Literature Search Homework: Quantitative or Qualitative Research Studies
Article: A Systematic Review of Interventions to Change Staff Care Practices in Order to Improve Resident Outcomes in Nursing Homes by Lee-Fay Low, Jennifer Fletcher, Belinda Goodenough, Yun-Hee Jeon, Christopher Etherton-Beer, Margaret MacAndrew and Elizabeth Beattie.
Accurately identify whether quantitative (non-experimental), quantitative (experimental) or qualitative.
Design/ Method
1) Describe method (e.g., longitudinal, cohort, pre-test/post-test, retrospective chart review, interview, focus group)
2) Describe whether researcher had comparison groups and how they differed
3) Describe time frame (e.g. baseline data, follow-up at x months)
Sample & Setting
o Population studied: demographic variables
o Inclusion criteria
o How sample is chosen
o Setting of study
Major Variables & Measurements
1) Describe the variables studied (quantitative) or the general content of questions (qualitative)
2) For each variable, list the specific survey/tool/measurement (quantitative) or how are data collected and analyzed (qualitative)
Findings
1) In your own words
2) Describe the key findings of the study, specifically detailing results, such as % of subjects who experienced a certain result; discuss whether results were statistically significant (quantitative) or describe/define the major themes of the study including details about what the themes mean and any sub-themes (qualitative)
Appraisal: Applicability to PICOT
1) Describe how and to what extent this study contributes to answering your PICOT question - such as - Does it have a similar population? Does it answer your question? Does it support or not support your intervention?
Appraisal: Study Rigor
1) Discuss issues related to validity or reliability, including study design, researcher bias, subject selection, etc.
2) State whether you believe the study was sufficient to answer the researcher's questions in terms of: Design, number of subjects, variables, etc. (quantitative) or Your determination of whether the analysis of data and themes was sufficient and whether it aligned with philosophy for this type of study (qualitative)
3) Why did you state the study was sufficient or not sufficient?
Format your homework according to the following formatting requirements:
(1) The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
(2) The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
(3) Also include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.