Information that can be represented as numbers is provided by quantitative investigations. The fact that the data is numerical allows nurses to make conclusions about the data using statistical testing. Qualitative research findings describe the traits or features. Although both quantitative and qualitative research methods have advantages and disadvantages, they can work very well together (Guillaumie et al., 2017). When developing quantitative research to determine how these aspects might affect user preferences, people might employ qualitative research to pinpoint the components that influence the areas under inquiry. Most studies tend to focus on one research method; however, studies using two methods, quantitative and qualitative, are highly effective in medical research design.
In order to broaden and deepen our understanding, mixed methods research incorporates aspects of qualitative and quantitative research procedures. To improve the range and depth of knowledge of nursing phenomena, they are used more frequently in nursing research. While qualitative data can shed light on quantitative research components by assisting in the construction of the theoretical model or instrument, quantitative data can be utilized in qualitative research components by distinguishing average patients or outlier cases (Branney & Priego-Hernández, 2018). Qualitative data can assist researchers in understanding the hurdles and enhancers to patient attraction and retention, whilst quantitative data would provide baseline data to facilitate the selection of patients to interview (Shorten & Smith, 2017). Qualitative information can be used to evaluate, describe, and validate quantitative outcomes during data analysis.
In summary, difficulties include the time and knowledge needed owing to the contemporaneous data collecting and the fact that each data type is often given equal weight. As a result, this research calls for meticulous attention to the scientific quality required for both qualitative and quantitative methodologies as well as a staff with considerable expertise in each. Due to the subjectivity of qualitative approaches and the objectivity of quantitative methods, nursing researchers may encounter inconsistent research outcomes.
References
Branney, J., & Priego-Hernández, J. (2018). A mixed methods evaluation of team-based learning for applied pathophysiology in undergraduate nursing education. Nurse Education Today, 61, 127-133. Web.
Guillaumie, L., Boiral, O., & Champagne, J. (2017). A mixed‐methods systematic review of the effects of mindfulness on nurses. Journal of advanced nursing, 73(5), 1017-1034. Web.
Shorten, A., & Smith, J. (2017). Mixed methods research: expanding the evidence base. Evidence-based nursing, 20(3), 74-75. Web.