choosing a research design: there are a range of research designs available to use from qualitative and quantitative approaches.

5. The stages of the research process (3) • Ethical considerations: should be considered prior to undertaking sampling and data collection; Research Governance frameworks should be used. • Sampling: data is collected from a sample, drawn from a population that the researcher is interested in.

6. The stages of the research process (4) • Data collection: each research design can employ a number of data collection techniques or methods such as interviews and questionnaires. • Data analysis: raw data is often textual or numerical; it is processed and presented according to the type.

7. The stages of the research process (5) • Interpretation and implications of the research: the researcher draws implications for practice from the research. • Using research in practice: there can be barriers to research implementation; the provision of research reports, journal papers and conference presentationcan help dissemination.

8. Application of the research process (1) • The process, though presented in a linear framework, is not necessary implemented in this way. • Researchers can be engaged in moving backwards and forwards between the stages, often being involved in them consecutively rather than sequentially.

9. Application of the research process (2) • An understanding of the research process is needed to identify published research, with knowledge of the processes involved in each stage being required to support critical appraisal and evaluation of research papers.