Application: Critiquing Quantitative, Qualitative, or Mixed Methods Studies
Critiquing the validity and robustness of research featured in journal articles provides a critical foundation for engaging in evidence-based practice. In Weeks 5 and 6, you explored quantitative research designs. In Week 7, you will examine qualitative and mixed methods research designs. For this Assignment, which is due by Day 7 of Week 7, you critique a quantitative and either a qualitative or a mixed methods research study and compare the types of information obtained in each.
To prepare:
- Select a health topic of interest to you that is relevant to your current area of practice. The topic may be your Course Portfolio Project or a different topic of your choice.
Using the Walden Library, locate two articles in scholarly journals that deal with your portfolio topic: (does hand washing and appropriate staff dressing among the surgical ward nurses reduce cross infection during patient management?) 1) Select one article that utilizes a quantitative research design and 2) select a second article that utilizes either a qualitative OR a mixed methods design. These need to be single studies not systematic or integrative reviews (including meta-analysis and metasynthesis). You may use research articles from your reference list. If you cannot find these two types of research on your portfolio topic, you may choose another topic.
- Locate the following documents in this week’s Learning Resources to access the appropriate templates, which will guide your critique of each article:
- Critique Template for a Qualitative Study
- Critique Template for a Quantitative Study
- Critique Template for a Mixed-Methods Study
- Consider the fields in the templates as you review the information in each article.
- Begin to draft a paper in which you analyze the two research approaches as indicated below.
- Reflect on the overall value of both quantitative and qualitative research. If someone were to say to you, “Qualitative research is not real science,” how would you respond?
To complete this Assignment:
- Complete the two critiques using the appropriate templates (see attached files).
- Write a 2- to 3-page paper that addresses the following:
- Contrast the types of information that you gained from examining the two different research approaches in the articles that you selected.
- Describe the general advantages and disadvantages of the two research approaches featured in the articles. Use examples from the articles for support.
- Formulate a response to the claim that qualitative research is not real science. Highlight the general insights that both quantitative and qualitative studies can provide to researchers. Support your response with references to the Learning Resources and other credible sources.
