“Qualitative research is a naturalistic approach to research in which the focus is on understanding the meaning of an experience from the individual’s perspective” (Houser, 2018, p. 35). Thus, the researcher explores the perspective from the eye of the participant to gain knowledge and insight into an issue. Sometimes, that background information helps the researcher develop a premise for a prospective quantitative research project. Qualitative research can also discover trends or find deeper reasons for specific issues a person or group is experiencing. “Quantitative research is a traditional approach to research in which variables are identified and measured reliably and validly” (Houser, 2018, p. 34). The information obtained from this research can be used as statistical data on several variables such as behaviors, attitudes, opinions, or choices to discover patterns or support facts. Quantitative data is a structured method of collecting surveys, interviews, studies, and observations.
The study design category that I found interesting was ethnographic, which studies people in their environment. This research is done using observations and interviews, but the interesting part is knowing that perception is not the same reality for everyone. “What people see depends on what previous visual and conceptual experience has taught” (Bjerknes & Bjork, 2012). Many experiments asking people to describe the inkblot is a prime example of this. However, understanding the person’s point of view better helps understand how people come to certain conclusions.
I think this design would work for my nursing problem of implementing the Matter of Balance (MOB) fall prevention program to decrease or prevent several hospital-related falls or injuries. Because there is no current program available, the researcher would be gathering information from each nurse and patient through “observations, interviews, and document analysis used to gain insight of fall prevention interventions from the perspective of nurses and patients” (Bjerknes & Bjork, 2012).
Bjerknes, M. S., & Bjork, I. T. (2012). Entry Into Nursing: An Ethnographic Study of Newly Qualified Nurses Taking on the Nursing Role in a Hospital Setting. Nursing Research and Practice, 2012, 1–7. DOI: 10.1155/2012/690348
Houser, J. (2018). Nursing Research: Reading, Using, and Creating Evidence (Fourth). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
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