DNP 801 Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative research

DNP 801 Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative research

Qualitative and quantitative research are both essential to nursing science. In general, qualitative research refers to studies that cannot be quantified or expressed numerically such as qualities, opinions, or feelings (Wienclaw, 2021). Data can be collected through participant observations and interviews in qualitative research. On the other hand, quantitative research refers to observations that are measurable, expressed numerically, and can be quantified into hard facts (Wienclaw, 2021). Data can be collected through various experiments, tests, simulations. The general goal of quantitative research is to generalize results to a larger population to explain a phenomenon with numerical data collected from a smaller group (Wienclaw, 2021).

Quantitative research articles are required for the DPI project as it provides the numerical data needed to support the changes being made. With this, the variables used in quantitative research provide numerical data that can be further analyzed and used as statistical tools for implementing change (Wienclaw, 2021).

In the study by Ramer et al. (2016), a randomized controlled trial was used to determine the efficacy of utilizing a VeinViewer when inserting peripheral intravenous catheters. The study included 53 participants who were randomly divided into two groups: the Veinviewer group and the standard group. Overall, results showed that nurses who used the Veinviewer had less procedural time and fewer access complications. The study qualifies as quantitative research as it included variables that are quantifiable numerically.

References:

Ramer, L., Hunt, P., Ortega, E., Knowlton, J., Briggs, R., & Hirokawa, S. (2016). Effect of intravenous (IV) assistive device (VeinViewer) on IV access attempts, procedural time, and patient and nurse satisfaction. Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing, 33(4), 273–281. https://doi.org/10.1177/1043454215600425