engleski

Quantitative, qualitative or a mixed methods approach in nursing research: which, when and why to apply?

Introduction: Research in nursing is a component of a positivistic or naturalistic paradigm that sets out the opposite assumptions of reality and the worldview. The positive attitude advocates the existence of measurable reality and is consistent with the quantitative research approach. According to the naturalistic paradigm there are more variable realities, which is typical of a qualitative approach. Purpose: The aim of this paper is to describe the basic features, advantages and disadvantages of quantitative, qualitative and combined approaches to research work in the field of nursing. Elaboration: The term “quantitative” refers to what is exactly and precisely measurable, and the term “qualitative” to what cannot be measured accurately. Quantitative approach is formal, objective, and deductive. It is focused on describing the phenomenon with a large number of respondents, which allows generalizing the results to a wider population. However, quantitative approach has clear disadvantages in identifying new and unexplored phenomena. Qualitative approach is informal, subjective, and inductive. It focuses on a comprehensive description of the phenomenon with a small number of respondents. It enables identifying and deeper understanding of phenomena yet unexamined, personal experiences and emotions of the respondents. It can therefore provide information that would not have “emerged” with pre-defined questions. It also provides verbal data that can be encoded and quantified, so it fits well with nursing practice. The main disadvantages of the qualitative approach are the impossibility to generalize the results to the general population due to the relatively small number of respondents, and often extensive investments. Combined approach or the “mix- method” is an increasingly popular trend that involves the integration of quantitative and qualitative methods in the same study, either in parallel or in separate stages. Combined methods emphasize certain advantages of a particular research approach while minimizing restrictions, which greatly enriches the scientific work. Conclusions: Research in nursing is usually carried out using quantitative or qualitative research approaches. The main advantages of one approach are at the same time the disadvantages of the other. It is therefore necessary to select the appropriate study approach or to combine both while still planning the research – according to the conditions, circumstances, and purpose of research.

Research in nursing ; quantitative research approach ; qualitative research approach ; combined approach.

nije evidentirano