In today’s world , nurses must become lifelong
learners, capable of reflecting on, evaluating and
modifying their clinical practice based on new
knowledge and nurses are increasingly expected
to become producers of new knowledge through
nursing research.
“Research is a systematic inquiry that uses
disciplined methods to answer questions or solve
problems. The ultimate goal of research is to
develop, refine and expand a body of
knowledge”.
POLIT,2006
“Research may be defined as the systematic and
objective analysis and recording of controlled
observation that may lead to the development of
generalization, principles, theories, resulting in
prediction and possible ultimate control of events”.
J.W. BEST
“Research is a careful enquiry or
examination in seeking facts or principles, a diligent
investigation to ascertain something”.
CLIFFORD WOODY
“Nursing research is a systematic inquiry
designed to develop trustworthy evidence about
issues of importance to the nursing profession,
including nursing practice, education,
administration and informatics”.
POLIT AND BECK
“Nursing research is one area of research which
includes the breadth and depth of the disciplines of
nursing, the rehabilitative, therapeutic and preventive
aspects of nursing as well as the preparation of
practitioners and personnel involved in the total
nursing spheres”.
B.T BASVANTAPPA
“Nursing research is a way to identify new
knowledge, improve professional education and
practice and use of resources effectively”.
BENOLIEL,1984
DIRECTED TOWARDS THE SOLUTION
OF A PROBLEM:-
The ultimate goal of research is to
discover cause and effect relationship between
variables.
EMPHASISES ON DEVELOPMENT OF
GENERALIZATIONS OF PRINCIPLES OR
THEORIES
It will be helpful in predicting the future
occurrences. research usually goes beyond the
specific objects, groups or situations investigated
and infers characteristics of a target population from
the sample observed.
RESEARCH BASED ON OBSERVABLE
EXPERIENCE OR EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE:-
certain interesting questions do not lend
themselves to research procedures because they
cannot be observed. Research accepts only what can
be verified by observation.
RESEARCH DEMANDS ACCURATE
OBSERVATION AND DESCRIPTION:-
Researchers use quantitative measuring
devices, the most precise form of description. When
this is not possible they use qualitative descriptions
of their observations.
RESEARCH INVOLVES GATHERING NEW DATA
FROM PRIMARY SOURCE OR EXISTING
DATA:-
RESEARCH CAREFULLY DESIGNED:-
Research uses carefully designed procedures that
apply rigorous analysis.
RESEARCH REQUIRES EXPERTISE:-
researchers know what is already known about the
problem and how others have investigated it. The
researcher searchers out the review and is thorough with
everything known regarding the problem.
RESEARCH STRIVES TO BE OBJECTIVE
AND LOGICAL:-
It should be objective and logical with
applying the every possible test to validate the
procedure employed, the data collected and the
conclusions reached.
RESEARCH INVOLVES THE QUEST FOR
ANSWERS TO UNSOLVED PROBLEMS:-
Previous important studies are deliberately
repeated , using identical or similar procedures with
different subjects, different setting, and a different
time.
RESEARCH CHARACTERISED BY PATIENT
AND UN HURRIED ACTIVITY:-
It is rarely spectacular and researchers
must expect disappointments and discouragement as
they pursue the answers to difficult questions.
RESEARCH CAREFULLY RECORDED AND
REPORTED:-
Each important term is defined, limiting factors
are recognized, procedures are described in detail,
references are carefully documented, results are
objectively recorded and the conclusions are presented
with caution.
RESEARCH SOME TIMES REQUIRE
COURAGE.
Research is needed to:-
Discover
Verify
Structure and
Restructure the professional knowledge through
systematic inquiry.
Research is the only way to:
Build a body of nursing knowledge
validate improvements in nursing
Make health care cost efficient as well as cost
effective.
The need for research in nursing is explained in the
following ways:
To mould the attitudes and intellectual competence
and technical skill.
Filling the gaps between knowledge and practice
Fostering a commitment, accountability to clientele.
providing basis for professionalism
Providing basis for professional accountability
Identifying the role of nurse in changing society.
Discovering new measures for nursing practice
Helping to take prompt decisions by the
administration to related problems
Helping to improve the standards in nursing
education
Refining the existing theories and discovering new
theories.
Read and interpret report of research in their own
nursing field to keep up-to-date with current
knowledge.
Identify areas of nursing where research is needed.
Collaborate with researchers assist them in conducing
research and be aware of ethical considerations.
Discuss with patient any research study in which they
are asked to participate.
Incorporate research findings in to teaching.
use research findings in deciding which method,
technique to be used in teaching.
plan and supervise students’ project work.
Have information about resources available for carrying
out research. And decide priorities.
Monitor the progress of the project to ensure that the
work is consistent with the objectives.
Acquire skills in application of research techniques,
tools etc,.
